WORK at Westminster on elections in Northern Ireland might stop MP Greg Pope from helping with the local polls in Hyndburn next week.

Mr Pope's responsibilities on the Labour Whip's bench, include Ulster, education and employ- ment.

The bitterly contested Bill on Northern Ireland elections was debated on Monday and Tuesday, and on both occasions, ran well into the early hours.

Mr Pope stayed at Westminster to vote in the Family Law Reform Bill, which changes the procedure for divorce and was bitterly contested by right-wing Tories,.

Today, he has been "paired" with a Tory opponent, allowing him to get back to Hyndburn.

But next week - the week of the local elections - Monday sees more Northern Ireland debates, Tuesday education, while Wednesday sees Northern Ireland questions.

Thursday features a discussion on the Bill of employment relations, which makes it virtually impossible for him to get back to Hyndburn to support his local Labour candidates.

Mr Pope said the Northern Ireland business is particularly taxing.

Both Tories and Labour have their own divisions on the issue.

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