Why is Fine Gael sticking with controversial candidate John McGahon?

The opening discussion of Monday evening’s 10-way RTÉ leaders debate was dominated by one topic – Fine Gael’s decision to defend Louth candidate John McGahon.

For the second day running, Taoiseach Simon Harris defended the 34-year-old senator following the emergence of video footage showing him striking a man several times in the head during a late-night incident in 2018.

The Taoiseach and his senior colleagues have also doubled down on their support for Mr McGahon in the face of widespread criticism from rival parties of his suitability to run in the general election.

But questions still remain about why Mr McGahon was nominated for the party ticket, amid accusations of double standards from the opposition.

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Could the emergence of this video have a wider effect on Fine Gael’s election bid, or will this controversy be old news within a few days?

Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee discusses what happened in Dundalk in 2018 and Fine Gael’s decision to defend their candidate.

Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Aideen Finnegan.