91Èȱ¬

Doug Beattie says a border poll is not even close and accuses the DUP of "scare tactics" by telling people if they do not vote for them there will be a referendum on Irish unity.

He too insists that the cost of living crisis is a bigger issue and emphasises "there is no border poll on this ballot".

He also says that he is a proud unionist and that he has no desire to see a border poll.

Pressed by moderator Jim Fitzpatrick on when she wants to have a border poll and whether she would call for one after the election, Sinn Féin leader Michelle O'Neill says she is not 'fixated' on the date but on the planning process.

She says it should be made it clear that "everyone will have a say".

But she stresses the big issue at this election, from her point of view, is the cost of living, while reinforcing that she will continue to push for a citizens assembly on Irish unity.

On the subject of whether he wants a border poll, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says "no, I don't".

He briefly adds that it would be divisive, before moving on to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"I don't think Doug recognises the threat that the protcol presents to the union," he said, addressing the UUP leader.

Jim Fitzpatrick asks Sir Jeffrey if the Brexit referendum was not also divisive.

Sir Jeffrey answers that it was passed by the UK government, a debate was had and a result was reached,

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood says that government cannot be stopped over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"We can talk abut the cost of living, and we can talk about health...nothing will be done about any of these issues if we don't have a government."

He criticises the DUP leader over the protocol, saying that he is waiting for Boris Johnson to "ride over the hill and save him."

He also said voters on the doors don't care about the protocol, but about getting 'money into their pocket' to deal with the rising cost of living.

Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill says it's "unfathomable" to tell the electorate that there is not going to be a government on the other side of the election.

She says what she doesn't hear tonight is if the DUP is going to accept the democratic outcome of the election.

She says she wants to ensure politics will work for everyone, and says the public want a government to be formed in order to help them deal with the cost of living crisis, among other issues.

Ms O'Neill accuses the DUP of being dishonest with the public and accuses them of "holding the public to ransom".

UUP leader Doug Beattie also says his party will also show up on day one to go into the executive.

However, he says there needs to be a clear direction for a programme of government before forming an executive.

He says: "If we're all being asked to jump into an executive, before we even know the direction of travel for that executive, then we could all go into something which is what we've had for the last five years - stale government."

Allison Morris of the Belfast Telegraph reckons this is already a better sparring match than the first debate on UTV on Sunday.

Replying to the question of whether the parties would return and form an executive, the Alliance Party's Naomi Long says she will be there on day one.

But if an executive was not formed, she says it would "obsence" for assembly members to continue to take their salaries during a period when "we weren't doing our jobs", at a time when people are facing issues such as the rising cost of living.

She says that's why her party wants to see reform of the insutiutions "to have sustainable government".

The first question asks leaders whether they will commit to forming an executive after the election.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says the DUP will be there on day one to meet other parties to discuss the programme for government.

However he stresses that political institutions must be sustainable, which means dealing with the "harm" and political and economic instability which he says the Northern Ireland Protocol is causing.

When asked if he'll take his seat as an assembly member if he is elected in Lagan Valley, Sir Jeffrey says: "I wouldn't be standing as a candidate leading my party into this election if it wasn't my intention to lead my party from the assembly."

Jim Fitzpatrick has begun proceedings, introducing the five politicians taking part in tonight's debate.

He says Thursday's election is one which could have profund implications on the direction of politics in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

Still unsure what each party's policies are on key issues?

Here's a guide to help you brush up and decide who to vote for.

During tonight's debate the leaders will be asked about a range of these issues, among others.

The participants tonight are:

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP leader
• Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Féin deputy leader
• Colum Eastwood, SDLP leader
• Doug Beattie UUP leader
• Naomi Long, Alliance Party leader

Here's everything you need to know about tonight's Leaders' Debate, including why these parties have been chosen and what to look out for.

Welcome to our live coverage of The Leaders' Debate, the final time leaders of Northern Ireland's five biggest political parties will go head-to-head before Thursday's assembly election.

The debate starts at 21:00 and runs for an hour, moderated by 91Èȱ¬ Spotlight NI's Jim Fitzpatrick.

We will bring you all the latest from the debate, followed by analysis.

After the debate we will also have the views of the Traditional Unionist Voice, the Green Party, People Before Profit and Aontú from tonight's edition of 91Èȱ¬ Newsline.