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newsnight debatewhat were your views on the newsnight debate?I'm amazed how rediculous some of Douglas Alexander's arguments are. Is he badly briefed to come up with some of these crazy points he raises. For someone in government who should have plenty of 'official' facts to arm his case he has remarkably few debating points. Disappointed by Ian rankin's attitude.... was very much "i'm all right Jack", lets not change anything just give us more money. Ricky Ross did well to bring up the broadcasting issue. Alex Salmond came through as he voice of authority on most issues and was good he had a fairly central role in the debate. Once again the First minister was absent... but I'm now starting to think he would do better than Douglas Alexander. Thought Annabelle Goldie look a complete fool saying there are no conservatives who support independence..... whilst sitting next to the previous speaker michael fry. 
Likewise Jo Swinson (no independence referendum liberal democratic party) appeared to be out her depth. Backed the poll which argues for more fiscal powers... yet turned a blind eye to the poll hugely in favour of at least asking the constitutional question. Interesting too (and good if you're an snp supporter) that Salmond was there as the main pro-independence voice. Unfair though that the Tories, Labour and Libdems got some expressin of views whereas the greens and socialists leaders didn't appear to be present. |
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| Economist |
Poor wee Douglas Alexander, I actually felt sorry for him, at times, but he was outclassed time and again.
I've got to say though, Elaine C Smith was fantastic, I thought. Her and Salmond would make a good double act. |
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Aye it was a good show, Elaine C Smith, Alex Salmond and the columnist from the times I believe, were very good. Douglas Alexander, what can you say? You could tell he really hates Salmond, and Alex's description of him the other day certainly appeared to be very accurate. Jo Swinson denying that there was a demand for a referendum was way out of her depth, it may have been more convincing if there wasn't a Lib Dem on the news earlier calling for a referendum on whether or not Glasgow (or wherever) should have a super casino. I was disappointed with Iain Rankin aswell he came across as quite smarmy and up himself - though not as much as that absolute f*ckwit from the Sun - hes the kind of guy who has you throwing stuff at the tv.
Oh yeah Annabell thingymyjig she was on tv twice today quite an accomplishment for her. Does anyone else think she looks like the T-Rex from Jurassic Park? |
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| Claymore |
As my fist post id like to say that after watching that I’ve got the urge to revive a part of history and pelt Douglas Alexander with some stones and the contents of a chamber pot
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| Stockholm |
The person that impressed me most was undoubtedly Matthew Parris. He talked plenty of sense with a great deal of clarity. Goldie and Swinson were both embarrassingly out of their depth. No change there then. 
Overall I would say independence triumphed, but it’s doubtful a program like that will sway anyone. |
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| azzuri |
Even if it doesn't sway anyone Stockholm, it keeps the issue in the public eye - that's the main thing at this stage of the game. Kepp the swaying people part until it's needed in May. |
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| Scott2006 |
The Newsnight debate (Broadband 225.0 Kbps) 53:52.2
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolavcosole...mp;nbwm=1&nol_storyid=4679986 above URL no longer working new URL http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/...69500/6269527.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm Some of the early points before the debate include a few polls showing 23% of the English expect the Union to last another 300 years, Welsh 20%, Scottish 17%. Those who expect the Union to last less than 100 years - English 49%, Scottish 51%, Welsh 50%. Do you think an English Parliament should be established? YES UK 59%, England 61%; NO UK 33%, England 32%. |
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| Anthropos |
Re: newsnight debate
It was not a bad debate. Alex Salmond totally out performed Douglas Alexander, although in the closing minutes Salmond rather stupidly lost his cool with him. However Salmond was weak in places – when Paxman put it to him that the top 25 companies in both Scotland and England didn’t favour independence he struggled to counter it, and there was stuff about the E.U. where he was a bit shaky. But after all these years, Eck still has ‘it’. I don’t think anybody else in Scottish politics does.
Oh he wasn’t that bad!
Better giving them (the artists) money than subjecting them to some Stalinist arts strategy dreamed by the moronic philistines in the Executive with their sh*te about ‘inclusion’ and ‘cultural entitlements’. I thought Rankin’s point about more River City was a good one, I was very amused by Elaine Smith’s socialistic attitude that broadcasting is there to provide jobs for people, the voice of the state dependency culture in waiting! I object to paying money to the BBC to keep mediocrities in work.
I know, she tried to claim Fry wasn’t actually a conservative. A weak argument, but who cares? I think Fry did quite well during his fifteen seconds, though I have forgotten it now. |
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| George |
Re: newsnight debate
I don't watch soaps, I never have, but Rankin's ignorant remark was just that....he made two less than eloquent remarks that made him appear an arsehole. I woul agree with you that Alexander came across composed, but he made no points of substance it was all rehearsed abstract nonsense. Salmond started and ended well, however there was a moment when he appeared non-plussed by Paxman's (riciculous) question regarding oil resources being kept by London. On Paxman, the man appears to be getting even more bitter. He almost spits out the word 'Scots' as though it is a term of abuse. His hectoring of Salmond when the latter was making his point, coupled with his very barbed and insulting asides, was very unprofessional. Alexander wasn't subjected to the same treatment. Ricky Ross's point was very well made and Elaine Smith did very well to pick up the point regarding broadcasting when Salmond was talked over attempting to raise it. Worst moment though was at the end, although the piper wasn't appropriate, for me Kirsty Wark should hang her head in shame for the fried mars bar jibe.........she looked embarassed after saying it and so she should be, but why did she agree to say it? |
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I cant really remember exactly what was said, but it didnt come across as socialist to me, (though I do agree with your point about the BBC) however I thought Ian Rankin was being a bit of a dick, and having broadcasting devolved would cetainly provide more jobs in Scotland within that industry without people having to move down to London or over to the USA. I dont watch River city but I can imagine its any worse than eastenders or emmerdale. |
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