THE Labour Party is trying to force John Major into an early general election by forcing a vote censuring Douglas Hogg that could in turn lead to a motion of no-confidence.

The only surprise is that it has taken so long.

There have been protests from the Tories that Labour will do anything to gain power.

But surely, that is why Her Majesty's Opposition is there.

For most people the general election will come as something of a relief. It will put an end to months of uncertainty which have done the country no good at all.

In many ways the system in the USA, where they have an election every four years on a set date, is better.

Critics say this leads to a "lame-duck" president during the last 12 months of office.

But what has John Major been these last few months? Certainly a limping prime minister, if not lame.

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