Mal Fletcher comments on last night's election debate

Mal Fletcher

Thursday night's British election debate proved again how few credible voices there are on the right, or centre-right, of UK politics.

The word 'debate' should be applied lightly here, as this BBC event consisted of four leftist leaders and only one from the right - who has no seats in Parliament.

Any disagreement tended to be about the finer points of policy as distinct from the big picture directions of government.

The Conservative leader and Prime Minister, David Cameron, chose to opt out of the discussion. Doubtless he was advised by Tory election guru Lynton Crosby that participating would only create another opportunity for the leftists in opposition to gang up on him.

Sadly, had he been present, many people from the right or centre-right of politics would still have felt that they were being woefully unrepresented (or misrepresented).

The Prime Minister may fiscally lean toward conservatism, but he is arguably more of a liberal when it comes to some aspects of social policy.

For example, many argue that his behaviour during his much vaunted 'public debate' about the future shape of marriage - which turned out to be a limited, internal debate - demonstrated his liberal credentials.

Arguably, David Cameron made a tactical error by not appearing last night. As soon as his spot was declared empty he was made to look like someone with something to hide. He achieved a minus score without even opening his mouth.

Whenever other leaders ran out of something constructive to say, they could at once turn their attention to the Tory leader and how he had not bothered to arrive for the 'job interview'.

In the process, he ceded the role of potential national statesman to the only other major party leader on show, Ed Miliband. The Labour leader may not have won the overall debate - or, more properly, discussion - but by just turning up he was allowed to attempt the statesmanlike stance.

What thinking viewer could have wanted a winner on that score who has emerged victorious only by default? Especially if that winner just doesn't seem to have what it takes to look the stateman? Mr Miliband struggles to throw off his policy-geek image and perhaps always will.

Why Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, chose not to turn up to last night's debate is anybody's guess.

One can only surmise that his motive was damage limitation. Perhaps his team felt that, as their party's poll ratings are in the proverbial toilet, nobody this year was going to admit that they 'agree with Nick' and it was best to avoid attacks.

These defensive tactics are hardly a good sign for the nation. Apparently, a party aiming to hold the balance of power is afraid of engaging in battle with others who seek the same important role.