Still No Sign of Jack

Observers of politics in Scotland will have noticed that in the run up to this year’s elections there has been no head-to-head debate between the two candidates for First Minister – Alex Salmond and Jack McConnell. Alex has called for one and Jack has yet to turn-up. We’re not sure whether this is because he’s ducking them himself or the like of Douglas Alexander won’t let him.

In recent weeks there were opportunities (Channel 4 News, the Today Programme, the Newsnight special…) for such a head-to-head but Labour have failed to put McConnell up. Apparently a Salmond/ McConnell debate, organised by the Edinburgh chamber of Commerce, was due for yesterday but, again, Labour refused to put Mr McConnell up. Instead they nominated Wendy Alexander but at too late a stage for the debate to be organised. The Chamber of Commerce had to cancel the EICC booking.

The Chamber suggested they re-scheduled for the 1st of March. Labour refused to put up McConnell. So the ECC debate on the 1st of March will be between SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon and backbench Labour MSP Wendy Alexander.

With 90 days to go until the polls isn’t it about time we heard form the leader of the Scottish Labour party?