RADCLIFFE Euro MP Chris Davies has a higher public profile than any of his European colleagues, according to a university academic.

In a research paper published this month, Dr Phil Harris says that European politicians have a notoriously low level of recognition in Britain but he singles out Liberal Democrat Mr Davies as a politician who has escaped from the "cloak of invisibility" which hides so many European representatives.

The academic from the Centre for Corporate and Public Affairs at Manchester Metropolitan University says that last year Mr Davies was referred to in more than 3,000 local newspaper stories.

Making the work of the European Parliament relevant to local people, and explaining it in an interesting way, was a key factor behind the MEP's high profile, said Dr Harris. And the controversial stands Mr Davies took on issues like drugs law reform and medically assisted suicide had also attracted attention.

Mr Davies said that he was surprised to learn that his profile across the north west was so high.

"It's true that I am not afraid to raise my head above the parapet and speak out about some controversial issues. I have no time for politicians who always want to be in tune with public opinion. It is up to us to take a lead and challenge conventions when necessary," he said