General Election Debates

I agree, and the journalist also conveniently leaves out his appearances on numerous election programmes for ITN over the past 30 years (I think he only missed 1997 and possibly 2001) as well as the US Election in 2008. The only other current ITN personality who would be equally qualified for the role is Jon Snow. However, these days Channel 4 and ITV are kept very separate unlike in years gone by, so that would be unlikely.

I do believe he anchored from London the US elections with Trevor and Julie in the US

I dislike Alastair's pompous and somewhat patronising style, but he's certainly got the experience for these debates. I should imagine he is also far more well known by the British public than Adam Boulton!

Channel 4 will host a debate between Darling, Osbourne and Cable on March 29th entitled 'Ask the Chancellors'

http://twitter.com/krishgm

That's a bad time slot up against Eastenders - unless its going to get detailed and therefore possibly not aimed at the general public but more at those with an understanding of economics?

I would imagine any such debate to be aimed at voters in general - why else would all three agree to appear in the run up to a general election otherwise?

Would that likely be before an election is called?

Tough time slot, but these debates aren't going to perform too well anyway.

I have to ask, will the first Debate actually be broadcast in STV, UTV, and even Wales? as domestic debate will have no bearing what so ever in these areas!

It might have some relevance, for example if discussing the BBC or airport security. There are some domestic issues that remain under Westminster control in all of the UK

And lets face it, many people are unaware of what powers exactly are devolved and aren't even aware of the small print which tells us such policies only apply in England. I would imagine too come a general election people vote based on what is happening at Westminster too, not at the respective devolved parliaments.

Whether though they'll air in Northern Ireland is an interesting point though considering the main UK parties do not field candidates in Northern Ireland.

Most important issues like Health, education, Crime, police, Transport are all not control by west minters and I dare say there going to have to MAKE IT really clear that this only apply to England, these debates are starting to look stupid by the door.

Erm, why are the debates looking stupid? Considering around 50 million people live in England then I would say they are fairly representative. Of course, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will want to play to their own audiences. What's stopping them?

In terms of votes cast (not seats won), UKIP, the Greens and BNP polled more than Plaid Cymru who are hoping to also be included in the debate with the SNP. Sadly the line has to be drawn somewhere and the three main parties will always take the centre stage. Ultimately, it's a Westminster election and that's what is being represented.