Would-be PM Cameron just didn't look part

On the face of it, David Cameron had all the ingredients for success in a tussle of the kind seen on TV on Thursday night – comparative youth, relatively sharp image, the main opposition leader, next to him a Prime Minister more at ease in large rallies of the faithful than in set-piece television forums.

I can't agree with Bill Jamieson (Comment, 16 April) that Mr Cameron looked prime ministerial, even on occasion. He did not look comfortable in the central position he had been allocated in the studio. His nerves often made him look like an anxious trainee manager caught in a meeting with a stern director of finance and a thrusting new sales executive. With Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg looking relaxed and assured, Messrs Cameron and Brown made the mistake of being too combative for a mass television audience. The anxiety to sell yourself can often come across badly in this medium.

Conservative voters are unlikely to switch their vote because of Mr Cameron's performance. But it might have the effect of influencing swing voters in marginal constituencies in the north-west of England and the Midlands. If he is to make a bigger impression in the other debates, he may quickly have to develop a more appealing blend of nonchalance and statesmanship.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife

What Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Brown had to say on health, education, crime, police, etc, was irrelevant as they are not in a position to influence any of it? The debate should not have been shown in Scotland or Wales and is simply a conspiracy to try to confuse voters about what is devolved and reserved.

MUNRO ROSS

Stratton Road

Inverness

The real issue – that Britain is on the verge of bankruptcy – was, of course, never dealt with. By comparison with the waffle from all three leaders, rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic would rank as a piece of masterly economic strategy.

MALCOLM PARKIN

Gamekeepers Road

Kinnesswood, Kinross

After the "great" TV debate, we know why the UK party leaders did not want the SNP involved. Alex Salmond would have wiped the floor with them!

DAVID STEVENSON

Blacket Place

Edinburgh