Proposed TV debates between Premier Pamela Gordon and Opposition leader Jennifer Smith appear to be bogged down in a row over the formats.

The news came after Premier Pamela Gordon on Thursday issued a 24-hour deadline in an on-going stand-off over the debates.

And her letter to Jennifer Smith names Monday as the date for the first debate, to include National Liberal Party leader Charles Jeffers -- in a studio format with no audience.

But it now looks increasingly unlikely that the debates will go ahead -- in any form.

Ms Gordon said yesterday: "The PLP...has yet to agree to any debate that is in a setting appropriate to the highest office of Bermuda.

"The PLP continue to insist that one debate be held in a rally-like environment which would severely reduce the opportunity for the people of Bermuda to soberly reflect on the importance of the decision that they will make on November 9.

"In addition, their proposed rally format would sharply reduce the number of questions that can be addressed in a one-hour televised debate.'' But Ms Gordon held the door open for a solution to the deadlock when she said she had asked UBP campaign committee chairman Mike Winfield to meet his opposite number Calvin Smith on Monday.

And she added: "I invited the PLP to debate because I wanted the Bermudian people -- all of the people -- to have the opportunity to listen and compare the plans and the leadership of the political parties of Bermuda.

"I'm determined that this debate be in a format which gives the people of Bermuda that opportunity. They deserve no less.'' But Ms Smith hit back in a letter written to the Premier yesterday, pointing out that she had agreed to one debate in the UBP format and another involving public participation.

Ms Smith wrote: "I see it as fundamental that political debates are indeed the business of the people, as is all political activity, without exception.'' And she asked Ms Gordon if she was "afraid'' to face a debate involving the Bermudian people.

Ms Smith added: "I continue to look forward to debate you in any format, anywhere, at any time, any number of times, with only one caveat, that the people be part of the action.'' And Mr. Smith, in a letter to Mr. Winfield, said the PLP would debate -- but "not on the unilateral basis'' proposed.

Mr. Smith also asked Mr. Winfield to get together with him and "put this thing together.'' Ms Gordon challenged Ms Smith to a debate almost four months ago. But the two parties almost immediately clashed over the format.

Ms Smith -- after agreeing to the challenge and asking for another debate -- later insisted no debate would be held without the General Election date being announced.

The PLP insistence at one point on a two-hour programme, however, was illegal under tough broadcasting regulations which come into force when a General Election is called.

Last night Mr. Jeffers -- who also must be included in a TV debate under broadcasting rules -- backed Ms Gordon's line.

He said: "There would be just too much emotion, too much heckling, with an audience.

"You have to decide what is going to be the best format for the majority of the people. We only have one hour and I don't think things should get buried under emotion.'' Mr. Jeffers added he would be willing to take part -- but questioned the effectiveness of TV clashes.

He said: "There is no substitute for meeting people face-to-face where you can communicate with them. I would also have preferred it if these TV debates had been held much earlier.'' But Mr. Jeffers said of the two leaders: "I think they are both posturing -- it's like neither of them want to be the one to blink first.

"It's ironic, but because of the debate about the debate, we might not have a debate.''