LATEST PRESS COVERAGE OF HARTLEPOOL

THE LATEST PRESS COVERAGE OF HARTLEPOOL

The horrors of Baghdad haunt Blair's seaside stage-show
Telegraph.co.uk,
... Last week, it emerged that Labour's pollsters believe that three million voters have deserted Mr Blair because of his preoccupation with Iraq. Small wonder that Charles Kennedy, in his own conference speech last Thursday, called on voters to make the general election "the ultimate verdict" on the Prime Minister's conduct before, during and after the war. Indeed, a preliminary verdict will be delivered by Thursday's by-election in Hartlepool. ...

Sorrowful Blair urges unity in face of Iraq terror threat
Observer-Guardian,
... The BBC is also unlikely to screen extensive coverage of a potentially difficult Iraq debate on Thursday, following complaints from the Tories that endless film of Labour would unfairly affect the Hartlepool by-election due that day. ...

Fanatic Holds His Party Hostage
Sunday Herald,
... There is a real danger that Labour could lose the Hartlepool by-election this week – though to talk of the electoral consequences after the past terrible week seems almost indecent.

But such are the times. What is not in doubt is that when he rises to speak on Tuesday, the Prime Minister will face a bewildered and confused party, many of whom believe that their own leader has blood on his hands.

Lib Dems predict photo finish in Hartlepool
Independent,
Liberal Democrats are predicting a photo finish this week in the by-election contest to choose a successor to Peter Mandelson as MP for Hartlepool.

"Labour's share of the vote has fallen to about 40 per cent, and I believe our vote could rise to 40 per cent," the Liberal Democrat campaign director, Lord Rennard, claimed yesterday.

The Liberal Democrats believe their candidate, Jody Dunn, has picked up support through a campaign to save the town's hospital from being downgraded.

Last week, the Labour candidate, Iain Wright, was jeered at a public meeting to discuss the hospital's future....

Blair's bid to save face at Brighton
The Scotsman,
... The Liberal Democrat conference this week has sought to highlight the divisions over Gulf War Two and prise the traditional Labour vote in Hartlepool away from Mr Blair in next week’s by-election.

In calling the poll for next Thursday - the last day of the Brighton gathering - the Government high command has taken a huge risk. Only a convincing victory following a magnificent performance by Mr Blair will advance Labour’s cause.

If the Liberal Democrats follow up their local and Euro election successes - most notably winning the former Socialist stronghold of Newcastle City Council - with a triumph north of the River Tees, whatever happened in Brighton will be irrelevant.

Mr Blair and Labour will be left high and dry as they attempt to launch a seven-month General Election campaign.

Even a narrow Labour victory will suggest that the party’s urban strongholds in the north of England are under threat from the hated third party raiders who ridicule Mr Blair’s "third way". ...

Heartache led me to bridge protest
ic Teesside.co.uk,
... Meanwhile Fathers 4 Justice activists have promised more direct action in the run-up to the Hartlepool by-election in which they have a candidate. ...