POLITICIANS across the world have been quick to catch on to the huge potential of the Internet.

And with the conference season getting into full swing in Britain, all the political parties are encouraging web readers to take part in the debates of the day.

The Liberal Democrats are broadcasting from their conference this week with live coverage of speeches at www.libdems.org.uk. The site also features information about the party's campaigns.

The Tories are now gearing up for their conference in October and inviting people to become a dot.com representative on their websitewww.conservative-party.org.uk.

The site also details vacancies for prospective candidates including a couple of seats in the North-East and lists those candidates already selected - including those in the mis-spelt constituency of Middlesborough.

As you might expect, the Government has plenty of web space devoted to its activities. As well as all the departmental sites containing official information, visitors to www.number10.gov.uk can take part in debates on subjects ranging from crime to parenthood at Speakers' Corner. Writers will find a polite request not to "make inappropriate postings" and comments deemed unsuitable are removed.

For more information about the Labour Party or conference the official site www.labour.org.uk has details. It even has a gift shop where readers can buy items such as a "new labour, new Britain" cheque book cover in black leather for £13.99.

The Internet is already being exploited widely across the Atlantic and anyone wanting to see what could be in store for us during the next election should take a glimpse at some American sites.

Hillary Clinton's campaign site www.hillary2000.org is typical of the glossy presentations taking place over there. This site gives visitors the chance to work with the First Lady by contributing or helping out as well as giving people video clips of speeches and discussions.