TV Highlight of the Fortnight: TV3's People's Debate

It was only a matter of time. Vincent Browne’s TV3 current affairs show has long attracted some of Ireland’s most reliably passionate social media followers. Indeed, Twitter comments have arguably become integral to the programme.

So it was inevitable the producers of Tonight With Vincent Browne would go directly to the source, i.e. the general public. On March 5, The People’s Debate launched. This will be a monthly show where viewers opine on issues affecting Irish people. Ahead of the debut broadcast Browne said: “This will be TV3’s largest audience broadcast to date with 150-200 people debating the important national issues of the day. There will be no panel of the usual important suspects – if the usual important suspects want to participate they will do so on the same basis as everyone else. This is ‘democracy’ television.”

By 7.30pm on March 5, the lobby of TV3’s new Sony HD studio in Ballymount, Dublin was packed. There were many familiar political faces and an air of enthusiasm. As the audience took their seats, Browne emerged to welcome the crowd – and set some ground rules.

“You can interrupt, but no shouting anyone down. If chosen to speak, you will have two minutes and two minutes only to make your point. Because we’re offering everybody a chance to speak, I cannot promise balance. You will decide the issues. If there is the possibility of libel, I will stop you. Also,” he joked slyly, “our TV3 solicitor is also Denis O’Brien’s personal solicitor, everyone alright with that?” The punchlines continued. “Also, there will obviously be no criticising of me allowed – or Enda Kenny.”

The motion was set: ‘The Fine Gael-Labour Government deserves the support of the Irish people’. You had the distinct sense a battle was about to begin. Browne’s sharp humour initially kept the tone light. “Anybody want to admit that you’re from Fianna Fail?” he teased. The audience wasted no time turning these volunteers into pantomime villains, shouting “They’re behind you!” This panto atmosphere continued through the show. Activists shouted populist views – typically without practical solutions – and were rewarded by cheers and booing.

Browne quickly saw through local election candidates’ rhetoric. As one woman began holding forth on what Longford people have to offer the Irish jobs market, Browne remarked dryly: “Are you running for Longford County Council? Yeah, I thought so. Anyone want to speak in favour of Leitrim?”

However, while valid points were made on several topics, the large number of campaigning audience members diminished the democratic feel of the programme. Plus, time constraints meant speakers were often reduced to soundbytes.

Impatience turned into rage as Browne repeatedly offered Fine Gael TD Aine Collins the right of reply to complaints about the government. Onlookers began swearing loudly at Browne, complaining he was ignoring people in order to give politicians time they surely didn’t deserve.

This frustration dominated the conclusion of the broadcast, with a chunk of the audience swarming around Browne, variously thanking him and and expressing dissatisfaction. Outside, a speaker who had contributed, was overheard saying: “On television, that’s going to come across more like a shouting match than anything else, isn’t it?” Comedian Abie Philbin Bowman took to Twitter to complain: “The People’s Debate is basically the #vinb twitter feed, televised, but with no jokes”. It was hard to disagree.