Bout of nerves?

IN AN entertaining column (Perspective, 11 February) Hugh Reilly touches on David Cameron’s reluctance to debate face-to-face with Alex Salmond. The suggestion has been made, elsewhere, that such a debate should be with Alistair Darling.

If we are to get like with like debates, Alistair Darling for No might debate with Dennis Canavan for Yes, and Blair McDougall for No with Blair Jenkins for Yes.

Such debates could be entertaining and informative but their public appeal would not match a Salmond/Cameron contest. We know that Mr Salmond is willing. TV companies eager to improve their ratings might seek to induce Mr Cameron to take part in a studio rather than at a ­distance. 

David Stevenson

Blacket Place

Edinburgh