CONGRATS to Mary Dhonau on being chosen by the Liberal Democrats to stand in Worcester at the next General Election.

Mrs Dhonau has achieved much distinction - and no small degree of fame - with her various campaigns throughout the Faithful City.

But pressure groups are a million miles away from professional politics.

She will need to be alert at all times if she doesn't want to end up with a back like a second-hand dartboard.

New Labour has the most to fear from Mrs Dhonau. For the Lib Dems have now hijacked much of their old dissenting fervour, choosing popular, winnable campaigns.

All of which explains the contrived, carefully-rehearsed bitchiness of Labour's reaction to the news of Mrs Dhonau's selection.