Dundee West election candidates went head-to-head in a debate held at Dundee High School.
Jim McGovern (Labour), Colin Stewart (Conservative) John Barnett (Liberal Democrat) and Jim Barrie (SNP) faced senior pupils and staff before the audience voted for their preferred candidate.
In a twist, each candidate had five minutes to present his policies, without the audience being told which party they represent.
After a question and answer session with pupils, where candidates faced questions on topics ranging from health and education to defence and immigration, votes were cast and party allegiances revealed.
This led to an outcome that would surprise many if it were to be replicated in the constituency on May 6 a victory for the Liberal Democrats.
Not only that, but the two candidates expected to be fighting it out for the seat, Mr Barrie and Mr McGovern, were the bottom two.
Lib Dem candidate John Barnett polled 52 votes, followed by Conservative representative Colin Stewart (30 votes), Labour’s Jim McGovern (9) and Jim Barrie of the SNP (4).
The event was organised by teacher Graham Rodger as part of a programme of social and personal education for senior pupils.
He said, “Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to vote for participants in a reality television show than in national or local elections.
“Politicians are increasingly eager to engage with this age group, and encourage greater turnout at the ballot box.
He added, “I hope that the format of the event will help to capture the imagination of senior pupils.
“Some will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the first time on May 6, and the debate should help to ensure that they have the knowledge and understanding of each party to cast their vote confidently.
“We are extremely grateful to our candidates for taking the time to attend this debate, and I hope that they, too, will find it as useful and enjoyable as our pupils and staff.”
John Barnett, whose last debate at the High School came over 35 years ago, said before the session, “I hope to convince them (the pupils) that the Liberal Democrats are their best guarantee for a fair and sustainable future for educational excellence, for radical constitutional reform, and, perhaps most crucially, for the environment.”Precious voteColin Stewart said, “It’s great to see young people taking such an interest in democracy. If I have one thing to say to them it would be, ‘Democracy is precious and important. For those of you who are old enough to vote even if I can’t persuade you to vote Conservative, I’d still prefer you to vote for one of the other candidates than not to vote at all.'”
Jim McGovern said, “Awareness of the political process should be encouraged from an early age, say primary six or seven.
“This should be continued through secondary school and for further or higher education students at college or university.”
Jim Barrie said, “I think it is very important that young people are well informed about political issues, particularly on how they pertain to Scotland.
“Much of the media focus on England and Wales issues during Westminster elections that are not relevant to Scotland, causing confusion.
The candidates will face off against each other again, alongside those vying to be elected in Dundee East, at The Courier’s special hustings event at the Apex Hotel tonight.