2 Aug 2011

Goff willing to debate with PM 'anywhere, anytime'

6:40 pm on 2 August 2011

The Labour Party leader is willing to debate the Prime Minister anywhere, anytime during the election campaign but John Key says he will only appear in four debates.

Mr Key has again refused to do televised debates with minor party leaders during the election campaign.

The Prime Minister makes no apologies for his approach to the campaign debates.

He will debate with Labour leader Phil Goff on TV One and TV 3 and on another occasion in Christchurch, but has turned down a number of other invitations.

Mr Key has also turned down requests from the two main TV channels to participate in debates with other minor party leaders.

Mr Goff says he would appear in an all party leaders debate if the Prime Minister did.

His office says no deal has been made with Mr Key not to appear in those debates.

But Green Party leader Russel Norman says Mr Goff should turn up anyway rather than being dictated to by Mr Key.

The general election will be held on 26 November.