THE GREAT DEBATE

HOW DID THEY DO?

GORDON BROWN

Summary: Like the sheriff of a western's lawless town.

Spoke strongly on policy, sounded dour but re-assuring but over played the 'Tories are threatening the economy' card. Managed a smile and a laugh and a couple of good punches to Cameron, but nothing like a knock out blow. Cozeyed up to Clegg too often.

7/10

DAVID CAMERON

Summary: Like the barman in a Western saloon, smiley but you don't really notice him.

Appeared really nervous at the start, his stance was very uncomfortable. Failed to recover from this slow start and missed several good chances to deliver a blow to Brown (notably on referendum talk and on the economy). Overall, too much PR, not enough politics.

4/10

NICK CLEGG

Summary: Like the gunslinger in a Western, knowing he couldn't get shot

An extremely confident performance, edging towards over confident. Knew he had nothing to lose and acted like it. Nice touches with the way he spoke to people but often ran out of things to say and repeated himself. Good wins on the Expenses scandal. Next week will be much tougher.

8/10