First TV face-off for Leo and Micheál

THE first televised debate of the General Election campaign will take place tomorrow night on Virgin Media One, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar goes head-to-head with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

It will take place at 9.30pm and will be moderated by Pat Kenny. Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates will be previewing the debate from 9pm on the Tonight Show Debate Special. They will return after it concludes, along with an expert panel.

Virgin Media has also invited the leaders of the seven main political parties to take part in a debate scheduled for January 30.

RTÉ recently confirmed Claire Byrne will host a multi-party debate next Monday, January 27.

RTÉ also announced a Prime Time Leaders Debate for Tuesday, February 4. It will also see Mr Varadkar go up against Mr Martin.