Alistair Darling won independence TV debate - poll

The majority of people think Alistair Darling emerged as the winner of the first television debate on Scotland’s independence referendum, while half say they will vote No in the crucial ballot, according to a new poll.

Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling. Picture: Getty

When asked who won Tuesday’s debate between the Better Together leader and the First Minister, 53% opted for Mr Darling, while 28% backed Alex Salmond as the winner and 19% did not know.

Half of those polled said Scotland should stay in the UK, while 37% backed a Yes vote and the remaining 13% said they did not know.

The Survation poll for the Daily Mail newspaper questioned 1,010 people on August 6 and 7 - two days after the live debate aired on STV.

The majority of people - 65% - said the television clash had not changed the way they intend to vote, while 22% said they were more likely to vote No, and 13% were more likely to vote Yes.

Those polled were also asked about their opinions on alternative plans for currency, the issue which has dominated the referendum debate in the wake of Mr Darling and Mr Salmond’s appearance.

Asked if the Scottish Government should draw up alternative currency options to a “currency union” ahead of the referendum, 69% said yes, 18% said no and 13% said they did not know.

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