More than 10 million people watched Thursday’s live debate, a first in Britain and a defining moment in the campaign ahead of election on May 6. Clegg was judged the winner in several instant polls. “Nick Clegg broke the duopoly in British politics with a strong performance,” the Independent said.
Many said the debate had ushered in a new era of three-party national politics — and a new challenge for the fresh-faced Clegg. “Now that we’ve made this a three-horse race, they’re going to be coming for us. We’ve got to be ready for it,” said Paddy Ashdown, a former Liberal Democrat leader.
(Published 16 April 2010, 18:21 IST)