"I made it clear I would take no part in the vote, but relied on the previous advice that I could take part in the debate itself, " he said.
BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Council leader to put his defence
The fight over intervention mobilized the public to take part in the debate and, in the end, helped to educate Americans about the need to prepare for entry into the war.
Prof Bogdanor told Today presenter James Naughtie that retired members of the armed service "have every right to take part in the political debate, " but added that former personnel "must not appear to align themselves with a political party, " particularly in the build up to a general election.
Two of the four candidates in next week's Mid- Ulster by-election declined to take part in the only televised debate of the campaign to succeed Martin McGuinness as MP.
The former Conservative deputy prime minister decided to break his self-imposed silence to take part in a debate on the economy, on 22 March 2012.
Mr Roberts told BBC Wales earlier on Monday he had been advised at a previous meeting he could take part in a debate on the topic but not vote.
BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Council leader to put his defence
Mr Alvarez and Mrs Fernandez Meijide had the grace to apologise, and the alliance, saying it would not take part in a debate rescheduled for this week, tried to put the fiasco behind it.
On the eve of the 2001 election Mr Blair was accused of being "chicken" when he turned down the opportunity to take part in a planned debate between Britain's three main political parties.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed Mr Salmond's stance and said the prime minister should take part in a TV debate.
The two contenders are expected to take part in their first head-to-head televised debate on Wednesday.
He closed the debate by wishing members a happy St Andrew's day and encouraged them to take part in any celebrations running in their constituencies.
Mr Roemer and the VVD leader, Mark Rutte, who is also caretaker prime minister, have yet to take part in a debate.
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