That was probably the best debate of the election so far (which isn't saying much, to be honest). The standard of debate was a lot better than last week, however I felt the format was odd. Betsan Powys was in danger of losing control at some points, and too quick to interrupt at others. No prizes for guessing which party leader was interrupting and interrupted the most.
I think it summed up the campaign quite nicely. Four leaders trying their best to attack each other in front of disinterested audience, a large bulk of whom will have made their mind up to vote for the big man with the red rosette.
What pleased me most of all, however, was the near absence of Westminster in the debate, apart from a few standard referrals to "cuts".
Finally! Kirsty Williams has threatened to put in a great performance in one of these debates, and at last she did so. Silly faces kept to a minimum. Confident, clear and decisive answers, and an aggressive, almost snarling, tone. She showed each of the other leaders up at some point in the debate, although was caught out herself - albeit fleeting blows easily deflected. This was arguably the best performance of anyone in these debates, but I doubt it will have much impact on the polls, which are looking moribund for the Lib Dems. 8.5/10
"Cthulhu fhtagn!" It's alive! It's alive! Perhaps it was just the skill of the BBC make up artists but Carwyn Jones awakened from his deep slumber last night - and he had to. Labour have been consistently blasé in these debates and acting (although not really implying) as though it was all in the bag. It may very well be, but Carwyn finally stood up as a leader fighting an election, not a monarch waiting for a coronation. He avoided mud slinging where he could, and answered each and every question with ease and clarity. Some of the policies he mentioned highlight Labour's lack of ambition this time around, but his very good closing speech edged him ahead of the remaining two leaders. 7.5/10
Ieuan Wyn Jones was neutered compared to last week's excellent performance, but that doesn't mean he didn't do a good job. He clearly does his homework, but was prone to the odd waffle (see who I was referring too as "interrupting and interrupted" now?). Plaid Cymru's manifesto contained better ideas than were put out by Ieuan last night, he probably forgot them as he tried to make statements as long as possible. He launched the odd attack, but it wasn't as effective as last week, and I think Nick Bourne - in particular - was ready for him this time. Like I said though, it was still a decent enough go at it, and Plaid candidates have done consistently well in these debates it has to be said. 7/10
I might be placing Nick Bourne last, but it should be considered joint third. Much better than last week. He didn't spend his time apologising for Westminster and stood up to scrutiny well. He shouldn't be so dour though. The Welsh Conservative manifesto is bright, and in some cases, visionary. He should be positive about what they offer, not negative about where Wales is at the moment. I wonder if any Welsh Conservatives have ever been to eastern Europe? I'd be delighted for Wales to be compared to Slovenia. Guys, the Cold War is over. They're catching up with us, Wales isn't "falling" to their level. 7/10
I think it summed up the campaign quite nicely. Four leaders trying their best to attack each other in front of disinterested audience, a large bulk of whom will have made their mind up to vote for the big man with the red rosette.
What pleased me most of all, however, was the near absence of Westminster in the debate, apart from a few standard referrals to "cuts".
Finally! Kirsty Williams has threatened to put in a great performance in one of these debates, and at last she did so. Silly faces kept to a minimum. Confident, clear and decisive answers, and an aggressive, almost snarling, tone. She showed each of the other leaders up at some point in the debate, although was caught out herself - albeit fleeting blows easily deflected. This was arguably the best performance of anyone in these debates, but I doubt it will have much impact on the polls, which are looking moribund for the Lib Dems. 8.5/10
"Cthulhu fhtagn!" It's alive! It's alive! Perhaps it was just the skill of the BBC make up artists but Carwyn Jones awakened from his deep slumber last night - and he had to. Labour have been consistently blasé in these debates and acting (although not really implying) as though it was all in the bag. It may very well be, but Carwyn finally stood up as a leader fighting an election, not a monarch waiting for a coronation. He avoided mud slinging where he could, and answered each and every question with ease and clarity. Some of the policies he mentioned highlight Labour's lack of ambition this time around, but his very good closing speech edged him ahead of the remaining two leaders. 7.5/10
Ieuan Wyn Jones was neutered compared to last week's excellent performance, but that doesn't mean he didn't do a good job. He clearly does his homework, but was prone to the odd waffle (see who I was referring too as "interrupting and interrupted" now?). Plaid Cymru's manifesto contained better ideas than were put out by Ieuan last night, he probably forgot them as he tried to make statements as long as possible. He launched the odd attack, but it wasn't as effective as last week, and I think Nick Bourne - in particular - was ready for him this time. Like I said though, it was still a decent enough go at it, and Plaid candidates have done consistently well in these debates it has to be said. 7/10
I might be placing Nick Bourne last, but it should be considered joint third. Much better than last week. He didn't spend his time apologising for Westminster and stood up to scrutiny well. He shouldn't be so dour though. The Welsh Conservative manifesto is bright, and in some cases, visionary. He should be positive about what they offer, not negative about where Wales is at the moment. I wonder if any Welsh Conservatives have ever been to eastern Europe? I'd be delighted for Wales to be compared to Slovenia. Guys, the Cold War is over. They're catching up with us, Wales isn't "falling" to their level. 7/10
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