THE country awoke today to a changed political landscape. The extreme right-wing British National Party has gained two seats in the European Parliament, one of them here in Yorkshire.
Nationally, Labour has had its worst result in an election in living memory.
This is a grim and deeply troubling time for politics.
The BNP is a party of division and exclusion. It is not a party which works for the best of everyone, but is rat
her a party which does what it can to set people against one another.
It is a party whose politics are based on resentment and anger.
And it is a party which has found an electorate seething with anger.
The BNP's result in the Euro elections should not be taken as a ringing endorsement of its policies, although it doubtless represents the attitudes of some people.
Rather, the vote for the BNP comes from a feeling among many that they have been let down by the mainstream parties.
A furious electorate has gone to the ballot box determined to kick out at the failings of many of those already elected to represent us.
It has to be hoped that the mainstream parties will now do more than just criticise the BNP, much though it is deserved.
They need to look at themselves, their own actions and those they have in office, and make sure they become electable again.
Sign of the timesA RECORD number of recruits is a good way for the Yorkshire Regiment to mark its third anniversary.
The infantry regiment was created following the amalgamation of The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment, The Green Howards and The Duke of Wellington's Regiment.
Despite being in its infancy, it is proving a popular destination with the region's men, with 18 aged between 18 and 24 making up its latest bumper batch of recruits.
However, it is hard to escape the feeling that this is a telling sign of the times.
While this period of economic uncertainty continues and jobs remain thin on the ground, it is inevitable the armed forces will be seen as an ever more attractive option.
Given the global situation, those joining up can have no illusions about what lies ahead of them, but the prospect of a secure job and decent pay is a strong lure.
We wish this latest group of recruits long, successful and, above all, safe futures in their chosen career.
Bazaar ideaWITH Marks and Spencer celebrating its 125th anniversary it is a fitting time to recreate the Leeds penny bazaar where it all began.
Budding entrepreneurs can take advantage of free rent of a stall at Kirkgate Market to pursue their business dreams.
It's a great idea that stays true to the founding spirit of a global success story.
And who knows? We might just discover the next Michael Marks into the bargain.
