I CAN'T pretend to know much about American politics but I have been taking an interest in the personalities involved.

In Al Gore I see a man who has been groomed to be president. He may not have the charisma of Bill Clinton but he looks like a man of substance; a safe pair of hands; a man who thinks before he speaks; an honourable, down-to-earth politician who respects the position of president. And while he may have been behind in the polls, I think he is coming across like this to more and more people and is gaining ground.

George Bush Jnr, on the other hand, boasts more charisma, energy and vitality. He seems to have more get up and go. But how much substance is there behind the man? He has excellent communications skills and is smooth and slick. But recently he showed he knew very little about who is who abroad and he dropped a major gaff when he said at a campaign rally that a reporter from the New York Times was an a******e, thinking the microphone was switched off. I don't know this journalist but he must have something about him to be in the position he holds. He must also be a man of substance for George Bush to know of him. No doubt the reporter must have been putting him under pressure, which resulted in the outburst.

For Mr Bush to say what he did is outrageous and to be caught saying it while smiling at the crowd is even worse. I think it's offensive, distasteful and immature. This mistake will be a watershed in his campaign and see him drop in the opinion polls.

He should take a leaf out of the books of Tony Blair and William Hague who understand the power of the media. When you are a public figure you don't have to like the Press but you do have to be clever enough to use them. Bill Clinton showed how the media can be turned round and, despite all his troubles, he remains as popular as ever.

Mr Bush has caused himself untold damage and if he doesn't become president he will be able to trace his failure back to this incident.

Mo Mowlam knows how to handle the Press which she has done with great dignity. She has had to deal with rumour and innuendo yet when she left her Northern Ireland post she walked over to reporters to thank them for their support.

But then she is a breed apart. In fact she's quite the opposite of George Bush. She seems to be her normal self all the time and no one else has received a standing ovation in the middle of a prime minister's speech.

She was criticised in the Press about her weight and general appearance, only for this to be later explained by the fact she had a brain tumour. The same Press then felt sorry for themselves, not her, because they hadn't been told. Her illness, she again handled with the utmost dignity.

I think history will show that the Labour Party and the country have a great deal to thank Marjorie Mowlam for. And it may be that her full contribution will only be revealed in years to come.

Also having to struggle with a serious illness is the renowned Queen's Counsel George Carman, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is saying the Government should spend more money on research into the disease, a point I agree with.

But what is sad is the fact that, invariably, it takes someone rich and famous to be struck down with a particular disease before the issue is put on the agenda. It must be human nature, but many people decide to champion a cause when disease affects their lives. Wouldn't it be nice if people got involved in campaigns to influence the Government before they are taken ill. It has certainly made me think.

So has the fact that another £47m has been given to the Dome. Normally, when you dig and you strike bedrock, you stop digging. Yet the Government is still digging deep to bail this place out.

There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough, especially when you think of all the good causes that could use £47m.