UK holds first election TV debate

UK holds first election TV debate

It was an historic moment for British politics and for British Television.  For the first time, the leaders of the three main UK parties would debate live ahead of a general election.

They'd all spent some time in debate preparation. If we're to believe the reports Prime Minister Gordon Brown was told to keep his answers short; David Cameron, the head of the main opposition party, the right of centre Conservatives was warned not to appear too smug while Nick Clegg, the leader of the smaller Liberal Democrats was told not to appear too angry.

As the titles rolled, all three tried to look calm and in control. There was a list of more than seventy rules for how the debate would be conducted. After their one minute opening statements they took questions from the audience, the first on immigration.

The leaders re-iterated the party lines. There was nothing new, nothing unexpected.

It was question on funding law and order which drew the first sharp exchanges with Gordon Brown pushing David Cameron on spending pledges. He even managed a joke which drew a smile from his opponent.

In the 90 minutes allowed, there was only time for eight questions covering health, armed services equipment and the pressing problem of the UK's massive debt.

Given the opinion polls suggest that Britain may be heading for a hung parliament, the Liberal Democrats could well hold the balance of power.  It was a fact clearly in Gordon Brown's mind as twice he said "I agree with Nick".

The party leaders were also keen to remind us they had been out meeting real people throughout the election campaign and peppered examples through most of their answers. It's an old technique to humanise remote politicians.

In his final remarks, Nick Clegg urged people to turn away from the two other parties who between them have been in control for more than 60 years. For Brown it was the chance of another attack on his main rival on spending pledges while Cameron appealed directly on values rather than policy. 

And so now the real debate begins about who won and who lost.  Nick Clegg performed better than expected, which was reflected on the TV company's instant poll. David Cameron had most to lose. A polished parliamentary performer - he held a five point lead coming into the debate. 

If Nick Clegg starts picking up votes on the back of this performance, that's bad news for the Conservatives. They may come to regret agreeing to the debate. Gordon Brown did better than expected. His answers were short,  but he lacked inspiration. He finished in third. 

And now the party spin doctors will be out and about - trying to put the best polish on the night. The Clegg victory makes the next two debates very interesting and certainly makes the election even harder to call. The bigger opinion polls to be held in the next few days will make interesting reading.