Blythe says Portia 'unwell', withdraws request for leadership debate

People's National Party (PNP) leadership aspirant Dr Karl Blythe has withdrawn a request to debate the incumbent Portia Simpson Miller ahead of the presidential election saying recent television interviews show she's "unwell".

According to Blythe, a medical doctor, he is sparing Simpson Miller her dignity.

Blythe also says he understands why Simpson Miller did not participate in the national political debates ahead of the February 25 general election.

Simpson Miller has never spoken on her health status.

She gave the two television interviews this week amid the campaign donations scandal rocking the 78-year-old party.

WATCH: Simpson Miller interview with TVJ at www.YouTube/JamaicaGleaner

Meanwhile, Blythe is urging the PNP president to get rid of her handlers who he says act in their own self-interest.

LISTEN: Sandrea Falconer's intervention in Portia's interview at www.soundcloud/JamaicaGleaner

As an example, he pointed to Simpson Miller's aide, Sandrea Falconer, and her interventions in Simpson Miller's interview aired on Television Jamaica on Wednesday.

Falconer told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre that she would not comment on the matter.