The good and bad sides of debates

IS the debate season upon us? When a major issue of the day erupts into a series of accusations and counter-accusations, it is not unusual for one key player in the squabble to challenge another to a debate. It is an opportunity to win over fence-sitters and to even persuade some of the rest to see things differently.

But lately, there seems to be more talk about holding debates to address hot topics and hotly disputed matters. In particular, politicians from both sides of the divide are increasingly ready to go head to head in front of an audience, but willingly or otherwise, a few other public figures are part of this clamour for debate too.