Breaking news this evening from RTE is that by-election candidate for the Wexford Constituency, Verona Murphy (Fine Gael) has withdrawn from tonight’s “Late Debate” on Radio 1. She was due to participate in this debate, alongside other Wexford candidates, Malcolm Byrne, George Lawlor and Jim Codd.

Verona Murphy will not now partake in @LatedebateRTE tonight. She said her focus for the coming days will be listening to and engaging with the issues that concern all living in Wexford. @rtenews

— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) November 19, 2019

Murphy hit the national headlines this week following an interview in which she made comments in relation to asylum seekers and links to ISIS. Unwilling then to stand over her comments, she made an apology for any offence she may have caused. This comes on top of other controversial comments she made earlier in the year in relation to homelessness in Wexford.

Her withdrawal from tonight’s debate will no doubt raise a few eyebrows amongst the electorate of Co.Wexford, many of whom may question her decision to shy away from a debate with her opponents.

It is important in political debate for a wide range of views to be heard, so it is a pity that the views of Verona will not be heard in this debate.

It's fhe first of our by-election specials tonight, from the Wexford consitutency. With candidates @VeronaMurphyFG @malcolmbyrne @cllrglawlor @codd_jim and @DLooby1977. Join us just after 10pm on RTÉ Radio 1 and @RTENewsNow pic.twitter.com/mudCLBOvbq

— Late Debate (@LatedebateRTE) November 19, 2019