Tonbridge's fame rests with Mitt

Comment on Mitt Romney's a Tonbridge lad! from page 11

THE revelation that Mitt Romney is a descendant of a Tonbridge ancestor is fascinating – and potentially lucrative, too.

The town, fed-up with being in the shadow of Tunbridge Wells, is desperate for another claim to fame.

Its links to Jane Austen are more tenuous than locals would like, but at present she is their only globally-recognisable name.

Dame Kelly Holmes' achievements are formidable, but her fame is restricted to these shores.

Considering his notable triumph in Florida on Tuesday night, Mitt Romney will shortly have one of the best-known faces in the world as he looks set to do battle with Barack Obama in the presidential election later this year.

However, Tonbridge will only benefit if it can lay claim to being the roots of a President. After all, being linked to an also-ran is hardly going to overwork local tourism bosses.

We can expect some fingers crossed for the Republicans in Tonbridge ahead of November's election across the pond.