OBA pushes for a TV debate

FRIDAY, FEB. 3: Opposition leader Craig Cannonier yesterday challenged the Premier to a TV debate on the future of Bermuda.

The PLP responded by intimating that if it were to happen, it would not be until after a General Election date is set.

Mr Cannonier said he would welcome a debate after Government recently dismissed a bid by Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards to take on Premier Paula Cox, who is also Finance Minister, in a TV debate on the economy. The PLP said the OBA’s leader should be the one to debate.

 “Not one of our MPs would shy away from a debate on the state of this country,” Mr Cannonier said: “For a leader-to-leader debate, it would definitely have to be about the best way forward for this country — I’d be willing to debate that with the Premier and right on down to her backbenches.”

“The OBA is concerned about how to protect the future of Bermuda – the PLP have to be willing to stand on their record and the OBA will stand as the party of the future.”

Last night, the PLP did not rule out a TV head-to-head between the leaders of the two parties. A spokesman for Ms Cox said: “At this time the Premier’s focus is on the Budget. Mr. Richards, Craig Cannonier and others will have plenty of opportunity on the floor of the House of Assembly to debate the issues of the day.

“Once an election date is set, we can discuss how best to give the people of Bermuda the information they need to determine which party is best positioned and prepared to govern this country.”