I HAVE long been an advocate for squeezing in as many TV debates as possible, so I feel partly responsible for both the good and the bad of the final leaders’ debate of the campaign.

As is only fair, I will start with the good. 

This debate offered leaders a platform to put some meat on the bones. The first few rounds of questions focused on substantive policy areas and the candidates (for the most part) stuck to their earlier pledge not to talk over one another.

Which brings me on to the bad.

Nicola Sturgeon, as our current First Minister and likely next one, is the candidate that is rightly and properly under the most scrutiny. She will face questions that the other leaders will not. She has a record to defend and nobody should complain when she is asked to do so.

But that cuts both ways. It is only fair that she is afforded the opportunity to respond to the barrage of questions being thrown her way.

Douglas Ross gave off huge disgruntled-ex-boyfriend vibes, with the way he needled, interrupted, patronised and belittled Sturgeon when she was trying to answer questions.

I suspect Nicola Sturgeon won’t lose much sleep at being spoken over by the Scottish Tory leader but voters – especially women – would have found it a turn-off.

Anas Sarwar was middling, after enjoying strong performances in previous debates. He will be hoping that his plea of “LET’S STOP TALKING ABOUT IT” will be enough to make some gains on his party’s woeful performance in recent years.

Patrick Harvie was assured and clear, but he could have been more assertive in making himself heard amongst all the yapping.

Willie Rennie had his best debate of the campaign so far. His “I can’t be bothered with this shite” answer to the question about the Royal yacht was a highlight.

With less than 48 hours until voters go to the polls, few will have had their minds changed  by the TV debate. But it was a good palate cleanser for the drama to come.

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