The great leaders' debate debate

Just got the news through that we might get interviews with all three of the major party leaders at the conferences.

In the past, the Tories and Lib Dems have been happy to be interviewed at conference by regional correspondents, but the PM - whether it be Blair or Brown - has refused to play ball.

That may be another (small) indication that a leaders' debate on TV could finally become a reality come the General Election.

Perhaps Labour realises there's nothing to lose, especially with the polls being so consistently dire.

Some may expect the PM to suffer in a TV debate with Cameron and Clegg, but with low expectations, any overperformance could be seen as a triumph

I have mixed feelings about a TV debate.

The journalist in me is excited. It would be real political theatre, and it could encourage more people to take an interest and vote.

But there's part of me that also feels it'll make our system even more presidential than it already is.

I think one of its strengths is the need for every MP to be elected by their constituents.

Hopefully though, we in the regions can play a part in reminding voters that the election is also about who represents them locally as well as who runs the country.

Let me know what you think.

Anyway, the Conferences are a couple of weeks away yet. (I've still got to break the news to the cats that I'll be away - there'll be hell to pay).

More immediately, the Politics Show is back on air this Sunday. A transport theme is emerging. More to follow.

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