Debating was risky for Weathrill

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall and Premier Jay Weatherill faced each other in a leadership debate. Picture: Dean Martin Source: adelaidenow

DEBATING the Opposition Leader a year out from the next election was an incredibly risky move for Premier Jay Weatherill.

In contrast, all Liberal Leader Steven Marshall had to do was show up and not stuff up for it all to be worthwhile.

The end result, the consensus has it, appeared to be a narrow win to Mr Marshall. Neither man made a major gaffe - but then neither blew the other away.

A first-term MP and Leader for a little shy of six weeks, Mr Marshall gained confidence as he  used the Government's record and dismal Budget figures against Mr Weatherill.

However, the Premier was disciplined and on message.

He returned time and again to his four-point plan to take the economy forward. When Mr Weatherill released his blueprint earlier yesterday it didn't appear to offer much that was new, but it gained gravitas against a lack of real detail from Mr Marshall.

The Premier was fiery early, showing plenty of conviction.

However, he was not nearly as well-received as the fresh, energetic and relatable Opposition Leader in a room mostly full of  business people.

And in the eyes of the public, Mr Marshall won the contest convincingly - attracting about 80 per cent of votes in a poll of AdelaideNow readers.

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