THE General Election campaign in Lincoln is set to get much more lively now Ernest Coleman has thrown his hat into the ring on behalf of the English Democrats.

Those of us who enjoy his regular contributions to the letters page of the Echo and the media in general can be guaranteed an interesting ride over the next few months. His views on lady vicars, climate change, his defence of Sir John Franklin and his men against charges of cannibalism and now his plan to sort out Lincoln's rail problems are sincerely held. They may not be to everyone's taste, but are just what we need in a democracy.

The fact he has chosen to support the ideals of the English Democrats is not surprising.

Besides a dislike of Brussels and a support of traditional values, it would appear the main thing the English Democrats want is an English Parliament.

The argument goes: If it's good enough for Scotland and Wales (and even Northern Ireland), then why not for England? Well, here's where I have a problem. Assuming this Parliament would sit in London, how would it be any better for us up here? Would it, like some sport teams, share its facilities with the national Parliament or would it need alternative accommodation? Would it, like those in Wales and Scotland, be elected by some form of proportional representation? Don't forget the population of England is far greater than that of the other parts of the UK put together. You are not comparing like with like.

What we in England need is real devolution, which means the creation of regional governments with real powers, not the watered- down version offered several years ago by John Prescott, a version which was doomed to failure.

It's ironic this form of federalism is exactly what the dreaded EU is all about.

Breitling Replica Watches It's just a pity that it's so badly explained to us here in the UK.

On the other hand, perhaps an English Parliament based out of London could be a staging post to real devolution just as Labour's recent conversion to the Alternative Vote could lead to real proportional representation for all elections.

COUNCILLOR JOHN MARRIOTT North Hykeham.