They are not debates to begin with and they serve no purpose other than to allow the media to ask "gotcha questions" in the hopes that one or more candidates will say something controversial - and therefor newsworthy. When the candidates have finished "damaging their brand" by having a public airing of dirty laundry the public is expected to then chose one of them as leader? Are you kidding?

This is like a fast food outlet listing all the times it has failed a food inspection and then expecting you to eat there. The candidates with no chance of winning have nothing to lose by having one of these "gong shows" while the front runners have everything to lose.

O'Leary gains less damaging media coverage by not being there than he would by participating or at least reduces his risk exposure. "If you can't improve on silence then say nothing."