Liberal Democrats lift wraps off manifesto in British election campaign

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — With three weeks to go to the British general election, the opposition Liberal Democrats take their turn rolling out their manifesto which promises the nation a "real alternative."

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy was to launch the 20-page, tabloid-sized manifesto after taking a couple of days off the campaign trail to celebrate the birth of his first child, a boy.

Titled "The Real Alternative," it will recap the centrist party's proposals for free personal care for the elderly, an end to university tuition fees and a revamp of local property levies, known as council taxes.

Kennedy was also to highlight the Lib Dems' environmental policies and their staunch opposition to the Iraq War.

"Many people will remember that the Conservatives...