Talking heads, but who’s the winner?

A TOTAL of 15 million viewers turned in to watch the UK’s first ever televised leaders debates in the run up to the General Election. And Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg came out as winner, with his performance getting the biggest thumbs-up in the polls But what do Oldham shoppers think about the head-to-heads? Reporter Karen Doherty headed to Tommyfield Market to find out ahead of tomorrow’s third and final debate.
Former undecided voter Christine Winn has been wowed by the Clegg factor.

The 61-year-old, from Rochdale, watched the first debate and said: “I was only going to watch the first 20 minutes, but I watched the whole thing and I found it quite interesting. Some of the questions were quite good.

“I did think Nick Clegg came over the best, he just seemed as though he was there talking to you and talking sense. David Cameron looked as though he was in pain half the time.”

Sara Wilson (37), from Stalybridge, also watched the first debate on ITV and said: “I work in marketing so I was watching how they reacted to each other and how they interacted with the camera.

“I thought Gordon Brown would have been better because he is the Prime Minister. Clegg came across the best because he was so confident and people believe that.”

She believes that it brought the leaders’ personalities to the forefront of the election campaign and added: “It is whether you like them as individuals. If they are shy, can you believe in them as a Prime Minister to talk to foreign dignitaries when they can’t talk to the people?

“Obama showed that in the States. He came across as the most charismatic individual.”

Karl Sweetman (50), from Saddleworth, was impressed with the Tory leader and explained: “I think David Cameron speaks well. He talks from the heart as a normal person. I am not 100 per cent decided who I will vote for and I will probably watch the last debate to see if anyone sways me.”

Lifelong Labour voter Fay Mills (64), from Oldham, is also undecided after watching both debates — but joked that she was open to suggestions.

“Nick Clegg came across as more approachable. David Cameron’s a little bit smooth and Gordon Brown did not get the people on his side.

“I am looking forward to the next one because that will be crunch time. They need to stop bickering and tell us exactly what they are going to give us.

“They are just talk talk, going back over things they have already done. Look forward, not back.”

Antony Kurkiewicz (50), from Royton, was disappointed at David Cameron’s comments about teachers’ pay.

He is now reconsidering whether to vote Tory as his wife works in a school and said: “Some of the points of view were OK, but it has left me in the position where I do not know who to vote for. The format of the debates disappointed Frank Wroe from Moorside who was shopping with wife Jean.

He said: “They know beforehand what they are going to be asked so they can prepare their answers. It’s all managed.

“They should just get up there and answer the questions to the best of their knowledge. You would get a better show and a better insight into each person.”

But 28-year-old Craig Reed, from Hollinwood, is typical of many disillusioned people who did not watch the debates. “They are all the same.

“They all promise this, that and the other and they all just fall back on their word,” he said. “It’s not that I am not interested in politics, it’s just rubbish they are all saying.” 

Catch up with the candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/