Analysis: SNP told to settle for an extra-time cameo in battle of 'big three'

Published on Monday 21 December 2009 21:46

FOR a country whose constitution has always been about making it up as we go along, it all makes perfect sense.

In agreeing to a TV debate between the main UK party leaders, broadcasters have come up with a sticking plaster solution for their viewers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

First we will have the UK debate between Messers Brown, Cameron and Clegg.

Then the local national parties will have their chance to respond.

To use a football analogy, the three main party leaders will contest the 90 minutes.

Then, in Scotland, Alex Salmond will be allowed on to the pitch for extra time, on his own.

Doubtless Salmond will score plenty of goals in that time.

The BBC and Sky have also confirmed they also intend to screen regional-only debates, in the hope of bringing in the local parties. The question, however, is whether many people will be watching.

Plenty of people will tune in to watch the cut and thrust of Britain's first live TV political debate, spurred on by a prime time slot and the full weight of the TV companies' marketing departments.

But would you carry on watching yet more politics after that?

The SNP has warned it would carry on with its threat of legal action if a debate between the three main UK parties is screened in Scotland.

The party is quoting communication laws which require broadcasters to show political impartiality.

The BBC, whose own guidelines state that it must also recognise the different political structures across the UK, has a particularly difficult issue to resolve.

How does it meet the SNP's demands for fairness without antagonising the other parties?

That is a New Year headache its Glasgow bosses will soon have to deal with.