THERE isn't a single party which can command enough faith from the population to be representative of a majority view in our affairs.

Whoever manages to win the next general election, they will be a tiny minority of people, with very limited life experience and expertise, representing a minority of the population.

There has never been a period more glaringly reflective of the

inadequacy of our election system and government than over the last

two decades.

Sectors of the population are left without an effective voice and

suffer neglect while others are overindulged at their expense.

The gap between those who prosper most from the national effort and those whose existence serves mainly to provide jobs in the social services and benefits industries grows relentlessly, even under the party which, historically, was there to protect them.

Is there any wonder that people only vote to get out the party who

have been in long enough to prove that they are the same as all the

others, or don't vote at all?

Now is the time for change. The problem is that the two main parties have too much to lose by it and the third has dropped it.

George Appleby

Leighton Croft

Clifton, York.

Updated: 09:30 Monday, May 08, 2006