A debate worth watching

The CBC-McGill mayoral debate was by far the most dynamic and engaging of the all the face-offs in this campaign.

After a few flat performances earlier in the campaign season, candidate Marcel Ct finally showed up to Tuesday's debate.He was able to stay on message,highlighting what Montreal needs more than anythinga manager like him.

But he didn't escape the debate unscathed. Both Denis Coderre and Richard Bergeroncriticized Ctfor his alliance with former Parti Qubcoisminister Louise Harel.

Earlier this week, Harelsaid she would like to create a new position on the city's executive committee to promote the French language.But her ideaisn'tgoing over well with Montreal's English-speaking community, and Coderre and Bergeron were quick to point that out.

MlanieJolyalso came out strong, despitelast week's controversysurroundingformer candidate Bibiane Bovet.Joly stuck to her stand as the real alternative to old parties with old habits which will lead to old problems.

Richard Bergeron was even more blunt than usual in Tuesday's debate as heattackedCt and Coderre.

At one pointBergeron insinuated that Ct's teammatesMarvin Rotrandthe majority leader at city hall and Bernard Blanchet the head of the Union Montral caucus turned a blind eye to corruption while they were in office. Rotrandwill no doubtfight back in the coming days.

In the end, the surprise of the evening was Coderre.

The front-runner appeared off his game and didnot look at the camera during his opening remarks a big mistake in TV land. Coderre'sbest moments came when he attacked the PQgovernment's proposed charter of Quebec values.

Considering that Coderreseems to be so far ahead in the polls, his weak performance may not be as big a problem as it could have been.

You may be tired of debates by now. But this one is worth your time. Plus it's in English.

• Watch the debate here