TOUGH ON WOMEN, SOFT ON TERROR:

Latham's ex-wife tells of her fear (Lincoln Wright, July 4, 2004, news.com.au)

OPPOSITION Leader Mark Latham's former wife has revealed she was distraught over his infidelity and scared by his explosive temper.

Gabrielle Gwyther has told friends she fled the marital home in fear before he returned from a holiday with another woman one Christmas.

Several friends have now revealed the intimate details of Ms Gwyther's marriage to Mr Latham.

But the ALP leader branded her claims as lies. "Gabrielle Gwyther has given many interviews over the past seven months, making false claims against me and my family. I have dealt with those in the past and really don't see the need to make any comment."

The claims come in the lead-up to today's Channel 9 Sunday program, said to contain "explosive" revelations.