Can I distinguish identically named columns in joined tables?

Problem with libpq in PostgreSQL 6.3.2:

I have a query that combines 2 tables, each with a column named id:

select a.*, b.* from organisation as a, individual as b
 where a.contact = b.id

I am finding that libpq is unable to distinguish between the two id columns,
because the 'a.' and 'b.' are apparently dropped by the backend before the
data is returned.  I could get the columns by number, or by explicitly
renaming columns, but that would require an awkward lack of flexibility
in the application.

Is this easy to fix? Is it desirable to fix it from the project's point
of view?  I know that column headings would be more awkward, but the
front end could easily strip those...

--
Oliver Elphick                                Oliver.Elphick@lfix.co.uk
Isle of Wight                              http://www.lfix.co.uk/oliver
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     "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord
      so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall
      say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh
      upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and
      they shall not escape."      I Thessalonians 5:2,3