Abbott has no regrets over debate no-show Tony Abbott (L) says he has no regrets about not turning up for a debate against PM Kevin Rudd (R). OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott says he has no regrets about not turning up for a debate against Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Mr Rudd challenged Mr Abbott to a National Press Club debate on debt and deficit on Thursday, but Mr Abbott declined to do so saying he would debate the prime minister only if he called an election campaign or brought back parliament. Mr Abbott told reporters during a visit to Mr Rudd's Brisbane electorate of Griffith on Friday that the debate had been a media stunt by Mr Rudd. "That's the whole point with Mr Rudd - he is not interested in governing, he's just interested in celebrity," Mr Abbott said. He is in a sense the ultimate celebrity politician, but what the Australian people want is a real government, they want an adult government, they want a government that is prepared to sit down and talk things through. Mr Abbott said voters would give Mr Rudd the "benefit of the doubt" for a while. Instead of a stunt a day, what about a solution a week? Mr Abbott said.