Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I should have specifically asked whether it would have been preferable to hold the debate on the Friday preceding the presidential election, which is traditionally held on a Friday. This would have allowed sufficient time for a reflective discussion subsequent to "The Frontline" broadcast. This was the reason I asked the question on the timing of the debate. Holding it on Monday allowed for only one full day of political discussion about the programme before the moratorium commenced the following Wednesday.