Economy set to dominate an unpredictable race

BRITISH Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday launched a month-long election campaign likely to be dominated by the economy and shaping up as the most unpredictable contest since 1992.

Standing outside his Downing Street residence in the sunshine, with his cabinet arrayed behind him, Brown ended weeks of shadow boxing by confirming the May 6 date, just a month before the last possible time for an election.

“It’s probably the least well-kept secret of recent years but the queen has kindly agreed to the dissolution of parliament and a general election will take place on May 6,” Brown said, starting his bid to extend Labour’s 13-year grip on power.