For those who remember the seedier side of Times Square and 42nd Street, and rue the day when Mayor Guiliani took it upon himself to save New York from itself, take heart. Now there's a politician who seems to be embarking on a platform that will return the city to it's more colorful roots. Democrat Victor Bernace is planning a “Havana Night” fundraiser next month at a Manhattan nightclub, complete with bikini-clad dancers and men wearing nothing but briefs. He's charging twenty dollars per person for the event, which he claims, will be “a very erotic show”.

I believe payment will be expected in $1 increments, stuffed gently down the front of Mr Bernace's pants.