WE'VE seen two examples recently of publicity stunts that grabbed immediate attention but ultimately backfired.

Rash comments by Robert Kilroy-Silk had journalists drooling but didn't go down well with the party's millionaire backer who has now switched support to the Tories.

And the disgraceful attack by Fathers4Justice on Liberal Democrat Jody Dunn at the Hartlepool by-election count has certainly alienated me from their campaign.

When Mr Kilroy-Silk encouraged his followers to "kill off' the Tory party, I wonder if he spoke as a member of UKIP or as a former Labour MP? He spent his Westminster life fighting the Tories and I'm sure I caught a glimpse of relish in his eyes as he revealed his murderous intent.

Politicians have to be prepared to work with others but some candidates - particularly independents and fringe parties - seem to be motivated by hatred.

At one Local Government Association conference I attended several independents clearly wanted to be elected so they could take revenge on the establishment. But what does that achieve for the people who have voted you in?

When you stand for election your suitability will come under the microscope. It's natural that those responsible for spending public money and laying down laws will be quizzed by the media and lobbied by pressure groups. But you shouldn't have to put up with physical attacks and that is why I was appalled at the treatment meted out to Ms Dunn.

Ms Dunn visited me during the build-up to the by-election to talk about law and order. I explained that I was supporting the Labour candidate Iain Wright because I believed he was the best person for that job.

Also, in the past, the Liberal Democrat party has ignored our crime-fighting success in Middlesbrough, whereas Labour and the Conservatives have at least come to take a look.

But just because I wasn't supporting Ms Dunn doesn't stop me being outraged that Paul Watson, the Fathers4Justice candidate, poured purple flour over her head during her speech

By chance I had bumped into Mr Watson and his supporters in Hartlepool earlier in the week. I was aware of their various Batman and Robin stunts but didn't know much about their policies and I agreed to meet them in the future. But following the attack on Ms Dunn I've cancelled the invitation.

For someone purportedly seeking election to public office, to attack a rival candidate in that way was disgraceful.

Ms Dunn was naturally upset. She was attacked from behind and would have had no idea what she was being showered with. The shock alone could have had serious consequences.

The fact that she was targeted because she is a family law barrister made matters even more sinister. I wonder if they would have attacked a male candidate in the same way.

From wanting to know more about Fathers4Justice I now want nothing to do with them.

As for Ms Dunn, I hope the attack does not put her off politics for good. She is clearly a talented individual and politics always needs new blood. If a "Yes' vote is achieved I hope she considers the regional assembly.

Published: 08/10/2004