IT’S fair to say few people are naming the Scottish Tories as the winner of the BBC Leaders Debate.
Douglas Ross succeeded where no-one else has in recent months – uniting Scotland’s political leaders, and a good chunk of the audience.
Unfortunately for the Conservative leader, he managed to unite them in condemnation of him.
He was told to “grow up” by Anas Sarwar, informed he had his facts wrong by Nicola Sturgeon and panned by a young audience member.
Fortunately for Ross, he can rely on the support of the boffins back at Scottish Tory HQ.
Even his predecessor had his back, with a tweet that was only six years and four months wide of the mark.
Jackson Carlaw posted: “Don't forget Nicola Sturgeon has been First Minister for 14 years. She leads one of the most powerful devolved governments in the world.
“It's grudge and grievance rather than delivery.”
Don't forget Nicola Sturgeon has been First Minister for 14 years. She leads one of the most powerful devolved governments in the world.
— Jackson Carlaw (@Jackson_Carlaw) March 30, 2021
It's grudge and grievance rather than delivery. #BBCLeadersDebate
The SNP’s Mhairi Hunter replied: “It's not our memories at fault here.”
David Hooks added: “I know it might FEEL like 14 years for you, but it's actually only been since 2014. Oh, and since we're in a parliament that couldn't even have its vote to not have its powers removed or be taken out of the EU against its will the ‘most powerful’ line simply won't work.”
READ MORE: Leaders' Debate audience member takes on 'branch office' Unionist parties
Murdo Fraser had an ambitious stab at deflecting negative attention towards the First Minister. But he seemingly forgot the one thing that has come to dominate everyone’s daily existence since news reports started coming out of Wuhan early last year.
He tweeted: “Perhaps the most interesting aspect of tonight’s debate was how poor @NicolaSturgeon was. Almost like she was distracted by something going on in the background.”
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of tonight’s debate was how poor @NicolaSturgeon was. Almost like she was distracted by something going on in the background. #BBCLeadersDebate
— Murdo Fraser (@murdo_fraser) March 30, 2021
And of course there was Ruth Davidson, with a post that was definitely written by her, and not a random Scottish Tory tweet generator.
"Strong performance tonight by @Douglas4Moray," she wrote. "The only leader to really stand up to the SNP, call out Sturgeon's record, speak up for the UK & against another divisive referendum."
Strong performance tonight by @Douglas4Moray. The only leader to really stand up to the SNP, call out Sturgeon's record, speak up for the UK & against another divisive referendum. #BBCLeadersDebate
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) March 30, 2021
WATCH: Anas Sarwar tells Douglas Ross to 'grow up' at BBC leaders' debate
Again, the reception was somehwat frosty.
Paul Carnahan replied: "This is the political equivalent of your mum saying you were great in the school nativity play when you know everyone saw you forget your one line and then wee yourself."
At least Ross can console himself with the knowledge that he wasn't the only Scottish Tory who had a disastrous evening.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel