Lib Dems: Pitching for family vote

Charles Kennedy has promised to guarantee parents £170 a week for six months after the birth of their first child.

The party leader was unveiling the Liberal Democrat's manifesto for families on the second day of the official election campaign, following the prime minister's announcement of a May 5 election date.

Speaking at a press conference in Eastleigh, Hampshire - a marginal seat he is keen to retain - Kennedy said the 'Maternity Income Guarantee' would be equivalent to the minimum wage of £170 per week.

The payment is designed to help working mothers on the birth of their first child, which the party says is often the time when financial problems are most acute.

The Lib Dems want an increase on the current alternative of statutory maternity pay, which they claim is currently set at £102 per week.

Kennedy also announced that his party would reduce class sizes for five to seven-year-olds and create 3,500 children centres.

And pre and after-school care would be increased by extending opening hours of schools from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Family issues would be "extremely important" during the election campaign, the Lib Dem leader said.

"[Our pledges] are all designed to increase support for the family and maintain the central role of the family in society," added Kennedy.

"In many ways ours is a fortunate country, and affluent by international standards, but we can and must do better."

Kennedy admitted that impending fatherhood had developed his views about families in Britain.

He said: "I am having to think about the reality of family life in a different way. It's an important reality."