They are a breed apart. They emerge ahead of the pack to go where others fear to tread. Sometimes life in their arena can be lonely as they face anger, scrutiny, resentment, rejection and ridicule. But then there are the high moments when they taste victory, achieve goals, get a warm hug and fill a real need. They are Jamaica's women political candidates.

They have broken the barriers of a man's world and carved out a place for themselves, bearing the brand of two political tribes that battle for prime turf every five years or so.

We love to love them; we love to hate them. But, have we ever stopped to think that beyond their credentials for public office they are women, daughters, sisters, nieces, wives, girlfriends and often mothers?

As the frenzy of the so-called "silly season" reaches a crescendo, Flair takes a look at our 15 female political candidates. These women have offered themselves to the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

We looked at their likes and dislikes, their hobbies and how they cope with diet, exercise and health and beauty issues in the hectic campaign period. We asked how their lifestyle affected their family and personal relationships, and then we touched the really important stuff - how do they decide what wardrobe choices to make from the party colours?

We say, read on.