How to get at the coolant temperature sensor?

So I've got a 1999 1.0 poverty spec Micra that almost runs well. My research has suggested that the ECU side coolant temperature sensor would be faulty. All well and good; the Haynes manual has specs for the sensor resistance at various temperatures.

The only problem is that it seems you need the hands of a bloody gynecologist to get at the sensor, and mine sure as hell aren't. So is there a good way to get at the sensor, preferrably without removing the dizzy?
 
A little bit of an update; I was able to give the connector a good ol' wiggle with a pair of screwdrivers and it seems to have shifted my running issues from cold to hot. I suppose that is leading me in the right direction and I have asked a local garage for a quote on replacing the sensor.
 
Top