THIS year will bring possibly the longest General Election campaign ever known with people going to the polls at a time of unprecedented disillusionment with the political process.

Amid scandals over MPs’ expenses and bankers’ bonuses, there is a growing anger in the country about the lack of accountability. This disillusionment may result in increased votes for the smaller parties, raising the real danger of far-right groups, such as the BNP, making further gains.

The BNP had a good year in 2009, winning two seats in the European Parliament which has secured a greater public profile.

It has sought to court the Catholic vote, so it has been good to see the Church speak out against what the BNP represents.

Come election day, no Catholic should be unclear as to why it is incompatible with his/her faith to support the far-right.

Social issues under threat from what Labour has achieved over the past 12 years include a wide range of rights at work and help for hard-working families.

Labour has lifted more than a million children out of poverty, and supported parents to balance their work and family responsibilities. On health, investment in the NHS has almost doubled.

Don’t throw these and many more improvements made under Labour away.

Vince Crosby, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.