AMEASURE OF BALANCE (NOT)

The SNP and Plaid Cymru are absolutely right to appeal against the decision by the BBC not to include their leaders in a televised UK general election debate. Alex Salmond and Ieuan Wyn Jones have written to the BBC Trust to request an oral hearing to appeal against the BBC executive's decision.

The pair are understandably angry their parties will not be represented in three debates to be televised on the BBC, ITV and Sky. While the BBC somewhat self righteously argues it has clearly set out how impartiality will be achieved, one wonder how a measure of balance and impartiality will be achieved and maintained if the Plaid and SNP leaders in Westminster are conspicuous by their absence.