TONY Blair this week bottled out of a pre-election TV debate with William Hague and Char-les Kennedy.
The Prime Minister had all to lose from such an event since he is already so far ahead in the polls.
Mr Blair is understood to have wanted to do the debate but his advisers talked him out of it, so it is said.
But Hereford MP Paul Keetch has shown he has no fears of such a showdown. He is keen for a local television debate against his opponents at the General Election, expected in May.
''I would have no problem in having a debate. I would relish it,'' says the Liberal Democrat MP, who had a majority of 6,648 in 1997.
''When the General Election comes there should be a debate between all candidates.''
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article