Pembrokeshire voters could be in for a 'cliffhanger' election.

With the announcement of May 5th as E-Day, political candidates are on the starting blocks for the first lap of their 30-day marathon.

And it promises to be quite a race.

In Preseli Pembrokeshire, in particular, it could be a nailbiting finish between Labour and Conservatives candidates with either taking the honours. It could all hinge on the turnout of voters.

Top of the political agenda in Pembrokeshire will be: Concern over bed cuts and services at Withybush Hospital; Lack of NHS dentists; Terrorism and the war in Iraq; Increases in council tax; LNG; Dualling of the A40 o Crime and more police officers on the beat; Pensions; Binge drinking.

With Jackie Lawrence standing down as sitting member, both Labour and Conservative parties acknowledge that it will be a marginal seat.

At the last election, Jackie Lawrence polled 15,206 votes, while Stephen Crabb brought the Tories up to 12,260, an increase of 5.6%.

Labour's new runner, Sue Hayman, who has been described as Blair's new poodle, has already found herself in the centre of controversy and is considering legal action against the satirical magazine Private Eye.

She says that an article which made claims about her background and family was complete nonsense.

Stephen Crabb will once again be standing for the Conservatives and is regarded as a strong local candidate.

"Many voters will be looking for an MP who is not just a 'party man' but who will speak up for local public services and who will use his/her influence to defend Pembrokeshire's interests," he said.

But Sue countered: "We regard this as a key seat which we expect to win." The Liberal Democrat, Plaid Cymru and other minority party votes could be crucial in tipping the balance.

Some predict, however, that it could be an unlucky 13 for Labour in this constituency. It was in 1992 - 13 years ago - that Pembrokeshire voters turned against Tory's Nick Bennett and by a slim margin of 755 votes elected in Labour's Nick Ainger.

A political boundary reshuffle has since split Pembrokeshire and Nick Ainger, now a Parliamentary whip, has been representing Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire with a substantial majority.

While that lead was eroded in the 2001 election, Nick Ainger is 'quietly confident' of retaining his seat.