ALEX Salmond has snubbed calls for a head-to-head debate with Alistair Darling, the leader of the pro-UK Better Together campaign.
Mr Darling challenged the First Minister to debate Scotland's future after the SNP Government publishes its detailed plans for independence in a white paper in November.
But the First Minister said he expected to debate the issues with David Cameron – and accused Mr Darling of acting as a "human shield" for the PM.
Former Labour chancellor Mr Darling threw down the gauntlet in a speech to councillors and local authority officials.
He told the Cosla conference in St Andrews: "We can start 2014 with a real debate on real detail. When he publishes his plans, I will be ready to debate that detail with Alex Salmond, every day from publication to the day we decide our future.
"In town halls, in community centres or on television, I will present our vision for a stronger Scotland and will argue our case that we can have the best of both worlds, that we are stronger when we work together."
The former Labour chancellor used his speech to attack the SNP's plans as "second best".
He also dismissed the Nationalists' proposal for a currency union with the UK.
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