INTEREST in Worcester Woman appears to have spread across the continent as the General Election approaches.

In 1997, the city's womenfolk were seen by observers as the sort of voters who would tip the balance in favour of Labour - traditionally Conservative, but ready to switch loyalty for the first time.

A Danish journalist has interviewed the previous Mayor of Worcester, Mary Drinkwater, about how women in the city viewed the political scene in 2001.

"When he mentioned the elections, I explained that I wasn't a Parliamentary candidate nor was I now the Mayor, but he insisted that it made no difference," said Coun Drinkwater, who has now handed over the Mayor's robes to Coun David Clark.

"Consequently I met him for 45 minutes in the council chamber. His questions were very wide-ranging.

"I was asked about the euro, which I'm emphatically against. Other questions touched upon asylum seekers, the Government's performance, leading political figures and our new hospital.

"Whether my views are the same as those of the majority of Worcester women remains to be seen."

She said the journalist, Martin Krasnik, told her British women seemed more conservative than male voters and that it was the other way around on the continent.

"To the question 'did I believe that a number of places should be reserved for women on the city council?' I replied that I would find it condescending to be offered a position on account of my sex rather than my ability," added Coun Drinkwater.

Mr Krasnik, who works for a national weekly newspaper, said he intended to interview John Morris, managing director of Royal Worcester Porcelain.

He also wanted to speak with author Brian Keogh, who has written about the history of Lea & Perrins.