Xarabank presenter and producer Joe ‘Peppi’ Azzopardi has confirmed that the invitation for Joseph Muscat’s participation in the final leaders’ debate on Friday is still open.  

Dr Muscat took the drastic action of withdrawing from the final televised leaders’ debate last month, citing its proximity to another debate held Tuesday and the length of the Xarabank show as the main reasons.

The Labour Party has insisted that Dr Muscat will only participate if the Xarabank debate is condensed into a one-hour show, a proposition that has been refused by the producers.

Mr Azzopardi said that no deadline has been given to the Labour camp, thus opening up the possibility for an 11th hour change of heart should Dr Muscat so wish.

The Xarabank presenter confirmed that the debate will go ahead as planned with or without Dr Muscat’s participation. Should the Labour leader not turn up, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio will be pitting his wits against prime minister Lawrence Gonzi.