WHO COPED BEST WITH THE PRESSURE IN THIS TETCHY TEST OF NERVE? ALAN RODEN OFFERS HIS VERDICT...

NICOLA STURGEON

BEST BIT: Pointed out the realities of minority government to Jim Murphy, reminding him that Labour helped to defeat an SNP Budget at Holyrood – and the Nationalists’ government did not fall, but was forced to make concessions.

WORST BIT: Visibly squirmed when quizzed about a second referendum, she told 110,000 SNP members she would overrule them and opened the door to another referendum based simply on a decision to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system.

VERDICT: The First Minister has faced tough opposition in all three Scottish TV debates, unlike the UK-wide debates where her record in government was overlooked. She was rattled at times, but was still impressive – and has done little to harm her chances of a landslide victory on Thursday.

JIM MURPHY

BEST BIT: Put Nicola Sturgeon on the spot by demanding to know if she would introduce a ‘moratorium’ for five or six years on a second independence referendum. She refused to answer.

WORST BIT: Railed against sanctions for benefit claimants – a system in place for years that has widespread public support. The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed there are no ‘targets’ for sanctions, and he was branded a liar by Ruth Davidson.

VERDICT: Mr Murphy is a much better performer than his dismal approval ratings in the polls would suggest. On the issue of a second referendum he put real pressure on Miss Sturgeon and bested her at key points in the debate. But having vowed only a few weeks ago to bring Yes supporters back to Labour, it exposes his key weakness – voters don’t know what he stands for.

RUTH DAVIDSON

BEST BIT: ‘Scotland is not the SNP.’ Her voice cracking with emotion, Miss Davidson destroyed the SNP claim that Nationalist MPs will ‘make Scotland’s voice heard’, pointing out there were 59 Scots MPs before the election – and there will be 59 after.

WORST BIT: Looked uncomfortable when under fire over Tory plans to make huge spending cuts in the next parliament, particularly from the welfare budget.

VERDICT: The clear winner of last night’s debate. Miss Davidson’s campaign has not only been about eye-catching photocalls, she has proved herself to be a remarkable politician and debater. Her honesty with voters is in stark contrast with Mr Murphy’s chameleon-like behaviour and Miss Sturgeon’s evasiveness. She is likely to have won over even more supporters.

WILLIE RENNIE

BEST BIT: Sprung a surprise on Nicola Sturgeon by asking her if the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system could trigger a second referendum on independence. She failed to answer.

WORST BIT: As in almost every debate he appears in, Mr Rennie had to endure a reminder about the Lib Dems’ broken promise not to increase tuition fees in England. ‘Thanks Glenn,’ he muttered to host Glenn Campbell.

VERDICT: A solid performance from Mr Rennie. He is not a shouter and at times appeared to be something of a bystander. But when he had his chance, he nailed his opponents. Mr Rennie has now opened up a key debate for the final few days of the campaign – is the renewal of Trident, which is almost certain to happen, the gamechanger the SNP is looking for in its quest for a second referendum?