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The Herald's chief reporter Sam Blackledge gives his thoughts on Theresa May's visit to Plymouth with just over a week to go until the general election

Before 8.30am today, I had never interviewed a Prime Minister.

Heading back to the office to transcribe my encounter with Theresa May at Plymouth's fish market, I couldn't be certain that had changed.

To start with, it was quite an exciting experience. We got the call late on Tuesday night, and the visit was kept totally secret until her arrival.

We waited in the drizzle as she chatted with fishermen and nodded earnestly at nets and buckets, leopard print heels click-clacking on the harbour floor.

Tired-looking campaign managers hurried back and forth, mulling over our request for a filmed interview which had been denied on her previous visit.

Then suddenly we were on. I had a list of four questions, all on local issues, carefully prepared with the help of my newsroom colleagues.

Two visits in six weeks to one of the country's most marginal constituencies – is she getting worried?

"I'm very clear that this is a crucial election for this country."

Plymouth is feeling the effects of military cuts. Will she guarantee to protect the city from further pain?

"I'm very clear that Plymouth has a proud record of connection with the armed forces."

How will your Brexit plan make Plymouth better off?

"I think there is a better future ahead for Plymouth and for the whole of the UK."

Will you promise to sort out our transport links?

"I'm very clear that connectivity is hugely important for Plymouth and the South West generally."

I was pleased to have secured the interview and happy to have squeezed all my points in.

But no sooner had the ministerial car pulled away from Sutton Harbour than I began to feel a bit deflated.

If the ultimate job of a journalist is to get answers, I had failed. Should I have stopped her and demanded she be more specific? Could I have gone full angry Paxman, or brought the interview to an abrupt close in protest?

Back at the office, we scratched our heads and wondered what the top line was.

She had and given me absolutely nothing. It was like a postmodern version of Radio 4's Just A Minute.

I pictured Nicholas Parsons in the chair: "The next topic is how Plymouth will be affected by Brexit, military cuts and transport meltdown. Theresa, you have three minutes to talk without clarity, candour or transparency. Your time starts now."