Chancellors scrap over ‘millionaire buddies', banks and long-term care

Alistair Darling, George Osborne and Vince Cable have kicked off the election campaign with a live televised debate on the economy which saw them trading blows on issues including the national debt, financial services regulation and long term care.

Liberal Democrat shadow chancellor Vince Cable appeared to win over the studio audience and received the biggest cheer of the night when he accused the Tories of wanting another shot in Government to 2reward their rich backers". He also added some much needed colour to the debate by saying the country must be prepared to tax the most wealthy and should not be held hostage by "pink-striped Scargills" threatening to leave the country. Support by the audience for Chancellor Darling and the Shadow Chancellor appeared more muted but there were nods of agreement from the audience when Osbor...