Leader’s debate axed
In a repeat of 2004, the Demos pull the plug on a Leader’s debate
The Chamber of Commerce confirmed on Friday afternoon that the proposed Leader’s debate which they had been trying to organize has had to be cancelled.
As happened prior to the 2004 general election, the Democratic Party declined to front up. The Chamber would not elaborate as to the reason. In 2004, it was the Cook Islands Party that had tried in vain to instigate a leader’s debate live on television.
The purpose of the 2006 debate was so the leader of each of the two main political parties could articulate their manifestos through questions and answers live on television.
While the Cook Islands Party (CIP) was eager to proceed, the Demos decline of the invitation was most disappointing according to a Chamber spokesperson. CIP Leader Henry Puna had earlier indicated he did not mind debating with both Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai or Deputy Prime Minister Hon Dr Maoate if the Demos had still not sorted out the matter of who was the Democratic Party leader. Puna also indicated he would take both on at once if need be.
The Chamber of Commerce had earlier criticized the Democratic Party Manifesto as lacking direction and being a shopping list. At the time, the Chamber did not have a copy of the CIP Policy Document so could not make any comment as regards the CIP.
With the prospect of a leader’s debate now shot to bits by the Demos reluctance to take part, the Chamber now proposes to draw up and submit to each political party, a list of questions. The answers will be circulated to Chamber members.
In declining to appear, the Demos may have caused more uncertainty over the leadership issue. It is the same issue that arose in 2004 when both Dr Robert Woonton and Dr Maoate were at loggerheads over who should be leader of the Democratic Party.

-Charles Pitt

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