Underwhelming. That's how Brandon University Associate Professor of Political Science Kelly Saunders describes last night's provincial leaders' debate in Winnipeg. It was the only televised debate of the provincial election, and Saunders says the 50 minute time period was far too short, and no real "knockout blows" were thrown by any of the party leaders.

"There wasn't enough time --the debate was only 50 minutes-- to really get into any good, substantial issues. Although you don't necessarily see that in a debate, usually leaders default to talking points, so from that perspective it was a little underwhelming. It was also a little underwhelming in the sense there were no really good knock out punches, which is always something you look for in a leaders' debate."

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari, Green Party Leader James Beddome, and the NDP's Greg Selinger all directed their questions and comments to Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister. Saunders says despite any real debate-ending comments, it was interesting to watch the dynamic of those vying to be the next leader of the province.

"Certainly I think Pallister did better, only because he was able to deflect some of the body-blows the other leaders tried to launch against him. Certainly I thought Selinger had a couple of good points, he particularly tried to stick it to Pallister with the 'Are you going to privatize health care, yes or no?' That was a good line for him to try and corner Pallister, and he didn't get a definitive answer on that."

Despite trading some barbs with Pallister, Saunders says Selinger should have been more aggressive in his approach. While all candidates directed their comments toward Pallister, She says one candidate should have focused more on the NDP Leader.

"Bokhari was also a little underwhelming as well. I thought she needed to, quite frankly, go after Selinger more. That is her main competition in the sense of wanting to present herself as a good contender to be a leader of the opposition, presuming that the polls are going to hold."

While it's the province's fourth party, Saunders says the Green Party Leader may have had the best performance last night. Beddome took many opportunities to discuss Green policies that have come into effect under other governments, noting they're willing to work with which ever party is elected.

"I thought he had a very practical and reasonable kind of approach to it. Basically saying 'Look, there's not a likelihood of a Green Government party being formed on the 19th, it's extremely unlikely.', but what he wanted to do was open the possibility to Manitobans that the Green Party could be a viable voting alternative."

Portage residents will get to see their own candidates square off on Thursday, when the Portage Friendship Centre and Manitoba Metis Federation holds a debate at Eagles Fire Youth Centre, beginning at 6:30.

Voters go to the polls April 19th.