Solid start but debate lacked a killer blow

REBECCA White has spoke of building better communities, Will Hodgman promised even better days ahead.

While a good opportunity to see the Liberal and Labor leaders in action outside the confines of Parliament, yesterday’s debate lacked the passion of Question Time. And a key actor. Ms White debuted a “fairness agenda” and Will Hodgman rolled out the minority government bogeyman.

The debate was his to lose and the Premier delivered a solid performance, confident in delivery, standing on his record and betraying none of the nervousness plaguing his Government about the rise of Labor in the polls.

Ms White was at her best speaking of her passion for Tasmania, making a determined pitch for the hearts and minds of voters.

Mr Hodgman spoke of the economy, Ms White of the community.

Both backed their plans for health and education.

But neither recorded a knockout blow.

Each was emphatic that they would not do a deal with the Greens if they found them- selves unable to form government in their own right.

It points to a difficult impasse if the polls hold true.

Cassy O’Connor may have no hope of taking government, but as we have seen in the recent New Zealand poll, minor parties can play a critical role in shaping outcomes.

It may be wishful thinking to deal the Greens out of the debate, but it ignores reality.

As an opening skirmish, yesterday’s debate ended without the satisfaction of a telling result.

It may be that voters have to wait a while longer for the gloves to come off.

The election is after all, five months away.