AJJM – spot on, you’ve made the point I was on to make. Parsley had the disadvantage of the worst position, and yet still made the most memorable point, having exuded competence throughout without so much as a note in front of him.

The very idea that a single person would give Dodds a higher preference than Parsley, given the obvious competence gap, frankly makes me want to emigrate!

Despite having little of the actual time (Diane Dodds saw to that), no notes, and looking slightly lost over at the side, Parsley’s conclusion was damning.

Diane Dodds was just nauseating. She had little grasp of the real issues, made false claims, tried to play the victim, laughed loudly at other candidates (ironic, non?), and was generally her usual hypocritical self. I feel sorry for the DUP volunteers, and Deputy Leaders who have to put up with her.

Jim Allister wasn’t much better. However, he actually has a grasp of the issues, seems to be more principled (however much I disagree with him) and isn’t as deceptive as others.

Whatever your opinion of them, Bairbre de Brun and Jim Nicholson looked like good candidates in comparison with Allister and Dodds. They had an ounce of respect, and knew the issues. They also appeared to actually be productive in the European Parliament. They looked quite shifty on the expenses issue, which is concerning.

Maginness was pretty much the same, but was more effective when he spoke, and certainly more ‘on-the-ball’.

Agnew seems like a nice enough bloke who has strong beliefs, but just seemed like he was out of his depth. If you are out of your depth against the other candidates, what would he be like in Brussels?! That said, I think he’d make a decent enough MLA.

To conclude, there was no-one inspiring in the slightest. For me, after weeding out people I’d definitely not vote for with a gun to my head (which leaves me with 4). I’ll be voting for who I think will represent me and my personal views best – in terms of party and the personality of the candidate (leaving me with 2).

There were some DUP members within the audience, I think this diluted to impact of the audiences participation.

Incidentally why does everyone have so much praise for Parsley? He was mediocre at best!

Then again we had the obligatory…Yeeeeooooowwww!!! from some deluded unionist. The usual carry-on!!

For my money, Parsley was the star of the show.

Didn’t we all, didn’t we all!!!!

You would have a more civilised debate. You would also get proper engagement on issues.

The BBC must be delighted. Professional journalists love to push politicians into making fools of themselves. I suspect Jim Fitzpatrick enjoyed a few snorts with work colleagues after the show.