Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons is willing to debate Premier Jennifer Smith on national television whenever party fixers can agree a schedule.

Ruling party spokesman Walter Roban declined to respond on behalf of the Premier saying the United Bermuda Party will get a response if they make an official direct challenge to the Premier.

"I have nothing to say on this matter unless we get something official from them making such a statement," said Mr. Roban.

Dr. Gibbons was asked whether he would be willing to debate the Premier after a press conference in which he confirmed that Rev. Leonard Santucci, Erwin Adderley and Jamahl Simmons as the candidates for the Pembroke constituencies 17, 18 and 19 (Pembroke Central, Pembroke West Central and Pembroke West respectively).

"Yes I would," he said without hesitation. Asked if he would debate his opponent next week, he said: "That's something that would need to be sorted out. I'm certainly ready to debate the Premier."

The candidates stressed that community policing, affordable housing and health care needs of seniors as their pressing concerns. Dr. Gibbons would not confirm that retired dance teacher Louise Jackson had been selected the candidate for Pembroke South West, one of the two districts in the parish considered safe for the United Bermuda Party (UBP). But he did acknowledge that she would be running in Pembroke.

Rev Santucci would likely be running against ruling party backbencher Wayne Perinchief, who with Neletha Butterfield is an incumbent of the old Pembroke West Central, while Mr. Adderley will go up against Neletha Butterfield.

Calvin Smith is believed to have a strong interest in fighting for Pembroke West against Mr. Simmons. Mr. Simmons joined Mr. Adderley in representing the now defunct Pembroke West in a by-election last year. There are no indications yet as to who the PLP will field in Pembroke South West.