PRIME Minister's wife Cherie Booth may be coming under fire in Britain for wading into politics, but across the pond attention is focused on First Ladies of a different kind.

The wives of America's Presidential candidates are currently under intense scrutiny as they battle to become the next First Lady.

In the Republican corner is the softly-spoken, former school librarian, Laura Bush, who only agreed to marry George W Bush on condition she would never have to make a campaign speech.

He promised, but now Bush is vying to enter the White House and Laura has found herself addressing the masses at the recent Republican party convention.

On the Democratic side is Tipper Gore, famed for her blonde mane and high spirits. She is used to life in the spotlight since her husband, Al Gore, has served as Vice President for the past seven years.

Tipper has huge presence and can electrify audiences like a rock star. As such, she contrasts with her spouse - who is often ridiculed for his wooden delivery - and could be a vital weapon in his campaign.

Although Cherie Booth QC has been criticised for her newspaper article on the incorporation of the European Convention For Human Rights into English law, Americans demand a very public profile for their First Lady.

Voters in the US will want to know all about Laura and Tipper's personalities, as they try to determine who will bring most dignity to the job.

As the race to win November's Presidential elections hots up, however, one thing has already become clear - neither woman wants to be anything like the current First Lady, Hillary Clinton.

When Clinton first ran for office in 1992, the slogan was ''two for the price of one''. Voters knew that with Bill came his wife, who would play an active role in running the country.

Hillary duly took charge of reforming the nation's healthcare. That ended in disaster but, undaunted, she is now campaigning to become a New York senator.

By contrast, Laura has said she would never consider running for office, although she is likely to campaign on a non-contentious issue, like literacy, if she becomes the First Lady.

Similarly, Tipper has concentrated on speaking out about the safe issue of mental health.

Gregory Caldeira, editor of the American Journal of Political Science, says: ''I think many people regard what Hillary has done as being out of bounds. My guess is neither Laura Bush nor Tipper Gore are likely to take on any similar political role. They'll just give speeches for their husbands.''

However, playing it safe might win votes - but it won't earn the new First Lady a place in the history books.