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This was the first real debate of the Election! Unlike other debates, the audience was mixed and put forward reasoned, intelligent arguments. The most important factor to me, however, was that the politicians were able to make their points without constant interruption by the interviewer. This interviewing technique has really spoiled the run up to the Election for me.I disagree with Brian that AS was the most relaxed of the four. Towards the end he couldn't help himself make snide comments when JMcC was talking. I wondered....Are we going to see the real Alex??????
To be honest I like AG...I think she's done her party proud.
To me JMcC showed a complete command of his brief, which has come from his experience in the job of FM. I felt as if the (kid) gloves were off and we were seeing the real man here.

Yes indeed Jack seemed rather more flustered than usual and Nicol, in my opinion rather nervy. Could he be regretting his rather determined stance on the referendum issue. He certainly didn't inspire confidence. Surely a party which sells itself on the democratic tag, cannot fail to see the absurdity of offering the electorate such a basic right? Unless of course they are afraid of the outcome of such a vote!
Annabel, well yes she was in good form. She knows the Tories have nothing more to lose in Scotland and indeed everything to gain,she can afford to be blase.
My money was on Alex, quietly confident and self assured and honest in his responses as to why he stood down last time. But then again, I believe in the rights of the Scottish people to decide in their own future and at the very least to have more power invested in Holyrood.

It is of course inevitable that issues such as Iraq will have an influence over the Scottish elections. This is of course because Scottish Labour has supported a large number of Westminster policies that Scots don't approve of.

If like Welsh Labour they had drawn a red line between themselves and Westminster over certain issues then the situation might be different but they didn't so now they have to face the consequences

Is it just me or was the debate fairly lacklustre? Where Jack was combatative Alec remained subdued by his old standards. Annabel goldie as you say was pithy and even had the best one liner. I've pretty much forgotten Nicol's input.

For me despite the significance of what opinion polls are telling us this campaign has never caught fire for the wider public. That has to be a concern for the Labour Party hoping to swing undecided votes and get their core supporters to the ballot boxes.

I must say that I was disappointed with the Debate this evening - most of the programme featured discussions about the Union or independence or Iraq. Forgive me, but isn't this election about choosing a government that will run the domestic agenda of Scotland for the next four years? Don't the Scottish people care about health, the environment or education?

However, Annabel's interjections and comments were rather amusing. She did indeed appear the most relaxed of the four candidates.

Salmond seemed as smug as ever, Stephen sounded wooden but McConnell put in a reasonable performance.

Weird debate. You've got the Tories, who've ruled out any role in government, but you've not got the Greens, who polls show could well be crucial.

And so the panel took no questions about climate change, oil spills in the Forth, renewables, transport, social justice, or any of the issues that matter to people.

It's clear to me that people are extremely unhappy with Labour, not only in Britain but in Scotland. I do not believe the Jack McConnell's woes are singly traceable to the Iraq war. The rate of change since the Scottish parliament opened has not been so quick as many would like. It is too much in the grip of the Labour party at Westminster (the proof of this is the interference from Jack's colleagues at Westminster in his election campaign).

Let's really put the parliament to the test and redefine its role. The SNP will deliver a stronger, more independent voice in government. I for one am convinced that it is most definitely time. Let's show Gordon that these are not merely 'local elections'.

Union Jack Mac stressed out sweaty palms bitten nails.A condemned man to the gallows.The other 3 composed, articulate,with all to play for.Nicol stephen needs to chill out on the referendum issue needs to be mor liberal & democratic towards the people of Scotland.referendums are good, lib lab pact dont agree, wonder why???

Reading the signs at this point an SNP victory seems to be on the cards unless of course voters get those last minute polling booth jitters; I also think if those stalwarts of belief, the Liberal Democrats continue their opposition to a referendum we could at a later date be faced with three scenarios.

1) Stalemate with the need to rerun the Election
2) Outright win by the SNP
3) SNP coalition with the Liberal Democrats with the referendum on the back burner

1) Stalemate with a rerun is a possibility; those who are perceived as causing the stalemate could suffer greatly in a rerun election.

2) An outright win it seems, will fall short by the structure of the voting system combined with what appears to be continued uncertainty in the minds of some voters.

3) An SNP coalition with the Liberal Democrats with the referendum on the back burner is a possibility; if this option had been offered in advance, i.e., one Parliament to prove the SNP could govern then moving for a majority vote at the next election may have proven a winner, especially in the minds of those, as yet floating voters.
The downside of such a policy would have left the SNP open to attack by that most renowned obscurant of Scottish politics; Jack McConnell would have claimed that the SNP were unsure about their message and ultimate aim.

