They're under starter's orders
THE gloves are off and the general election campaign is officially under way.
While the date of the poll has still to be announced it's an open secret that May 6 is the day we go to the polls.
So did we learn anything from the 'Question Time'-style debate that brought the six candidates together for the first time?
They're an interesting mix. Defending the seat for Labour, Steph Booth was initially sweetness and light but the hint of the hammer inside the glove was never far away – not least when she turned her attention to Tory rival Craig Whittaker over the controversial issue of children's services.
Coun Whittaker, meanwhile, played with a straight bat. He defended his role in the CS report, answered questions assuredly and was the only candidate to recognise the importance of being a good constituency MP.
Hilary Myers, like all good Lib-Dems, talked sense, came over well and praised the invincible Vince Cable.
Kate Sweeny, a likeable Green Party candidate, emerged with credit especially when one daft question referred to her lack of height. A sound performance from Kate who amply illustrated there's more to the Greens than lentils and windmills.
Independent Chris O'Connor, like an avuncular uncle, spoke in measured tones. Asked which law he would introduce he replied that he wouldn't. Indeed, he would tear up the statute book and start again.
Lastly, whistled up for his first public appearance was UKIP candidate Greg Burrows. New to the job, and it showed, he has plenty to learn if he is to retain his deposit.
So those are your runners and riders. Echo ante-post betting looks something like this ... 6/4 Whittaker, 7/2 Myers, 4/1 Booth, 12/1 O'Connor and Sweeny, 33/1 Burrows, 66/1 A.N. Other.
Place your bets for a close finish.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
