A childish level of debating

Sir, – TheAlex Salmond - Alistair Darling televised debate has been described as ill-tempered, a “stairhead rammy” and “a fierce debate which provided lots of heat, but little light on the indy referendum debate”. It was none of these things. The confrontational style evinced by both participants was sparked into contemporary politics by Johan Lamont’s childish reaction to the powerful arguments being put forwarded by Nicola Sturgeon in earlierTV referendum debates.

We all used to do it in the school playground, didn’t we? Somebody saying things you don’t want to hear? Simple. Stick your fingers in your ears and sing “na-na-nana-na”, or make a lot of meaningless noise. It needn’t make sense, its only function is to create a wall of sound that drowns out your opponent.

Johan Lamont’s tactics were immediately copied byAlistair Carmichael and nowAlistair Darling. I expect it to be used extensively by the No campaign from now on.

What does an otherwise sensible debater do when confronted with this infantile behaviour? There is only one effective response; do it back. Therein lies the reason why TV debates are descending to a childish level. It’s a sure sign one of the debaters knows they are being outclassed.

The problem for Darling, Carmichael, Lamont et al is that today’s voters aren’t as naïve as they think. Alistair Darling’s lack of skill, confidence or ability to respond to Alex Salmond’s reasoned arguments will have been noted by all who watched.

Steady progress towards a “yes” vote continues. Bob Kirk. 40Torbain, Kirkcaldy.