NI party leaders clash in UTV election debate

The leaders of Northern Ireland’s five biggest political parties have taken part in UTV’s election debate, clashing over key issues like the RHI scandal, Brexit, and the future of Stormont itself.

The stakes are higher than ever for March’s snap election, with the number of MLAs returning to Stormont set to be reduced from 108 to 90.

And, of course, the future of the political institutions themselves remain in doubt – given the fundamental issues which led to their breakdown in the first place.

Ahead of Thursday’s debate, the first of its kind in this election campaign, senior UTV management witnessed the drawing of lots to determine podium places and the order of opening addresses.

Then it was over to the parties, for an initial chance to make their case to the electorate.

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt was first to make his opening pitch, followed by Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, the DUP’s Arlene Foster, the Alliance Party’s Naomi Long, and the SDLP’s Colum Eastwood.

For the former First and deputy First Ministers, there was blame to be apportioned on each other’s parties for the collapse of the devolved government.

For the opposition parties, it was about pointing to the current situation as a result of the past 10 years of shared government and advocating change.

And from Alliance, there was a call for a move away from “orange and green”.

• WATCH: The leaders make their opening statements