BBC Nine'o'clock News, 22 April 1997

Nine days until polling day, and the issue of Europe again dominates the election headlines on Tuesday 22 April 1997. Michael Buerk presents. Reports are: 1) Huw Edwards on Tony Blair's speech in Luton, the Conservative defense led by John Major, and Paddy Ashdown's comments, leading into a briefing on the single currency. 2) Tony Blair speaks at a rally in Hertfordshire, reported by Jeremy Vine. 3) Robin Oakley followed Paddy Ashdown to Eastleigh and covers his speech at an evening rally. In the second section: 4) A series of interviews of party leaders kicks off with Dafydd Wigley of Plaid Cymru. 5) Anne Perkins's Campaign Desk on the campaign in Mid-Ulster where DUP candidate William McCrea is being challenged by Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin. Also the Pro-Life Alliance's attempt to prevent the broadcasters censoring their election broadcast fails, there has been another poll, and Shirley Williams has been campaigning for the Liberal Democrats (John Pienaar following her). 6) A regional briefing from the South-East, from Peter Sissons. Includes a constituency profile from Crawley with Emma Udwin. 7) The end of a long hostage situation in the Japanese Embassy in Peru - including live coverage - ends the programme.