The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Jean Chretien, wrapped himself in a US-style cocoon during the first week of his 36-day re-election campaign. But in the light of surging support for the right-wing Canadian Alliance in polls taken after the first week, it will be hotly debated whether the "safe campaign" with its polarising message was working in favour of Mr Chretien's bid for a third term.
The Prime Minister held only one daily news conference, usually five to 10 minutes long, while the Alliance leader, Mr Stockwell Day, tended to give reporters 15 minutes twice a day.