http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/in-depth/sa-state-election-debate-on-channel-10-to-be-held-in-peak-hour-traffic/story-fn2sdwup-1225836438455PREMIER Mike Rann has challenged Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond to a second televised debate after emerging this afternoon from filming of the showdown to be aired tonight. The Premier last week refused to participate in multiple debates, saying "I think there should be one big debate".
Today, he said he was "more than happy to have a second debate".
"I think that it's a good way of allowing the issues to be fleshed out," he said.
"People say that they like debates, they think it's an opportunity for people to get an opportunity to see the two leaders head-to-head.
Mr Rann refused to declare himself the winner of today's debate, saying "that's for the people of South Australia to determine".
"There could not be a bigger difference between Labor and Liberal on law and order," he said.
"Whether it's on health, whether its on the economy and jobs growth or renewable energy, I'm more than happy to have a second crack."
Ms Redmond said she was "quite happy" with her performance today but admitted to being "quite nervous" at the start.
"By the end of it I was feeling pretty good," she said.
AdelaideNow is seeking comment from Ms Redmond on the prospect of a second debate.
As recently as last week, she said she was willing to participate in multiple debates.
"I'd be happy to," she said.
Ms Redmond has previously offered March 10-12 as days on which she is available for debates.
Today's debate was moderated by journalist Hugh Riminton and questions were asked by an expert panel of local journalists - The Advertiser's Greg Kelton, Channel 10's Daniela Ritorto and the ABC's Matthew Abraham.
It will be screened after a shortened news bulletin from 5.30pm tonight.
Flinders University Associate Professor in Politics Haydon Manning has criticised the programming, saying huge numbers of busy voters stuck in traffic or distracted by household chores will miss the screening.
"It's a charade when it goes on at 5.30pm and many will be distracted by cooking their dinner or stepping out of their cars," he said.
"It's profoundly disappointing that something as import as an opportunity for South Australians to see the leaders in debate has been marginalised."
Ten's director of news Grant Heading said the 5pm news bulletin was viewed by about 100,000 people and provided a "captive audience" for the following debate.
The debate will also be replayed at 11.30pm and placed on Channel 10's website.
The pair arrived at Channel 10's studio just before 11.30am to pre-record the debate.
Entering the building, Mr Rann - dressed in a business suit with a red tie - said he believed debates "are important to compare and contrast".
"There are quite different issues being put forward by both parties and one of the critical issues is whether a divided Opposition who get their costings wrong and don't get their homework right, an Opposition on L-plates, can become an government on L-plates," he said.
Ms Redmond - dressed in black dress, blue jacket and heels - said she was "looking forward" to the debate.
"I don't know what the result will be of course but I am hopeful (of winning)," she said.
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 1:45 pm
