Overview

• Jim Gavin questioned whether the time is right for a border poll, saying the Republic has work to do to deepen relationships with Northern Ireland.
• Catherine Connolly said she would like a referendum during her tenure if elected, stressing it must proceed by consent with respect for all communities.
• A Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll put Connolly on 32%, ahead of Heather Humphreys on 23% and Gavin on 15%, with undecided voters excluded yielding 46%, 33% and 21% respectively.
• Gavin said he is examining a report that he owes a former tenant €3,000 and, under debate questioning, acknowledged the property had not been registered with the Residential Tenancies Board at the time.
• Connolly defended hiring a rehabilitated former offender to work with her in Leinster House, saying no rules were broken, while Humphreys rejected claims she opposed drink‑driving reforms and said she voted for them twice.