I am happy to announce that I have today agreed a basis which finally allows me to participate in the RTE Up Front with Katie Hannon debate.

I made an initial decision communicated to RTE to not be part of the debate, even if invited, and focus on the rest of my campaign in the face of their refusals to numerous requests I believed were reasonable.  Shortly thereafter, RTE management invited all candidates to attend with limited information about how the change would be facilitated.  I had no prior indication that a change was in motion.  Otherwise I could have delayed any statement of my own intent to avoid confusion. 

I continued however to have concerns about whether it was possible to change a flawed process so that it would now be fair to newcomers and especially candidates who had never been members of any political party and to their supporters.  For example, the already picked audience for the auditorium had  been selected it seems on party political grounds.  The voice of an independent mayor should be independent of party affiliations, or indeed other categories which divide voters unnecessarily, and so I believe it was unfair to be putting attendees in boxes in this divisive manner.  Longstanding members of political parties have already indicated to me on door steps that they are voting for an independent like me as mayor in this election.

Happily, after some days of further discussions to ensure a new fairer format for me and supporters, I wish to announce that there is now a reasonable basis for my participation in the debate and for some of my supporters to attend.

I would like firstly to express my appreciation for the more inclusive and accommodating approach taken by the show’s producers in recent days to make this outcome possible.

I would also like to acknowledge other candidates who supported my inclusion along with other excluded candidates.   

I have always indicated throughout my campaign that the voice of the voters of Limerick is the key voice for me.  I heard loudly their wish for me to continue to find a way that all candidates would be present on stage.  I was especially conscious of the messages in this respect of my own supporters who are working tirelessly for me. 

It was however important that I had the time to achieve an outcome that was fair to me, those supporters and also to the other candidates.

I am very happy we found a fair compromise.

Let the debate commence!