Paul Flynn - Labour

YOUR vote could have repercussions across the world. Here in Newport, we're doing well. Labour's delivered a strong economy, a good deal for pensioners, families and children, plus record investment in public services.

Unemployment, interest and inflation rates have been halved. Crime is at a 20-year low and there are 170 more Gwent Police. Health and education investment has doubled. Newport is enjoying a Green Dawn of world class mass recycling enterprises. There are problems, of course, and we are working on them. NHS waiting lists dropped 40% last month. There are 1,700 decently paid skilled new jobs coming here to relieve graduate under-employment and secure a prosperous future. Anti-social Behaviour Orders are starting to reduce yobbish behaviour.

It's easy to forget 18 years of Tory recession, 3 million unemployed and crippling interest rates. Not voting, or supporting a minor party, could bring back those bad days.

There is a stark choice in Newport West - Labour or Michael Howard. As an MP my first priority is the personal problems of local people. There is nothing more satisfying in an MP's life than championing individual people against the might of commerce or bureaucracy. My sympathetic, skilled staff are a great strength.

A campaigning MP often has to face down giant greedy businesses with defective consciences. Recently, I have been engaged in some titanic battles with financial and pharmaceutical companies who were acting in their own and not the public interest. Those campaigns are unfinished. But MPs also have international obligations. The terror of global warming threatens our human habitat. We must crusade against the slaughter and waste of civil wars, reduce poverty and create fair trade.

Now, I have international responsibilities on environment, health and defence.

I disagreed with my party's leadership on Iraq but I am convinced that Blair and Brown are the best hope Britain has to tackle the global crises. I am as fired up as ever about the job of MP. Newport has a new buzz.

There has never been a better time to promote our flourishing city. On new Welsh developments, other MPs complain that Newport get all the cream.

Again and again, Team Newport win against our rivals. It's great to be on that winning side. If re-elected, I will continue to strive for justice for individuals, a thriving city, a sustainable environment and a world at peace.