Libs choose Gillard to open debate

The Liberal Party has chosen to have Prime Minister Julia Gillard open the only
leaders' debate of the federal election, after they won a coin toss.
The National Press Club in Canberra is putting the final touches to preparations for
Sunday's televised contest between Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane won the coin toss on Saturday
afternoon and elected to have Miss Gillard speak first.
Fairfax newspaper journalist and Wallace Brown Young Achiever Award winner Jessica
Wright flipped a 50 cent coin, which came up heads.
Ms Gillard will open the debate with a three-minute speech.
"It's an opportunity for her to finally set out for the people of Australia specific
details of any plans she has to end the waste, stop the debt and stop the new
taxes," Mr Loughnane told AAP in Canberra.
The Labor Party's national secretary Karl Bitar said Ms Gillard would be more than
happy to open the debate.
But he didn't underestimate Mr Abbott.
"Anyone who's seen Tony in the parliament knows he's the best debater on the
coalition side," he said.
"I'm sure it will be a very close debate."
Mr Abbott will have the last word in making the closing remarks.
The leaders' debate will be broadcast at 6.30pm AEST on Sunday, an hour before the
start of ratings blockbuster MasterChef.
It will air live on the Nine and Seven networks, ABC Television, ABC 24 and Sky
News, with Sky News political editor David Speers to moderate.
Unlike in previous debates, television networks will be allowed to use audience
monitoring meters such as the "worm".