Comment: Let's hear the debates

Nick Clegg's performance in the leaders' debates reminds us that we live in a world where style and communication is king. Like it or loath it the effectiveness of a message's delivery, its style and tone, often carries more weight than the meat of the message itself. Most people's reality is what they hear, see or read in a newspaper or magazine. In politics that means an acceptable 'face' delivering the spin doctors' line and staying on message.

Yesterday saw the official launch of the new confederated working arrangements and naming ceremony of a clutch of associations. Together they represent dispensing opticians, optometrists, the multiples and the manufacturers of frames, lenses and contact lenses.