SHOW IDS THE DOH!

DOH! The Tories would have more chance of getting their message across if cartoon favourite Homer Simpson was leader.

A tongue-in-cheek Sunday Mirror survey reveals voters haven't got a clue who Iain Duncan Smith is - but have no problem recognising hapless Homer and England boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

We showed photos of all three to shoppers in Blackpool, where the Tories hold their conference this week, and asked for their identities.

But only 36 per cent could ID IDS, confirming Conservative rank- and-file fears that the self-styled "quiet man of politics" is just, er, too quiet.

Many party supporters are worried that despite Labour getting a roasting over the war in Iraq, the Tories have failed to cash in.

And the failure of IDS to make an impact on voters is confirmed by those we quizzed.

One mum even thought the photograph was of former EastEnder actor Ross Kemp.

Yet 74 per cent of the men and women we spoke to instantly named Homer Simpson, while 95 per cent correctly identified Swede Sven.

Gemma Lauder, 22, from Blackpool, said: "He will have to make a lot more impression if he is going to influence me.

"I know the party conference is on because of all the security, but apart from that I can't really think of one Conservative I could recognise in the street."

Our survey comes as private polls for the Tories show that IDS is facing electoral meltdown.

The studies, by YouGov, reveal that despite earlier figures showing them running neck-and-neck with Labour, the Conservatives are likely to lose a significant number of seats to the Liberal Democrats in the next General Election.

Tory Party chairman Theresa May is facing the axe in a shadow cabinet reshuffle ordered by IDS once the party's annual conference has ended.

She is expected to be replaced by shadow leader of the Lords, Lord Strathclyde.

Others tipped for promotion include shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin and work and pensions spokesman David Willetts.

A party insider told the Sunday Mirror yesterday: "IDS is desperate to boost the party's fortunes and show that he really means business.

"However the truth is this - as long as he is leader, Tony Blair has no real opposition."

36% KNOW WHO IDS IS

74% RECOGNISE HOMER

95% CAN SPOT A SVEN

Copyright 2003 MGN LTD
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