Harper, Layton willing to let Green leader debate

'Debating about the debate' a 'distraction': NDP leader The Canadian Press Green Party Leader Elizabeth May accused Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Jack Layton of threatening a boycott were she allowed to take part in the debates. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Jack Layton indicated on Wednesday they no longer oppose Green Leader Elizabeth May's participation in the two federal leaders debates, following a massive public backlash over their positions.

The Green party released a statement Wednesday saying it has learned that the broadcast consortium that airs the debates may soon decide to allow May to participate in the debates before the Oct. 14 federal election. The debates are to be held on Oct. 1 and 2.

In arguing against May's inclusion, the Conservatives and NDP cited a deal she struck with Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, in which they agreed not to run candidates against each other in their respective Nova Scotia and Quebec ridings.

The NDP leader in particular has faced a public outcry in internet circles from many self-proclaimed New Democrats for his opposition to May's inclusion.

Layton, who faced protesters at an Ontario campaign event on Wednesday, said the issue has become a "distraction," and he does not want to continue "debating about the debate" until the election.

"I have only one condition for this debate, and that is that the prime minister is there, because I want to debate the issues with him," Layton said.

Meanwhile, Kory Teneycke, Harper's director of communications, told reporters that Harper no longer opposed May's inclusion.

Backtrack on boycott threats

Layton and Harper are believed to have threatened to boycott the events if May is allowed to participate. But neither leader has acknowledged making the threat.

Harper has said letting May participate in the debates would in essence allow a "second Liberal candidate" to participate, which he said was "unfair."

He also said he strongly believed May would endorse the Liberal party before the campaign was over.

May scoffed at the charge, but has repeatedly said she'd prefer Dion over Harper as prime minister.

May 'should be there, period': Dion

Speaking Wednesday, Dion reiterated his support for May to be allowed to participate and accused the two party leaders of "hiding themselves behind the consortium."

"She should be there, period," Dion said during a campaign appearance in Mississauga, Ont. "Not only are they not inclusive, but they don't have the courage to explain their positions."

Traditionally, the consortium of Canada's largest English and French television networks — CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV, Global Television and TVA — has decided which party leaders would participate in the debates.

In the December 2005 debates that preceded the 2006 election, Jim Harris — then leader of the Green party — was excluded because his party had no seats in the House of Commons.