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ITV News poll: PM has damaged his reputation over TV debates

David Cameron has damaged his reputation by trying to avoid TV debates with other leaders, according to a new ComRes poll for ITV News.

The poll found 64% of people agreed with this statement. However, nearly half (46%) said the debates would make no difference to the way they vote in this year's General Election.

The results come as Lord Grade, a former chairman of ITV and the BBC, told Chris Ship that the broadcasters are threatening politicians "in an illegal fashion" over the debates.

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Broadcasters say TV debates 'are what people want'

The first TV debate was screened in 2010. Credit: ITV News

A joint statement issued by ITV, the BBC, Sky and Channel 4 says they are trying to deliver TV debates between party leaders "because we know our audiences want them."

It added: "In 2010 they were watched by more than 20 million people and our research suggests there is an appetite for them in 2015.

"We have issued invitations to seven party leaders and we continue to hope they will all agree to take part."

The comment was issued after former BBC and ITV chairman Lord Grade accused broadcasters of 'bullying' David Cameron over his reluctance to take part in what they have proposed.

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ITV News poll: PM has damaged his reputation over TV debates

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