VOTERS can expect little more than soundbites in response to their questions at Senatorial hustings.

The record number of Senatorial candidates has forced tough restrictions on both the length of speeches and the answers to questions.

There are 21 candidates for six Senatorial seats this year, so there will be time for only a handful of questions at each meeting. Candidates have agreed to limit their opening speeches to three minutes, and to spend no more than one minute answering questions from the floor.

The candidates agreed on the format for the hustings after Tuesday’s nomination meeting. They have also now decided the dates on which the events will be held.

In addition to the 12 parish hustings meetings which are being held between next Tuesday and Monday 13 October, all starting at 7.30 pm, there will also be a dedicated ‘countryside hustings’ at the same time and two six-hour ‘Meet the Candidates’ events running from 10 am to 4 pm.