Voters need to be ready to face three polls in one day

Londonderry voters will definitely choose representatives to sit on Derry City Council and the Northern Ireland Assembly next spring but they may also be required to decide whether they want Whitehall to replace the first-past-the-post system with a new Alternative Vote system for future Westminster polls.

If a new Liberal Democrat backed electoral reform bill to introduce AV - a halfway house between first-past-the-post and proportional representation - becomes law, voter fatigue and patience will be tested to the fullest with three separate votes in May.

Speaking during a debate in Westminster last week Mr Campbell hoped the electorate here would be provided with enough information on any changes to minimise confusion.

Addressing Minister of State for Northern Ireland Hugo Swire he commented: "The Minister alludes to the difficulties that could be presented, with the distinct possibility-or probability-of our having three elections, using two different voting systems, on the same day.

"Will he ensure that as much co-ordination and co-operation takes place to ensure that after this legislation passes, which it undoubtedly will, the people of Northern Ireland get the maximum amount of information to ensure that they are fully prepared for what will be an unprecedented voting day next May?"

The Conservative MP replied: "The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: we must do that. In fact there are two elections, which will be held in the normal way for the people in Northern Ireland, and the third is just a straight yes/no vote. I hope that the people of Northern Ireland will vote in the same way as I will."

Mr Swire said his officials will be working closely with the Electoral Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer in the run-up to the polls to ensure that there is an early identification and resolution of any potential problems.