If the SNP do form the next Government there will be many accusing fingers pointed; let me be ingenuous, either way it will have been Jack McConnell, his people and failed policies that will have placed Scotland politically and economically, where we will find it on Friday morning.

Didn't hugely enjoy last nights debate. McConnell got away too easy - and, as ever - was full of soundbites and huff and puff *lies*.

Importantly, neither Goldie, Stephen or McConnell could give grown-up reasons behind what the Union actually gives Scotland.

As one voter, I simply could not see why these benefits - in any case - could not easily be sought a single Scottish nation.

In short:

McConnell - soundbite central. The same meanignless spin.

Goldie - I actually like her ;o) Although her policies and rationale are as antiquated as T-Rex.

Stephen - Still CANNOT see by this man's direct contradiction. 'We DO believe in more powers for Holyrood - we are NOT prepared to let the people decide in a 3rd option referendum'. Says it all. Lily-livered.

Salmond - most relaxed out of them all. Didn't get a lot of air time. He's absolutely correct about Iraq - indeed, his political rationale seemed to be based cleanly on sound logic and exciting Scottish futures.

And politics should be exciting, no? The SNP ideology is definately the most straight laced.

Back to McConnells lies. Ultimately, when a party nurtures and conceives so many lies, they are simply not to be trusted.

I wont - incidentally - merely be carrying Iraq into the election. Labour have provided a veritable sweetie-bag of fibs and porkies for me to choose from.

Some of them - coming from senior politicians and all - are astonishingly patronising. Most are risible.

The sweetie bag opens - take your pick:

- Iraq?
- Cash for honours?
- Pensions wreck?
- Alienated trade unions?
- Increasingly low-school rating cards?
- Absurd 'Faslane spin?'
- Ripping the heart out our regiments
- Labour's foretold Al Qaeda attack?
- Labour's 'Social ties between Scotland and England dissolving?'
- The wholly risible [Brown] comment on 'The 'Balkanisation' of the UK?
- Increased Govan poverty?
- Reiterated, tired pledges?
- Phoney party political broadcasts with ex-Labour officials?
- *Alarming* control of the mass media in Scotland??
- The absolute stagnant economic position after eight-years of Lab-Lib govt.?

I, for one - have my anti-spin goggles on. I urge every Scot to see through the Labour spin, fabrication and lies.

Vote with your head *on*, your heart glad - your legs, your feet, your toes and your fingers. Ears and eyes open Scotland.

Get this unimaginative, immoral, '...Scotland cannae dae that...' shower of Labour numpties out!

SNP for me.

It's "IRAQ, IRAQ and IRAQ" for me.

If ALL the elements of the British state are more than willing to "lie, lie and lie" to people over the invasion of Iraq then they are more than capable of lying over a whole range of matters, be it constitutional, political, economic or social.

This Labour government is not to be trusted, and like the Tory government before it should be booted out of power.

From now on Scotland should go it's own way, and never again should Scots be dictated to by London politicians.

Remember Iraq; remember the lies, the dead, the injured, the displaced. Remember to use your vote to make Scotland a place that puts honesty, fairness and caring above all else.

The spin accusation is overplayed. All politicians try to present their ideas in the best possible light. This may be done in more or less defensible ways of course, but the blanket accusation of spin says nothing very much other than that the accuser has decided they don't much like the accused.

Bear in mind that in some cases we dislike people because of prejudice rather than anything substantial. There may indeed be substantial reason to criticise the goverments in Scotland and the UK, but for the most part it has just become popular to hate them.

Those in government have the hard decisions to make and whilst they may lie to defend what they have done, I incline towards the view that people in general increasingly lack the patience to get to grips with complexity and prefer a knee jerk rejection of complex argument with poorly substantiated smears of spin and lies.

To accuse a politician of spinning and lieing is generally a sure fire strategy for getting a round of applause from an audience. I witness this frequently on Question time and Any Questions.

As regards the Union. We share an Island. We should share a government particularly at this time when globalisation demands agreements between states. The international sphere is completely lacking in democracy and our sentimental attachments to nation states and undilutable nation state sovereignty are part of the problem.

