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Last Updated: Friday, 29 April 2005, 20:14 GMT 21:14 UK
UK voters' panel: John Devenney

MEET THE PANEL
John Devenney
Name: John Devenney
Age: 39
Lives: Norwich
Works: Nurse
Current voting intention: Liberal Democrats
In 10 words or less:
"Analytical, caring, disappointed with Labour, patriotic, hard working, fair, honest"

Michael Howard should give up now.

It is impossible to forget that he was a senior figure in an absolutely terrible Tory government.

On Leaders' Question Time, he trotted out his typical responses using his usual scaremongering approach.

One example of this was on the issue of immigration, which I'll bet he wishes he hadn't turned into such a big issue.

He comes across as increasingly desperate, willing to say almost anything to get a vote.

It simply isn't possible to imagine him winning following such a thoroughly negative and distasteful campaign.

Tony Blair did not look comfortable.

The slightly haggard look and the visible perspiration on his forehead suggested that perhaps he is tired of the whole thing.

VOTERS' PANEL
He looked decidedly uncomfortable when the issue of trust was raised.

The slickness and "I'm just a regular kind of guy" image is slipping rapidly.

It may sound daft to say it, but I now find Blair quite difficult and uncomfortable to watch.

He comes across now as a dodgy salesman type of character, and it is not possible for me to believe a word he says.

Charles Kennedy won for me tonight, not because he gave a particularly spectacular performance, but he was steady and unflappable and I felt he won the high ground on honesty over Iraq and taxation issues.

He actually sold his policies quite well (for once), and his policies are quite distinctive and do set the Lib Dems apart from the other two main parties.

He is starting to look like a statesman, although he has some way to go yet.


Your comments:

While I won't be voting Lib Dem I was very impressed by Charles Kennedy's performance on Question Time. I totally disagree with the idea that the reason he was cheered was that he was simply pandering to the wants of the electorate. Is it not more likely that he was cheered for the simple fact that he was the only one of the three that presented a genuine argument and didn't try to avoid awkward questions?
Carys Morgan, Cardiff

Whilst it may seem that Charles Kennedy is telling us what we want to hear, I would rather hear this than the unpromising and frankly off-putting performances from the other party leaders.
Adam Willington, Dorridge, United Kingdom

Charles Kennedy got the most emphatic applause and rightly so! Head and shoulders above the Tory and Labour leaders!
Christopher Wheatley, London

Dead right John! Until this, I was probably going to vote Tory because I thought Kennedy was too weak and vague. How wrong I was - he came across as honest and robust, putting the other two to shame. He got cheered because he is convincing people! He's won my vote (and those of several of my colleagues) in a Lib Dem/Tory marginal.
Andy Fisher, York, UK

I agree about Howard. I can't get out of my head the memory of him in a failing government of the past. Tony Blair actually seemed tired. Tired of 10 Iraq questions, (Mr Dimbleby should have stopped after the first three), and tired of the process of winning over the large minority that now don't like him. I thought he actually stood his ground well. Charles Kennedy - I think he came out better than he went in. He seemed competant, hard working and on top of the issues. I simply don't think he expects to win power.
David, London, UK

After Question Time I can see no reason for the British public not to vote Lib Dem. It's clear we are fed up with Labour, and the Conservatives are no real alternative.
Gary Adams, Ipswich

Watching Charles Kennedy last night, I couldn't help but feel he was just telling us what we wanted to hear. How many times do politicians get cheered? It's just not genuine.
Michael Worth, Leeds





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