Bruising battle between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling in independence TV debate

Alistair Darling won the first independence TV debate after a bruising exchange with Alex Salmond.

In a snap poll by ICM for The Guardian newspaper 56% of people said the Better Together leader came out on top, with 44% backing the First Minister.

Neither debater set out a clear vision for Scotland. The difference was in the preparation for the hour and a half live showdown in front of 350 voters.

The SNP leader’s weakest moments came as he refused to answer the ex-Labour Chancellor’s currency questions.

On five occasions Mr Salmond was asked for his plan B if a monetary union is refused and he was finally booed for being evasive.

Mr Darling came under attack for his campaign’s “Project Fear” but the more ridiculous examples cited by the First Minister failed to win over undecided voters.

A Better Together spokesman said: “Alistair won because of his forensic questioning on currency. Salmond lost because he couldn’t answer any of the questions.”

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: “It’s a six-week campaign and we will turn around the polls and make sure we get a Yes majority on September 18.”

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