Leadership debate

What did DC say about the armed forces GrannyTwice I missed it.

Actually Im really pleased for NB - I was impressed with how she came through that disastrous radio interview so well. I'd like to go for a drink nw with those three women and have a good laugh at the men an in- depth analysis of how the men performed

And there's still another 5 weeks to go - tonight will be a dim and distant memory

After listening to Farage I now believe if we were out of Europe and free of immigrants I wouldn't have sciatica , they seem to be responsible for all ills in the country

He always sounds like that though, NotTooOld - remember the last leadership debates? Very sincere and convincing, but quite willing to abandon his principles when in yet another coalition government.

for NS

Ana - at least he sounds like a politician with convictions, doesn't he? I reckon he's done himself a bit of good tonight, as have all the women. DC and EM just said the same old, same old and I think NF has shot himself in the foot.

Cheap shot about the armed forces DC

Oh do stop waving your hands about, NC!

Heavens!! My teenage granddaughters have just messaged me on facebook to say they're watching it with interest. I'm impressed!!

Their older brother who is just home from uni and studying politics has gone out with his mates!

Good grief. Farage is on about immigration yet again. He relates it to everything.

So good to see the women holding their own and scoring points against the more established parties. Good for them.

Absolutely Ana

I'm very impressed by Leanne. Very dignified and makes her points clearly.

It was the only one Nick Clegg wanted. I agree that it was a stitch-up, but I don't think the outcome would have been much different if more time and information had been given. The British public doesn't like change just for the sake of it.

I think Leanne and Natalie are doing brilliantly in the context of being so much less experienced than the others

DC really stitched up NC over that referendum. It was held too soon, there was too little informed debate but even more importantly there are lots of other systems than AV and I never understood why that was the only option offered

SNP Nicola is coming across well and scoring points against Cameron. Nick Clegg is good, too, as he was in the other leaders debate. Farage is blustering and seems only to focus on coming out of the EU. Natalie Bennet is much better than I expected but has nothing to lose so can't be taken seriously. Leanne Wood is also better than I expected but also probably irrelevant. As for Milliband, I'm not sure yet but he's looking more confident than I thought he would. The presenter is doing pretty well, too. Hmm, I think Nicola is the winner so far.

It is easier for the three women, they are not in the battle to lead a government

Well, the AV referendum made it clear that most of the UK didn't want that either.

I think the theory is that if there is a strong opposition party there is always an alternative government ready to step in. They say that coalition governments cannot get things done as there are too many views represented; but I think that it is useful to have other parties involved to curb extremism.

Politicians' posturing is so very irritating - sometimes they seem to start out reasonable and very quickly absorb this irritating way of operating. I get particularly irritated by the dramatic pronouncements. No-one ever says "We will do our best to do XYZ within practical limitations." They always present their policies as life-changing for Britain. I am never tempted to believe them.

Mishap, sadly many of the most vulnerable do not vote , I have canvassed at thirteen general elections, one thing which makes my stomach sink into my boots is the increasing response of - why bother , the rich will get richer and we will get poorer . I feel I must vote for these who have lost hope and not for what's best for me

why can't we have a fairer voting system than FPP?

I'm not sure that a government of academics would have any idea how to run the country, but I take your point, ethel

yes - the women are being much more humane. Of course it's not a battle of the sexes - I was just struck at the obvious difference between how the two genders were coming across