BELEAGUERED MP Peter Mandelson has reiterated his intention to fight for his Hartlepool seat.

In his first live interview since his resignation as Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Mandelson dismissed claims he had gone back on his word and decided to quit as Hartlepool's MP.

The fallen Northern Ireland Secretary hit out at persistent rumours that he was set to leave politics or that he was considering a role as a European Commissioner.

Mr Mandelson sparked fears that he would walk away from politics for good two weeks ago in a dramatic resignation speech on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street.

But although he has described his second resignation, in as many years, as 'distressing' he has resolved to stay and fight for Hartlepool.

He said: "It's like suddenly finding yourself in a nasty road accident in which your car is written off and in which you step from the wreckage and continue your life.

"You don't know how the accident happened - probably it was a combination of different factors and mistakes, including your own.

"I have had a lot of sympathy and support, and all the letters I have received from my constituents bar one have been supportive.

"The greatest satisfaction I have received in politics is the warmth and strength I have received in Hartlepool.

"It remains absolutely indispensable to me."

In his Radio Cleveland interview, Mr Mandelson denied that Arthur Scargill would pose any threat to him in the elections because of his dealings with the striking miners in the 1980s.

Mr Mandelson did not comment on the other challengers to his seat, Conservative and local businessman Gus Robinson, Liberal Nigel Boddy and comedian and DJ Mike Elliot and fuel protester Andrew Spence.

He also claimed not to have been told that Hartlepool would be treated as a marginal seat by Labour in the coming election but he said he would not complain if that meant he would get extra help to fight his seat.