If it is a UK crossword, I would definitely go with "debate". However if it is the New York Times or the Chatanooga Courier then 50/50 debate/senate!!!
Thank you all so much! I have gone with debate - I don't know about "Wordplays" - it was just that out of the ?e???e lettering the best two to go with Stormy were Debate and Senate - so I opted for Debate. Thank you all so much, I love the discussion around the answers to Crosswords. It's amazing how often the Irish Times crops up!
Thanks again,