So, who was impressed with the Ask the Chancellors programme last night? Nope, nor me.
The three of them – Darling, Osbourne and Cable – were utterly unconvincing and short on ideas. Darling and Osbourne were more interested in getting their catchphrases out whilst ignoring Cable who actually came across as the most credible person there which isn’t saying much.
On one occasion, a Scottish doctor in the audience asked if they would guarantee no cuts would be made at his hospital. Not one of them asked him where his hospital was but answered his question anyway – if his hospital is in Scotland, they have no control of the health budget covering his hospital. They also talked about social care but failed to mention England once throughout the entire programme.
The Channel 4 poll finished as close as their policies – Darling 33%, Osbourne 33%, Cable 34%. The Tory Twitterati and bloggers and the Daily Express claimed victory for Osbourne, Liebour and the Mirror claimed victory for Darling and the Guardian (there isn’t a Twitterati or bloggerati for the Limp Dims) claimed victory for Cable.
If the programme proves anything, it’s that the election won’t be won on the strength of economic policy and certainly not by the Chancellors.
I was surprised that on last weeks QT from Glasgow that Alex Salmond didn’t make more of a point of the fact that UK MP’s/Ministers are only responsible for England in matters that were being discussed!