There is of course an argument for constituional reform. Why is the head of state for example - The monarch - inevitably a white English person. This is nonsense. In a properly United Kingdom, any person should be entitled to aspire to the position of head of state regardless of race, religion, or regional/national identity. Alex Salmond though seems happy to accommodate with the monarchy. I am not impressed.

Was Glenn Campbell auditioning to be the new host of Blind Date? "Look him in the eyes and tell him."

Nobody said anything new in last night's debate - we're hearing the same issues "discussed" over and over again. Mostly issues of reserved power i.e. Iraq - what about the issues central to Scotland that can be influenced by Holyrood? I can understand why many are confused over the various party's stance on domestic issues - they're not talking about them.

Mediocrity rules the day after watching the debate last night, there seems no one to choose from of the parties taking part. Annabel Goldie appears to have a personality which the others seem to lack; allbeit Salmond is a comedian, who I cannot take seriously, I hope he gets the smirk wiped from his baw face. Is it the Greens then - no I don't think so, I'm working class and have more immediate concerns. There is no clear choice, maybe Solidarity, better them than the neds and fish wifes that represent Scottish Socialists. Politics is dying !

sandymac, the Greens have been the only ones talking about poverty and sustainable jobs - and unlike Solidarity, are likely to be in a position to do something about it.

I didn't particularly enjoy the debate, it didn't focus enough on the really important issues for the Scottish population, but I did find it interesting at times:- Jack McConnell was his usual negative, dull, nervous, uninspiring self. I cannot see how he has managed to hang on to the reigns of power all this time; Nichol Stephen was, well Nichol Stephen. Unsure, timid, soft. In essence, just what we can expect; Alex Salmond was also playing to character (but perhaps less so than before). I suspect his smuggness and smarm maybe getting too heavy - even for him! It amazes me that more people can't see through his playground taunts. Annabel Goldie did lighten the mood and answered the questions asked. It's a pity the Tories are so unlikley to win as she, by far compared to the others, has increased her popularity and reputation. In my opinion, only she has get close to passing the pre-election test. What hope for us post 3/5?

The spin is 'overplayed'?

What absolute tripe.

McConnell is King of the soundbites, a slippery character happy and comfortable playing down Scotland's chance to govern itself - cosy in the top pocket of any British PM.

He commands a second-hand say on Scotland - for it's people...

...and he's a third-rate debater.

I think all the leaders needed a little more room to breathe last night.

As MPs in Westminster will tell you, Salmond is a few leagues above the rest of the pack in Holyrood - and, given the space, can dispatch them quite easily. Why?

Ultimately, because McConnell's position is one that cannot be defended - should reason get a chance to look at what he's suggesting:

Scotland is best served as a 'country' by not *being* a country - at all.

And where is this 'Salmond smugness' nonsense coming from??

Typically, this tired old chestnut is spouted out by unionists eager to draw any negative vibes against a man that truly, really wishes to make Scotland a better place.

To be *smug* you have to accomplish something to be smug about. Given the fact that the SNP have not yet got in, your scaremongering Labourite negativity is crude - hugely transparent.

Now, McConnell - here's a man who *wants* people to look at his 'great achievements' these past few years - from his marriage suite Mr.Blair's top-pocket? Here's a man who really *wants* to be smug. The real clanger...?

...he's done nothing for Scotland, and absolutely nothing for it's people.

Finally, will unionist posters finally acknowledge the fact that we ARE NOT going to the polls to support independence outright!

We ARE going to the polls to perhaps - just perhaps - give a Scotland-first party who will empower the people of this country to decide their own constitutional arrangement - be it the Status Quo, increased powers *or* independence.

The reason said unionist posters are downplaying this?? Because they are scared of the democracy at hand.

A perfect metaphor for this is Nicol Stephen's gutless stance on the 'flexible referendum' question - which, by the way, contradicts his party's (apparent) desire to put the power 'to the people'.

Scottish parliament? Scottish party.

SNP for people power and democracy - 1,2 and 3.

Agree with Teuchter at 14. The presenters have been far too intrusive at these debates.

The audience came out best for me....but, that said, I was glad to hear Iraq debated. In all the plethora of "scientific" and damning comment about the economics of SNP, let alone independence, I note that it STILL never seems to be deemed necessary to talk about the financial cost of war (the human cost is, of course, beyond price)and how our financial contribution to it might be better deployed elsewhere. Why is that? Why is the Labour administration allowed to get away with this?

