Opinions: Do you wish that Bill Clinton was Prime Minister?

ISABEL APPIO, editor, The Weekly Journal: No. His hangin'- with-the-brothers tactics wouldn't wash over here, and his southern all-American values would be laughed at. But for America's sake, especially black America, I thank God he made it to the White House.

MARCUS BLAKE, photolab technician: He's an egocentric, adulterous, self-publicist so he would fit into the Cabinet perfectly.

SARAH DUNANT, television presenter: I'm certainly attracted by the prospect of a Prime Minister who once smoked a joint, and who would recognise Creedence Clearwater as more than a title for a privatised water company. But Britain needs more than a Bill Clinton. It certainly needs more than a John Major.

MARY SPILLANE, image consultant: John Major could learn a lot from the way he presents himself. They are the same vintage, but Major looks as if he could be Clinton's father. Clinton's healthy and vigorous, whereas most British MPs look as if they need a blood transfusion. Clinton also dresses in a way that suits him. British MPs dress like funeral directors.

JAMES THURBER, auctioneer: Yes. Clinton knows where he's going, even if he is a bit gung-ho. Major's problem is that he lacks any strength, he's far too wimpish.

PAT KANE, musician and author: No, I would not. When I saw him barely exercising the mechanics of that saxophone, my arse clenched very, very tightly, to use an expression from the west coast of Scotland. As a social signifier of a new generation, a saxophone is better than a Star Wars missile, but it's all post-modern hogwash. I'm not fooled.

PHILIP PHELPS, pet shop manager: I am quite encouraged by his owning Socks the cat, because you can trust an animal- lover. Cat owners are intelligent and artistic.

LORNA FITZSIMONS, president, National Union of Students: Yes, though I would rather have John Smith. I'm a fan of anybody who can win and is left-of-centre.

SIR ROBIN DAY, broadcaster: I don't even know if he's a good President yet, so how could I know if he'd be a good Prime Minister?

(Photograph omitted)