WHAT a fantastic European Parliament election – a shame a few more of the electorate did not participate.

The system of proportional representation used, which I oppose, gives voters a chance to kick the main parties and promote the up-and-coming parties which have great ideas, but are never given the chance of input into the national debate.

Given the outcome of the election, the Greens, Ukip and BNP, which all made significant gains, have put themselves up there in readiness for the forthcoming General Election.

As the three main parties either fell back, like Labour, or stood still, like the Liberal Democrats and Tories, the Greens will strongly fancy their chances in the forthcoming Norwich by-election, where they are the main opposition party.

Ukip will strongly fancy its chances in the General Election where they are strong, such as in Hartlepool and Newcastle-under-Lyme; the English Democrats may fancy Doncaster’s seat after winning the mayoral election; and the BNP will look to startle the establishment even further by taking Barking and Stoke-on-Trent from the demoralised Labour Party.

Should be another riveting election night in the near future and democracy is the real winner.

Mark Anderson, Middleton St George, near Darlington.