I think Jack is in an impossible situation and does not bad all things considered. And I think Scottish Labour have done better here than their partners down south. Not that that's saying much. Scottish Labour may come to realise that they'd maybe do a whole bunch better in an independent Scotland....
Annabel Goldie comes across well personally but she has mentioned Margaret Thatcher in sympthetic terms....dead giveaway.
Nicol Stephen is the better for becoming a bit more 'umble about his "kingmaking" role. I was quite heartened to see him and Alex, (mainly at Alex's lead)finding common ground.
Alex Salmond is head and shoulders above, in my view...and certainly improved by restraint! The argument about needing to prove competence before a) getting a mandate for and b) negotiating independence, impresses. I hope he gets in and proves as able to inspire and motivate his fellow politicians and, crucially, public servants in and beyond the Scottish Executive.

But, bottom line for me is that the Union has delivered an over-riding imperialist, arrogant and dangerous foreign policy over which we had no say.

a parcel of rouges in a nation the labour party sold for english fools gold well ill tell you im no mug and will not be voting for you just to keep the snp out so we get another 4 years of dribble if the labour party do not want scotland to have independance are they all going to leave us and head south for good i hope so

I intensely dislike Glen Campbell's emphatic style of interviewing at any time, but in his role last night he was awful. The debate was not particularly good, because there wasn't any depth to it. BTW I thought GCs final remark to Jack McConnell re 'that' kilted photo was a cheap shot.
I would like to see Brian Taylor be a bit less condescending when writing/talking about the current SNP ascendancy. In view of the fact that their apparent high standing in the polls seems to be in the teeth of a hostile print media surely he can bring himself to say that maybe, just maybe the people really do want a change.

Cameron, I refer to you because you seem to be the primary purveyor of such vehement and tripe.

"*Alarming* control of the mass media in Scotland??"

You should read the Northern Scot mate. You'll love it. Of course its obvious why you have made this statement Labour likes nothing more than a daily dose of yet another opinion poll telling them that they are getting slaughtered at the polls, its like a game that they love to play.

"Cash for honours?"

All these months and money spent and the only conviction that looks like is going to happen will be for lying during the course of the investigation? Police have far better things to do with their time than chase up Mr McNeil's fantasy's...oh wait sorry that would involve young girls hotels and absent wives wouldn鈥檛 it!

I take it the claim that party donations should be limited doesn鈥檛 count for Sir Tom's 1/2 million 拢 he donated?

"The absolute stagnant economic position after eight-years of Lab-Lib govt"

Iv noticed that myself actually with all these new houses being built everywhere I go, and a Tescos on every street corner it seems that reality is not your strong point.

"Ripping the heart out our regiments"

Compared to what will happen if the SNP gets their way I really don鈥檛 see what your point is here, have you ever actually checked the current levels of Irish and Norwegians armed forces? May as well wipe any area dependant on armed forces presence off the map now.

"Pensions wreck?"

??? Pensioners receive far more now than they have ever before, free personal care free, bus passes, pensions linked to earning for the first time since the terrible Tory years. Annual increases in Attendance allowance, DLA mobility payments, discounts on council taxes. If the pensions funds hadn鈥檛 been used in such a manner where do you think the economy would be today? and don't come out with the line that we are somehow wallowing in a cesspit of poverty and deprivation.

"Scotland is best served as a 'country' by not *being* a country - at all."

I see your struggle but your hyperbole in this matter astounds me, areas such as the Catalan region fight using this point and to be honest I can understand that, they are not even officially recognised as a country. Scotland is a country in its own right with its own government working in conjunction with a wider UK government with far more self determination and direction than the SNP gives it credit for, it is the SNP that underplay Scotland鈥檚 presence and commitment not the unionist parties, they are the ones saying that we aren鈥檛 good enough.

"Finally, will unionist posters finally acknowledge the fact that we ARE NOT going to the polls to support independence outright!"

"Absurd 'Faslane spin?'"

I put these two points together because if Cameron will acknowledge that the next generation of Trident is simply in the preparation and design process and spending cost would have to be ratified over the next 17 years then I will happily concede that the SNP has no intentions for independence.

One final point then I will give up, Salmond has recently been quote as saying that the SNP plans to make university tuition free for all and will re-imburse outstanding debt to allow more pupils to go to university. What鈥檚 the point? There are already too many going to university as it is resulting in the decline in youngsters entering skilled manual work, meaning that employers have to look out with the UK in order to find people to do the jobs that young school leavers may have previously been interested in doing resulting in the standard claim that we are being overrun and they are taking our jobs. If the jobs were filled in the first place then there would be no need to employ them, if the economy was doing so badly then there would be no jobs there for them.

