Lib Dems canvass on the Net

The Liberal Democrats turned to the Internet to push their message onto the electorate's PCs last week, with a screening of their televised party political broadcast.

It is the first time a major UK political party has used the Net in this way.

Like the TV version, the Internet broadcast features comedian John Cleese.

But rather than video, viewers are treated to still pictures accompanied by his voice. This is to avoid long download times.

Leader Paddy Ashdown said the broadcast is the start of the Liberal Democrats' Net election campaign. The party plans to post its full manifesto and hold details of all candidates and their email addresses.

'The Internet, and particularly the Web, is a growing means of communicating with the electorate. It is unique in its ability to allow interactive communication,' said Ashdown.

A spokesman for the party said the response to date to the Internet broadcast has been positive. 'We think putting it up on the Internet has been worthwhile,' he commented.

A spokeswoman for Labour said the party had plans for a 'very exciting' Web site to promote its message. The Conservative party said it also planned a similar approach.