TERRORISM is the main issue in the US presidential election campaign.

Consequently, it may be tempting to resort to playing politics with the terror threat, particularly in a closely fought contest.

The suspicion is that the Republicans have succumbed to temptation.

It is a remarkable coincidence that the timing of the latest alert managed to steal some of the thunder from John Kerry's closing address to the Democratic Convention.

And it is of some consternation that much of the intelligence on which the alert was based appears to be dated.

It is imperative that efforts to thwart the threat of international terrorism rises above any domestic political agenda.

While there are suspicions of such political skulduggery in the United States, we hope they are not transferred to our country.

On matters of terrorism we must place our trust in the Government and its servants to thwart threats.

If the Home Office, as it did yesterday, says there are no specific threats then we must believe it.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis risks being accused of playing politics with the terrorist threat by doubting the word of the Home Office.

It is plain to everyone in this country that the risk of an attack on these shores has been heightened since September 11.

And without specific information it is difficult to envisage what more the Government can do than to continue to attempt to gather intelligence and raise public awareness.

Politicians must avoid overstepping the mark by resorting to scaremongering.