IRVINE’S election candidates came face to face for the first time last week for a powderkeg debate.

Greenwood Academy played host to the hustings event last Thursday, April 16, where representatives from all five parties fighting for the Central Ayrshire seat had the chance to address the voters.

And the community turned out in force to make their voices heard and have their questions answered. Labour’s Brian Donohoe, Dr Philippa Whitford from the SNP, Veronika Tudhope of the Green Party and Liberal Democrat Gordon Bain - all of whom are standing in the election - attended the hustings.

However, Conservative candidate Marc Hope no-showed the event citing “work committments”. In his place was Kilmarnock and Loudoun candidate Brian Whittle.

The event was organised by several Irvine churches and was chaired by Father Willie Boyd of St Mary’s Parish Church who said the event’s purpose was to give “a voice to the voiceless.” Unsurprisingly national issues such as the NHS, Trident, austerity and zero hours contracts dominated over local matters.

The candidates began by responding to three questions set out by Fr Boyd.

He asked the candidates how they would help the poorest in society?, how would they ensure aspirations for the NHS are honoured and how what steps they would take to redistribute wealth?

After a civilised start, things began to get heated when the audience were invited to ask questions.

The first came on the spending of Trident where Dr Whitford and Ms Tudhope predictably voiced their revulsion about nuclear weapons.

Mr Donohoe, who supports the renewal of Trident, was jeered and heckled by the audience for defending his stance. The audience also disapproved of Mr Bain’s support of nuclear defence while some in the crowd looked bemused as Mr Whittle described nuclear weapons as “an aberration”.

Ms Tudhope on the other hand received one of the loudest cheers of the night when she said her idea of security was “housing, jobs and food.” Mr Donohoe in particular was singled out for an audience grilling.

The Labour politician was challenged on his expenses claims by a woman who said: “I’m glad that you’re concerned about us having roofs over our heads, so why did you claim for yours on your expenses?” Mr Donohoe angrily rejected the claim, stating it was simply “wrong” and challenged the audience to live in London on his expenses.

A question about Mr Donohoe’s stance on equal marriage drew a rapturous applause.

He said: “I received a lot of emails about the issue and I have to tell you the bulk of those supported my position. I’ve voted for against the discrimination of same sex, anyone who supports same-sex marriage discriminates against hetrosexual marriage.” After further questions on cancer survival rates and military intervention, the candidates made their closing remarks.

Up first was Mr Donohoe who said: “This is a two horse race. It’s between Ed Miliband and David Cameron. We want to create more jobs and we want to give workers the rights they had under a Labour government.” Mr Bain said: “In government, the Liberal Democrats have stopped the Tories doing their worst. People will lose their jobs if we run up the debt. We will fight to create a fair and balanced society.” Dr Whitford said: “Scottish Labour is just a logo, old Labour does not exist, Scotland can have a voice under the SNP.” “We put people before profit”, said Ms Tudhope, “I know tactical voting has been an issue but if you have Green values then send me to Westminster.” Mr Whittle said: “We will represent everyone, I believe in devolved power, our fiscal plan is the key so vote Conservative.”