Virgin Media viewers were left stunned earlier today as Ireland AM co-host Alan Hughes had a chat with a man who underwent gay conversion therapy.
Mike Davidson claimed that being gay "is not the best way to go" and talked about his journey of ridding himself of unwanted same sex attractions.
Davidson, who runs a charity called Christian Charity Core Issues Trust which claims to help people rid themselves of same-sex attractions, was welcomed on ahead of a vote taking place in Northern Ireland on whether to ban gay conversion therapy this week.
Hughes asked Mike if he thought being gay is wrong.
Mike replied: "I was a married man very much in conflict and I had a choice and together my wife and I made the decision that I would look for help.
"And that's what I did over a period of three years, I got professional help, and that's what I think needs to be protected.
"People need the right to be able to go with their issues to speak to professionals who can help them.
"If you ask my opinion, [being gay] is not the best way to go, I think it has consequences for individuals and for society."
Alan asked again if he thought it was wrong for a person to be gay.
Mike responded, though not after claiming that Alan was "dictating the narrative of how this conversation is going to go".
"I think people have to be what they are and we have to protect the choices of people who want to move away from it.
"[Same sex feelings] were there and I was conflicted, I wasn't acting on anything as a young man.
"I wanted to be married, I desperately wanted to have my own children and I fell in love with Lenor.
"We discussed it and we had an understanding about this and we thought the issue was resolved because it was a very happy marriage but issues came up in my life.
"And I needed to get help and I made the choices that I did."
Viewers were full of praise for Alan in the aftermath.
One tweeted:"Fair plan Alan for keeping your cool there"
Another said: "I have no words - well done Alan Hughes well handled."
While a third said: "This man is clearly in denial and Alan you handled it like a pro!"
Ireland AM airs seven days a week on Virgin Media One from 8am
