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Belfast Live
National
Brendan Hughes

Analysis: What to look out for as Stormont leaders go head-to-head in BBC NI election debate

The BBC election debate on Tuesday is the last big chance for the leaders of Stormont's five main parties to make their pitch to voters.

While all of them will of course want to impress the electorate, avoiding any major howlers so close to polling day will be foremost in their minds.

The pressure will be brought up a notch compared to the first TV debate broadcast on UTV on Sunday evening.

Read more: How the Stormont leaders' performed in the UTV election debate

At the weekend the party leaders had a benefit of a closed studio and a pre-recorded debate split by two ad breaks, giving them some breathing space between the questioning.

But this time the hour-long clash plays out in front of a live studio audience, made up of party activists and undecided voters.

Audience members will also be able to put follow-up points to the politicians, similar to BBC Question Time.

It adds an unknown quantity into the mix, giving greater potential for things go wrong for the party leaders.

Some of them will be energised by an engaged audience, relishing the challenge to think on their feet. Others could be floundering under the bright studio lights.

The topics up for discussion will almost certainly be the same as on Sunday. Expect more debate around the potential for a border poll, Brexit's Northern Ireland Protocol, cost-of-living pressures and the health service.

However, the leaders' approach this time may be different having had the experience of the first TV debate under their belts.

With Sinn Féin in the lead in successive opinion polls, the republican party potentially has the most to lose from this debate.

Deputy leader Michelle O'Neill could play things safe, sticking closely to well-worn party lines used during the campaign as Sinn Féin vies for the First Minister post.

She may seek to avoid too much back-and-forth debate, staying away from anything that may rile unionists or spook potential vote transfers on polling day.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will likely hammer home DUP warnings of a "divisive" referendum on Irish unity if Sinn Féin emerges as the largest party.

Expect further mention of recent newspapers reports that Sinn Féin approached Saoradh, a group accused of having links to the New IRA, about potential "co-operation" on achieving a border poll.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood should be feeling confident after what many political commentators considered to be an assured performance on Sunday.

We will likely see a similar willingness to take on his opponents in an effort to lift pretty static SDLP opinion poll results of recent months.

Alliance's Naomi Long also performed well during the UTV debate, but needs to practise her opening remarks rather than relying on notes and shake off any lingering nerves.

By far Doug Beattie has left himself the most to do after a lacklustre performance on Sunday in which he too often sat on the sidelines.

He needs to get much more stuck in during round two if he wants to showcase how the Ulster Unionist Party differs from its rivals.

The debate is a final opportunity for the five party leaders to bring some fresh energy to their battle for votes after what many have considered a rather flat overall campaign.

With polls suggesting almost a fifth of voters are undecided, for many the TV debate could be decisive in how they make their choices on Thursday.

Read more: BBC NI election debate: How to watch the final Stormont leaders' debate

Read more: DUP MP's letter to court for Tory MP facing child sex assault charge revealed

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