Others have written more eloquently than me on the pre-election debates, and on which leaders should attend which debates. I won't rehash that here*. I just had one thought to add.
Last time round there were three debates, and each debate focused on a different topic. The first one covered domestic affairs, the next international affairs, and the last the economy. And it worked. It made no sense to jump around from topic to topic. Leaders managed to develop coherent arguments about their plans in each area. I hope this approach will continue next year - certainly, I've seen this suggestion in the media.
Only this time round the proposal also seems to be to invite different leaders to different debates. If UKIP is only going to be invited to one debate, which debate will that be? Immigration will presumably be covered by domestic affairs, whilst the EU will be discussed under international affairs. And where would the Lib Dems be represented? I'd be quite annoyed (an understatement) if, in addition to being left out of a debate, we're not even given the chance to talk about a particular policy area!
Besides, who makes the decision? Who decides that the British public don't deserve to hear the Lib Dem voice on home affairs, for example!
There are many flaws with the current debate proposals. But, if you are going to talk about different issues in different debates, you have to invite every national party leader to every debate.
*for the record, I don't see how the British public are served by not hearing the voice of a party that has been in government for the last five years. Also, if the debates are in the campaign proper, I don't see how it is legal for the broadcasters to exclude the Liberal Democrats.
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