Apologies for the vitriolic ranting there I鈥檓 just growing tired of the increasing negativity on the part of the SNP against everything I believe in.

To answer the blog directlt! Salmond won the debate, he is at home in a debate but AG gave a very good account of herself!Pity she is a Tory thralled to the Union!
McConnell and Stephen were just hopeless! McConnell is a stuck record!Stephen is insipid - the Lib Dems in Scotland need a new leader!

To add - I was also disappointed that the 成人论坛 did not see it fit to invite the Greens to take part!
Especially as they may be part of a coalition - it is possible and from this point of view should have been included!
It may also have opened up the debate!? Which after 4 weeks of the same thing especially from the stuck Unionist records is becoming very tiresome!

Salmond is the SNP's ONLY asset. Its more of a personality cult than a political party. Take out Salmond your left with Sturgeon (who poor Alex has difficulty controlling) a woman who backstabbed her way to the leadership in parliament and constantly gets on peoples nerves and ....eh thats it. The real problem for the SNP however is that they are ideologically split.They are an umbrella organisation with only one policy (suicide) for the country. If they get in they will splinter and fracture until any referendum will become meaningless.
People of Scotland wake up smell the coffee and vote Labour on the 3rd of May

A bit of a non event I thought. Best bit for me was when Alex answered the question from the young chap in his Gordon constituency regarding what would Alex do if he won Gordon, but didn't win power.

'I'm glad you accept I'll win Gordon...'

That wonderful Alex Salmond smugness shines through once again...

Cameron

*CLAP* *CLAP*

Well said and Im in full agreement. Role on Thursday!!!

Ted, the greens are not the only ones TALKING about poverty... The Greens seem to be the new religion. As far as I'm aware, have regressive policies on a global scale, which scare me.

i found the debate fairly poor. the hosting and thus the facilitating of the debate was very poor and the host would not let anyone answer any questions before interuppting, he was not quite Paxman.

i will be backing the SNP but i have to say Alec looked far more nervous than usual tonight. Annabelle is someone i respect but i certainly couldn't vote for simply because while i like her i dont like her policies but at least she's pretty spin free.

Mconnel has got to go, he's been in the job too long, he's been a yes man to London and has treated Scots like idiots for the duration of the campaign. The liberals seem neither liberal nor democratic with their outright refusal to even agree to a referendum.

it's time for change in Scotland and for that reason i will be voting SNP, not expecting wonders from them but certainly hoping they do a better job

So 18 comments so far... and i cannot help but think that it's time!

It's time to boot out 'Union Jack Mac'.
It's time to give these liars and frauds a good old Scottish kicking.
It's time for a new approach and a bright outlook.

It's time for Alex Salmond and the SNP

Having just read Noman's comment, I'm staggered that he believes SNP have a fresh approach - fresh approach to what? One way to galvanise votes is to scare people and another is to tell them what they want to hear, the SNP have proved nothing. Noman's comment is what makes Scotland small.

Sorry Sandy, but i am a little confused about your post!

A Fresh Approach -

Every once in a while you need change. To sprouse things up a bit. To have a new outlook and bright ideas.

Labour have been in power for a decade in Westminster, nearly a decade in Holyrood and seemingly forever in Glasgow City Council. And frankly, they are now stale and out of date.

We certainly need change to progress further as a nation.

Now, personally i don't think i said anything to suggest that Scotland is small.

In fact, its pathetic Jack whose constant jibes of 'Scotland is the best wee country in the world' that make Scotland small. Not to forget his spineless stance on any major issue effecting Scotland and licking away at Blair and Brown.

It's time Sandy. And i think you know it too!

Cameron - can I have whatever it is you are taking?

It's just that you appear to be reading a different copy of the SNP manifesto than the one I'm reading . . .

Sandymac, I do not think it is a case of telling People what they want to hear! It is about AMBITION, which is blatantly devoid in the Labour spin.

It is not now just time for change, that time passed when Labour proved to be illegal war merchants.

SNP on May 3rd. Lets Do It! *;o)

Noman I meant that SNP don't have a fresh approach or bright ideas. Yes I agree it's time for change. BongoBrian, ambition is devoid in politics it's ALL self interest - it's a great wee earner too. Today's the day !