IT was the second leaders’ debate but was there anything left to say (especially in the absence of certain other Big Beasts. Actually, the answer was yes. Letting the pols interrogate each other made for better television.
Most overused phrase: “We have to act now!”
Biggest gaffe: Sarwar calling the debate chair (Colin Mackay) … er, Gordon. Poor preparation?
First to mention independence: Ross (yawn).
Who’s been told by his PR team to be more aggressive? – nice Mr Rennie.
Sartorial error: Sarwar abandons his trendy tieless mode for a giant red duster.
Most honest admission: “I think we took our eye off the ball” (FM on drug deaths).
Best deadpan to FM on inquiry into QE Hospital deaths: “I support the public inquiry. That’s why I called for it!” (Sarwar).
Best putdown (Harvie to Ross): “Travellers are also your constituents”.
Fresh issues debated in this round (hooray): re-joining EU, Trident and Universal Basic Income.
Stand-in for Lorna Slater: Patrick Harvie.
Funniest question (from Rennie): “What should we do after school?” My imagination went into overdrive.
Best quip: “I don’t want to open wounds, I want to open possibilities” (Patrick Harvie).
Best Ross comment (to Harvie): “Why are you more interest in supporting the SNP than dealing with climate change?”
An actual plaudit? Harvie praises Rennie’s commitment to greater mental health spending (true actually).
Missing in action: the FM, but only because there were four shouty men not letting her in.
Tonight’s Oscars? Colin MacKay (-1): couldn’t control shouty men.
Douglas Ross (2): gramophone record. Anas Sarwar (5): good but did not shine in this round. Nicola Sturgeon (5): format did not suit her. Willie Rennie (6): mastered his brief well. Patrick Harvie (7): on top bulldog form.
READ MORE DEBATE ANALYSIS: Shona Craven on Willie Rennie's performance and Ruth Wishart on her highlights
Best advert: McVities digestives. I ran to the kitchen to get one.
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