John Tory, Doug Ford trade blows in midtown debate

John Tory and Doug Ford traded blows from either side of Olivia Chow on Tuesday night during the latest debate between the leading candidates to be Torontos next mayor.

The debate, hosted by a midtown businessassociation, saw Ford on the offensive, repeating his now oft-heard claim that Tory does not have the hands-on experience for the job, while Tory again took aim at Fords behaviour and attendance record.

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There are only two people at this table that have experience, Ford said to Chow at one point, and that's you and I."

Ford repeatedly accused Tory of being disingenuous and repeated the claim that he and his brother, outgoing Mayor Rob Ford, have saved the city some $1 billionmarking the first, but not last, time one of Fords remarks drew taunts and catcalls from the audience at St. Andrew's United Church.

Ford also suggested more than once that moderatorKymGeddeswas biased in favour of Tory.Geddesworks for the same Toronto radio station where Tory once hosted a show.

Tory took aim at Fords attendance record in council and lack of respect for his colleagues, again criticizing him for once describing them as monkeys.

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Chow, seated between them, stayed out of the debates most heated moments, seemingly trying to present herself as the more moderate candidate.

Chow left the debate earlyin its second half, due to a prior engagementleaving Ford and Tory together. The debate was relatively calm after that, and continued to touch on topics including transit and taxes.