Election 2010 opinion by Westminster Editor John Hipwood

The Breaking News headline screaming from our screens told us the dramatic truth: “The second televised prime ministerial debate has taken place.”

That just about summed it up. It was a bit of a let down, with little serious disagreement between Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg on the big foreign affairs questions facing this country.

On domestic issues, they all agreed that 84-year-old Grace should not have to live on £59 a week state pension, and they all said the link between the retirement pension and average earnings should be restored.

On immigration, an issue proving much bigger on the doorsteps than in recent elections, Mr Clegg was targeted by his opponent for his proposed amnesty for hidden illegals who have been in this country for 10 years.

Mr Cameron’s proposal for a cap on immigration from outside the European Union will have found most favour among viewers, but we have yet to hear how it would work. And Afghanistan the biggest foreign policy problem facing the country?

Well, surprise, surprise, it was difficult to spot much difference between them. And what about Europe? Mr Cameron tried to be different by suggesting that a Conservative administration would repatriate powers from Brussels. We’ve never been given a convincing how.

But did the individuals get angry with each other? Well there was some pretty synthetic argy bargy between the three. Mr Brown was full of charges. He accused Mr Cameron of being anti-European, while Mr Clegg was anti-American. “David, you are risk to the economy. Nick, you are a risk to our security.”

It was over national security that Mr Clegg, inevitably, came under fire from the other two because of his doubts over Trident. After Mr Brown criticised the Liberal Democrat leader, Mr Cameron forced himself to confess: “I never thought I’d utter these words, but I agree with Gordon.”

Mr Cameron tried to remain calm and assured, which for the most part he did, but there were glimpses of anger. He accused the Prime Minister of trying to frighten the elderly over “lies” (a word not often used by political leaders) printed about Tory policies in Labour leaflets.

And what of the individuals? Mr Brown put in a much improved performance.

Mr Cameron was steady enough, but I suspect he hasn’t done enough yet to convince the public that he can provide the refreshed leadership he insists the country needs.

And what about last week’s wonder boy? He will have lost some support over Trident and immigration, but he stood his ground against the attacks.

Nick Clegg is still standing and looking pretty fresh; and there’s only one more debate for the two leaders of the big parties to knock him out. Otherwise, a hung parliament beckons.