Tonight there will be a television first for the UK. The three leaders of the main political parties in the UK will take part in a debate, live on television, answering questions in front of an invited audience. This practice is commonplace in other countries such as the United States (so, inevitably, it had to happen here eventually) This will be the first of three such televised debates; tonight it's being shown on ITV (so expect plenty of advertisements and a sponsor's message) with the other two being shown in the coming weeks on Sky Television and the BBC.
The theme of tonight's debate is 'domestic issues'. As the media works itself into a frenzy, many Scots will smile wryly at tonight's debate. Domestic issues include health, education and policing. These three examples are now devolved to the Scottish Government - currently led by the Scottish National Party. So can the nation expect to see SNP leader Alex Salmond take the floor with messrs Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg? Not a chance...
It's another example of how Scotland is treated with disdain by Westminster. Yes, it may be interesting to hear the Prime Minister's views on health and how he plans to improve falling education standards. But it doesn't matter one iota to people living in Scotland because Pa Broon has no say in the matter north of the border.
I've little doubt tonight's programme will be little more than a charade. So much so I'm surprised Lionel Blair isn't taking part (he used to present Give Us A Clue on television in the 1980s, younger readers) Compo, Foggy and Clegg will read from a prepared script and will do what politicians do best - avoid giving a straight answer. Count how many times the phrase 'we've made our position absolutely clear' and 'the fact of the matter is' will be heard tonight.
Meanwhile, those who really care about Scotland will be conspicuous by their absence. The elected Scots government (not invited) And the people of Scotland (not considered)
Here's to independence - I can't wait...
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9 comments:
Well, to be fair to ITV there were no adverts and no sponsor's message. Although given the tedious nature of the event, this was the one occasion I wish there were...!
Not my cuppa tea all this politics lark.
I'll be interested to hear how it goes Mike. Political US debates usually put me to sleep.
Hey, do you have a new grand-baby yet????
jj
False US style I thought. Stuffed dummies spouting the usual. There again some think Clegg came out of it well (how?) and 'Dave' fared badly.
But who can actually do the job? This sort of things does not tell us!
'charade'
that's it! That's the word I was fumbling for..
thanks Mike.
Didn't see the 'debate' as I was busy sticking voodoo pins into dolls representing Kilmarnock, Hamilton Accies, Falkirk and St Mirren players.
Some things are more important than politics
Joanna - we're about three weeks to a month away before the arrival of brat number three...
Adullamite - the UK is fast becoming another state of the US.
Ken - talking of Bairns: feeling nervous this weekend?!
Nervous? Moi?
Oh dear God yes... I have that awful knotted feeling in my guts as I look at the league table and the upcoming fixtures against teams that know how to scrap it out in a relegation tussle.
Interesting Mike, it probably went exactly as you predicted that it would... Yawn and faun... hmmmm...
Just dropping by to say hi :)
~Annie
Good to see you on these pages again, Annie. Hope all's well.
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