The behaviour of David Cameron and President Sarkozy in Libya yesterday was embarrassing.

It seems that our increasing obsession with all things American has resulted in our politicians being infected by ‘trans-Atlantic tourette’s syndrome’ - tendency of premature and uncontrolled celebration (for example the George Bush claim of victory in Iraq).

I still believe that traditional British understatement wins whatever the victory.

The TV debate was a pleasant change from the usual electioneering for several reasons. For the very first time viewers were able to make a direct comparison between the three party leaders, there was a reasonably sensible debate without too much mud-slinging and there wasn’t a political wife in sight!

I believe that the wives are a deliberate PR ploy to distract voters away from a weakness on the part of the party leader. The decision (so far) to keep Mrs Clegg out of the limelight demonstrates a welcome ‘honesty’ in politics and I believe enhances further her husband’s growing reputation and stature.

Who were the winners and losers in the debate?

Cameron had the most to lose, and I think he did while Brown had nothing to lose and came out of the debate intact. Which leaves Clegg who I believe won by default rather than by design. Next week’s debate will be much more interesting because this time it will be Clegg who will have the most to lose.

So the three leaders of the main political parties in the UK stood up in front of national scrutiny on TV last night, giving us an unprecedented opportunity to see them ‘up close and personal’ for a full hour and a half (if you could bear it!). Working on the principle that ‘people buy from people’, to me this was a fascinating insight into who might become this nation’s representative on the world stage. But who actually cut the mustard?

Brown: Anticipating a stiff, turgid performance I was actually (I won’t say pleasantly) surprised. Reasonably energetic and more confident than I expected; though I didn’t like much of what he said, he actually said it quite well. The curious way of dropping his jaw every few words as he speaks (uggh!), the famous grimacing smile, and the odd choice of tie (why pink??) were definite black marks.

Cameron: I would agree with the general consensus, didn’t come across as well as he could have, and should have. His stories of meeting ‘Phil in Hull’ and ‘Brenda in Crosby’ were very tiresome; I get bored of politicians attempting to show an understanding of ‘normal’ people, they couldn’t be further removed if they tried. Most disturbing for me though about our ‘Dave’ was how chubby he looked – I think he needs to get on that bike more often.

Clegg: Now I know what he actually looks like! Compared to the other two, he scrubs up pretty well for a politician so was always going to come off better than simpering Gordon and baby-face Dave. So he won in the style stakes, but I’m not sure if I agree with the opinion polls that he won the debate. Could you really picture him as Prime Minister? I’m not sure I see it myself, but then again, image is only part of the bigger picture.