NICOLA Sturgeon has denied that she was “fed lines” through her new Apple watch during last night’s TV debate.
The First Minister has acquired the new hi-tech timepiece – which allows the user to access emails and text messages – ahead of the Holyrood election campaign.
She was spotted wearing it while playing pool during a campaign stop at a community centre in Wishaw earlier this week, and was also seen looking at the watch as she took on opposition party leaders live on STV.
However, she responded to questions over whether she had used the watch to gain an advantage by pointing out that there was no reception in the studio. It means the device would have been unable to receive messages or advice from any associates or SNP strategists.
On her Twitter account, she shut down the speculation, writing: “It had no reception in studio – was merely for timekeeping!”
@KennyFarq yes and no. It had no reception in studio - was merely for timekeeping!
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) 29 March 2016
She is not the first politician to have denied receiving outside coaching during TV showdowns with political opponents.
In 2004, George W Bush faced accusations that he had been ‘wired’ in to receive advice from strategists after a mysterious bulge, which some speculated was a radio receiver, was spotted on his back during a face-off with Democratic hopeful John Kerry.
Accusations that the President was receiving outside help mounted when he took pauses for no obvious reason before continuing with his answers.
President Bush’s campaign dismissed the claims as “preposterous”.
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