CLARE’s election candidates were put through their paces in an entertaining debate held at Hotel Woodstock in the key moment of Thursday’s campaign.

Ballot Beats is The Clare Echo’s daily General Election (GE24) update. Support what we do by becoming a Clare Echo subscriber right away!

Close to 200 people were in the Liscannor Suite of Hotel Woodstock for The Electoral Chair: Election Debate in an event sponsored by OneBill.ie.

Candidates discussed several issues including Shannon Airport, Ennis Hospital, infrastructure, housing, business, crime, Moneypoint, environment, immigration and tourism.

Part one featured, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP), Michael Loughrey (IP), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Matthew Moroney (IND), Paddy Murphy (IND) and Eddie Punch (IND).

On part two, Leonora Carey (FG), Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Kevin Hassett (IND), Michael Leahy (IFP), Amanda Major (IND), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Tom Nolan (FG) Hilary Tonge (SD) and Violet-Anne Wynne TD (IND).

Apologies were received from June Dillon (AON), Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) and Barry O’Donovan (RAB).

This debate will be made available on clareecho.ie over the coming days.

Related News

Photograph by Eamon Ward
Clare Businesswomen Connect and Inspire at LEO Event
tom o'callaghan 02-03-26 1
Councillors give their support to joining a group to implement Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2030
Clare-County-Council-Chamber-2-PF
The Draft Local Enterprise Plan 2026-2028 receives overwhelmingly support
Marie Keating Foundation Show Garden at Bloom 2026 71
Clare man marks 10 years since Stage 4 Lung Cancer diagnosis at Marie Keating Foundation Bloom Garden
Latest News
Marie Keating Foundation Show Garden at Bloom 2026 71
Clare man marks 10 years since Stage 4 Lung Cancer diagnosis at Marie Keating Foundation Bloom Garden
LEO-Clare-Logo-(2018)
Clare Local Enterprise Office is planning the creation of 105 jobs in the county before the end of 2026
clare county council arás 22-09-25
A draft of the 2026-2028 Local Enterprise Plan presented at the Clare County Council headquarters
joe cooney 1
Cooney queries long-term use of school prefabs in Clare
garda van 1
Bail application to be made for Dublin man charged in connection with €4.2m cannabis seizure
Premium
One of Carrigaholt Post Office robbery accused secures bail
Avenue Utd annihilate Sporting Ennistymon to qualify for Clare Cup final
Restrictions on Main Street but extra parking planned in Miltown Malbay for Willie Clancy week
Clare's heroic U20s capture All-Ireland crown
Waters quenches Clare's minor championship fire for 2026

Annual Subscription!

The Clare Echo annual subscription for just €69.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.