PoliticsScottish referendumAlistair Darlingthe Scottish referendum

5 Things Alex Salmond Should Ask Alistair Darling In Tonight's Debate

5 Questions Salmond Should Ask Darling In Tonight's Debate
Asa Bennett
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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling speaks during the Labour party's first press conference of the election campaign in Westminster on April 8, 2010 in London, England. Prime Minister Gordon Brown was joined by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling to deconstruct the Conservatives' economic plans which they described as having 'the strength of a house of cards'. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Oli Scarff via Getty Images

Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling will clash tonight over Scottish independence for a two-hour lived televised debate on the Scottish STV channel.

Some are billing it as the most important TV debate in British history, due to the union being at stake, as the pair argue over whether Scotland would be better off as an independent nation or remaining part of the United Kingdom.

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Salmond is widely expected to triumph tonight due to his populist rhetorical style and extensive debating experience. But he will have to ensure he does not get the carpet pulled out from beneath him by his softly spoken rival.

As we look forward to the debate, here are five questions Salmond could put to Darling that could expose the pro-unionist argument live on Scottish television.

5 Questions Salmond Should Ask Darling In Tonight's STV Debate
Cameron agrees that Scotland can be a "successful, independent country", so why are you doing us down?(01 of05)
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David Cameron said in 2007 that "it would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another such successful, independent country".He added: “Supporters of independence will always be able to cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies across Europe such as Finland, Switzerland and Norway". (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Archive)
Why won't you admit you're making empty threats about sharing the pound?(02 of05)
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An unnamed government minister told the Guardian that "of course there would be a currency union" if Scotland breaks away. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Agreement, signed by David Cameron and Salmond in 2012, states: "The two governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom." (credit:Gordon Terris/The Herald/PA Archive)
Why should Scottish voters be represented by governments they haven't voted for? (03 of05)
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Scotland's voters have tended to vote more for Labour or for the SNP, even though the Conservatives have regularly governed the UK over the last few decades. Despite this, Alistair Darling insists "if you don’t like the Tory-Liberal government at the moment, there’s a general election happening next year and, you know, you can vote them out.” (credit:Wings Over Scotland)
Aren't you just scaremongering about Scotland's oil reserves running out?(04 of05)
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Environment secretary Ed Davey recently said the UK should stay together as it can better manage the North Sea oil resserves, which "will remain an integral part of the mix for many decades to come". (credit:Colin Rennie/Aberdeen Press and/PA Archive)
Why should we trust you Alistair, the man at the helm when our economy fell off a cliff? (05 of05)
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Alistair Darling was part of the UK government from 1997 and took over as chancellor from 2007, just as the financial crash hit Britain. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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