Yes, they’ll debate but not at the same time
WRANGLING over the crucial TV debates between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling continued yesterday amid a farcical row over dates.
Both sides have now accepted invitations from BBC and STV, but not to the same programmes.
Better Together originally agreed to a live showdown on July 16 with STV, although Mr Salmond said he would only take part if it involved Prime Minister David Cameron.
He insisted a debate with Mr Darling must wait until after Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games.
STV agreed to ‘review’ the proposed date as a result and August 5 has now been accepted by the First Minister’s camp.
However, Better Together chiefs are furious that Mr Salmond has been able to dictate the timing, with SNP strategists thought to be desperate for a contest closer to the referendum in the hope of receiving a bounce in the polls.
The pro-Union campaign has therefore not agreed to the August 5 switch, but has accepted an invitation from the BBC to take part in a separate show on August 12.
To confuse the matter further, the SNP has yet to accept the BBC’s offer.
A Better Together spokesman said: ‘We are glad the BBC have begun serious discussions with both sides.
‘We had agreed to STV’s offer of a debate on July 16. We are disappointed
that STV have now repudiated their own date after Alex Salmond refused to take part, despite the First Minister indicating publicly that he was free that day.’
The spokesman added: ‘We accepted the original offer from STV in good faith, with a date that was not of our choosing or Mr Salmond’s choosing.
‘The public want to see this debate, we want this debate to happen and if STV are willing to enter into serious discussions with both, rather than just one of the campaigns, we are of course willing to talk.
‘Will Salmond now accept the BBC debate on August 12?’
A spokesman for the First Minister said: ‘We will continue to pursue a debate with David Cameron but in the meantime have accepted STV’s proposal for a debate between the First Minister and Alistair Darling on August 5.
‘Mr Darling is on record as saying he would debate with the First Minister “any time, anywhere” – it now seems that was bluff and bluster and it is “any time” except the one suggested.’
The spokesman added: ‘ Rather than attacking impartial broadcasters, the No campaign should accept the challenge and have the debate on August 5 on STV, who have proposed a serious and substantial two-hour debate involving a 500-strong audience of ordinary people representing public opinion across Scotland.
‘We only received a formal invite from the BBC [on Wednesday], and will give it due consideration.’