The debate between our Chief Executive and Andrey Eu wrapped up with no surprises or climax. As for the original objective of the debate for the Chief Executive, viz., getting his message across to the general public, the exercise fell short.

Instant polling, as indicated on a TV screen, showed that public opinion remained practically unchanged throughout the debate. Even figures showing those who became more pro or against the package were stable, as were data representing those not affected by the debate. Both sides failed to persuade the general public.

As a matter of fact, the debate did not serve any immediate purpose, because nobody would expect the debate to swing any votes in the Legislative Council on the fateful day of June 23, when the election reform package will confront the expected veto by the dissident lawmakers. Even if the Chief Executive should win the debate, this outcome would not affect the voting pattern.

Some pundits have long contended that the debate will have served one and only one purpose: to resuscitate Audrey Eu and her Civic Party from the near-death experience after the sham "referendum". In this, she succeeded, brilliantly. Audrey Eu has now proven her mettle, and was brought back to the limelight by the debate.

But there is much more to it. The debate, together with accountable officials visiting various districts in the territory, is part of the Act Now campaign. The overall objective of this exercise is to demonstrate to Hong Kong citizens the sincerity and determination of the establishment, including the central and SAR governments on moving ahead towards universal suffrage in 2017.

They all seem amateurish and clumsy at times, but they are all out to sell the constitutional reform package for 2012, knowing very well that the chance of its getting passed is very slim.

Again, the point is not putting the blame on the dissidents who gang up to veto the package, but to tell people the second veto is not the end of democratic development in Hong Kong, as we are determined to try it out again in 2017.

The author is a member of the Commission on Strategic Development

(HK Edition 06/18/2010 page1)