MANCHESTER, Jamaica – People’s National Party General Secretary Paul Burke has insisted that the party will not take part in the national debates until Opposition Leader Andrew Holness retracts unfavourable comments made about Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

The St Andrew West Central incumbent allegedly used the term “con artist” during a nomination day interview last Tuesday while in that constituency.

“Why should we be sitting in that room with that gentleman? Why should we sit in a debate with that man,” Burke said to loud cheers from the massive crowd in Mandeville square, Manchester.

Burke also described Holness’ comment following the recent shooting incident at a JLP mass rally in Montego Bay St, James, as “irresponsible” and “dangerous”. According to Nationwide Radio, Holness was quoted by NBC describing the incident as “an act of terror”.

Burke said Holness’ comment could have incited violence.

“It could have caused people to shoot up people. It was irresponsible,” said Burke.

Burke said Dwayne Vaz’s comments while on a PNP platform in St James last year was “child’s play” when compared to Holness’ statement.

Vaz, at that time, mimed the words of incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel’s song, telling Comrades to “load up di gun dem”.

Burke said Vaz was man enough to apologise and so should Holness.

He called on the Opposition leader to “retract” the statement and apologise.

Kimone Francis