1.   Add to this theme positive appraisals as a manager through the internal appraisal system and you have a strong candidate.

2.   Midler was considered a strong candidate for the best actress nomination.

3.   With his wide-ranging connections and relatively positive public image, Qiao is a strong candidate for top leadership.

4.   Labour are fielding a strong candidate in Alan Milburn.

5.   Ratcliffe has a rival in former Plymouth Argyle manager David Kemp, who is also a strong candidate.

6.   Although the bench is thin, this team knows how to handle tournament pressure and is a strong Final Four candidate.

7.   Also considered a strong candidate is Ron Wolf, executive vice president and general manager of the Green Bay Packers.

8.   Although Lazio is viewed as a potentially strong candidate against Giuliani, many Republican leaders believe that the mayor would be a far stronger challenger to Mrs. Clinton.

9.   Although there are other strong candidates, including ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, many commentators believe the election will come down to a straight showdown between Yeltsin and Zyuganov.

10.   An incumbent who has cut taxes, restricted welfare benefits and presided over an economic comeback, Rowland appears to be a strong candidate for re-election.