AS THE issue of sleaze continues to dog the election campaign, the emergence of BBC war correspondent Martin Bell as an anti-sleaze candidate is both fascinating and extraordinary.
For unless former trade minister Neil Hamilton withdraws or is deselected as the Conservative runner in Tatton, there will be, in effect, a straight fight between him and Mr Bell.
It would be an intriguing test of public opinion on parliamentary standards.
Mr Bell is a figure commanding widespread respect after his brave and unstinting reporting of the war in Bosnia. It would be hard to find a more suitable anti-sleaze candidate.
It is for that reason alone that the long electoral history of single-issue candidates ending up like moths drawn to a flame might be reversed at Tatton - unless Mr Bell's surprise emergence forces a head to roll before the poll.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article