Since the 1960's Ms. Vargas has been a beloved and contentious figure in Mexico.

Morin seems to have been a rather contentious figure, as he also attacked Descartes' ideas after meeting the philosopher in 1638.

Mr. Montgomery, 50, is one of the most contentious figures in the British newspaper industry.

He was highly regarded but he was one of the most contentious figures in the country.

But inside Al Qaeda, the blind sheik has sometimes been a contentious figure.

Mr. Trulock has been a highly contentious figure within the Government because of his central role in the case.

Mr. Michaels said that when other contentious figures have appeared on the show, the sketches often reflect the point of contention.

But the operation made him a contentious figure in Russia.

Johnson was a contentious figure in the north.

She is a contentious figure in the Singaporean blogosphere, with some of her posts sparking national controversies.