Despite the less-than-ideal weather, I actually got some joy with the picket lines! The PCS (Public and Commercial Services Union) were outside the Job Centre and Inland Revenue in St Helens this morning since half seven, so I had a chance to interview them before they made the pilgrimage to Liverpool, like local NUT members, to attend a regional rally.

( Opinions amongst the PCS members I spoke to were just the same. )

I've just watched the first televised leaders' debate on Sky Anytime, having missed the opportunity when it broadcast live. I was late to it, as usual, but even though I'd already seen the highlights and seen the popularity poll results, I wanted to see for myself what was said.

I can't believe the UK hasn't done televised debates before! Prior to this, I wasn't sure who'd get my vote, providing I was of legal age to participate. I held the general view that all politicians were tossers who were out to screw us over. But while I am still sceptical about their overall honesty, I'm starting to get a good vibe about one candidate in particular.

( But first, back to the subject of televised debates being a good thing... )