The Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, last night announced a review of Northern Ireland's electoral system, which will include an investigation of recent vote-fixing allegations. In a statement, Dr Mowlam said that she viewed these allegations "very seriously". They were made largely against Sinn Fein after the last general election.
She said: "Stealing or inventing votes is plainly wrong and we already do a great deal to ensure it doesn't happen. But we must find out the facts so that we can see if there is anything else we can do."
An internal review board is to investigate the claims and report back by November, the Secretary of State said. She invited anyone with evidence of electoral abuse to write to her or to the review team. - (PA).