Herman Cain avoids harassment questions

Republican presidential contender Herman Cain has vowed he will never answer questions about allegations of sexual harassment a decade ago, which have hobbled his campaign.

Speaking after a debate with rival Newt Gingrich organised by the conservative Tea Party, Mr Cain cut off reporters who asked about harassment allegations and suggested journalists who wanted answers were behaving unethically. The former pizza company boss said his staff told him not to respond to questions on the subject that has dominated his campaign in recent days.

He has repeatedly has denied ever sexually harassing anyone, and his campaign said it was “looking to put this issue behind us.”

A new poll indicated Mr Cain remained in a strong position in the Republican Party nomination race despite the disclosures.