Canadian voters find their debate a yawn

OTTAWA, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Debates among leaders of the parties contesting the Canadian election did little to change voters' minds, a poll indicates.

The Ipsos Reid poll for Canwest News Service and Global National found that more than half of those surveyed did not watch either the debate in French Wednesday or English Thursday. Only 27 percent of Quebec voters watched the French debate and 12 percent tuned in across the country.

While the face-off between U.S. vice presidential candidates Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin got record TV ratings, 10 percent of Canadians tuned in to watch Prime Minister Stephen Harper defend his record.

Among those who did watch, 37 percent thought Harper did the best job. He was followed by Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party with 20 percent, Stephane Dion of the Liberals at 17 percent, Elizabeth May with the Greens at 13 percent and Gilles Duceppe of Bloc Quebecois at 5 percent.

Only 13 percent of viewers said the debate changed how they will vote. If those who did not watch are added in, that comes to 5 percent of the electorate.

Harper heads a minority government. The election is set for Oct. 14.