RUTH Kelly has recently announced that she is pregnant with her second child. And the news that the Labour MP for Bolton West, one of the youngest MPs in Parliament, is expecting a child has initiated a far-reaching debate.

Should Ruth Kelly stand down? Or can she successfully combine the stresses of an extremely demanding job, with bringing up two young children?

And what will her hormones have to say about it?

The Labour MP for Bolton West has no doubts.

She believes she can be a good mum - and a good MP.

"It would be difficult without a supportive family, but the fact is I'm extremely lucky, and enjoy a supportive environment.

"I think I will be a better MP because it will give me a much better perspective of politics. There is a danger of becoming obsessed with politics and being out of touch with the real world. Having a family helps you avoid that."

She added: "Lots of women have to work, it's very common. The most important thing is to be there for the children when they need me. We are a very close family."

Mrs Eva Clough, a long-time member of New Bury Women's Union, commenting directly on Ms Kelly's decision to carry on as an MP, said: "Sometimes the ones who go back to work are better mothers than the ones who stay at home.

"I think it is possible for her to carry on working. But it largely depends on the help she has, and the support of her family. I have never done it with a young baby myself, but I did work when the children were fairly young. It's going to be difficult for her but not impossible."

Nancy Derbyshire, manageress of the Lyniard Private Day Nursery on Albert Road, Heaton, said: "She can do it, but she has to be organised. Time is precious so she needs to have a good timetable, that's also flexible. And of course she needs good, reliable childcare.

"One of the mum's who drops her children off here, has three youngsters under eight and she manages to cope. If she can I'm sure Ruth can."

And if Ms Kelly needs any advice she can always turn to the Bolton branch of the National Childbirth Trust.

Branch secretary, Maxine Robertson, said: "We are there to support mothers whatever they decide. We have information on staying at home, and information for those mothers who decide to return to the workplace. We also have information on breast-feeding at work."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.