All the three party leaders have agreed to hold a televised debate. But now they are arguing over the form it should take.

Gordon Brown has proposed up to six debates while the Liberal Democrats are demanding three three-way debates.

Mr Cameron has proposed the most slimline option, involving one debate with all three leaders. But Mr Brown has told broadcasters he wants at least six. He and Mr Cameron would go head to head in one, Mr Brown would face Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, in another while Mr Cameron would face Mr Clegg in a third. Then there would be three more debates between Mr Brown and Mr Cameron focused on a different issue each time, such as the economy. (The Telegraph)

Holding debates without all three party leaders is absurd. Even though Nick Clegg has no chance at all of being Prime Minister, he has the right to put his case to the people.

And having just one debate isn’t enough. There should be a number of debates arranged by topic and involve either the leaders or candidates for Cabinet positions – though this must be decided prior to the debates. But whether it is the politicians or broadcasters who decide this depends on how long the politicians take…

If any party does not attend the debates, they should be empty-chaired. Political manoevuring must not be allowed to rob us of a chance to know what our politicians actually plan to do.