HUNTING is such a long-running issue that some people may begin to weary of the whole inexhaustible debate. Yet much heat is still being generated by the proposed ban.

In the latest twist to the political warfare, hunt supporters are being urged to join local Labour parties in a bid to hijack the constituencies of three MPs who have spoken out against hunting.

So Hugh Bayley in York, John Grogan in Selby and Lawrie Quinn in Scarborough and Whitby should look out for agent provocateurs from the hunting set.

In a whimsical moment, it is tempting to wonder if the undercover hunt supporters may not be easy to spot. Presumably they will take off their scarlet tunics and black boots before attempting to pass themselves off as enthusiastic new Labour Party members.

So identifying the hostile incomers will not be that simple - but hunt supporters who attempt to infiltrate constituency Labour parties are still likely to stand out. If we could offer a tip it would be to never say tally-ho, whatever the provocation.

It is hard to see how the self-styled Rural Army will pull off its intended coup, although it is true that with traditional Labour Party membership dwindling, there is an opportunity for such back-door methods.

After a high following Labour's 1997 landslide election victory, membership has declined, hit to some extent by the departure of Labour stalwarts who have become disillusioned with Tony Blair. The stirring days of opposition, when anything seemed possible, have perhaps also given way to the complacency that can accompany power.

Whatever the reason for the fall in party membership, it is still difficult to see the Rural Army pulling off its sneaky trick. The problem with such hardened interest groups is that they only have one interest, whereas most people joining a political party tend to have a wider range.

As the hunting debate goes on and on, moving in and out of the headlines, it is tempting to wonder if there are not any more important issues to hand.

Updated: 10:18 Monday, August 04, 2003