UKIP, VIP or Tory? By all accounts it's a two-horse race as to whether the UK Independence Party or the Conservatives emerge triumphant after the count next Sunday for the European elections.

So who to vote for? The UKIP has run a marvellous campaign - let's be honest - but consider this: the founder of the UKIP, Alan Sked, says he's going to vote Conservative on June 10.

It's really very simple. The European Parliament in Strasbourg has no power to grant or further the cause of UK independence. So in spite of its populist arguments, the UKIP won't be able to deliver independence even if you vote for them.

What of today's "VIPs" who are endorsing the UKIP? Robert Kilroy-Silk, former Labour MP, resigned his daytime job from the BBC amidst accusations of racism.

Joan Collins, ex-Dynasty role model was star of... The Bitch. Jonathan Aitken, disgraced former Cabinet minister, went to jail for perjury. And then there is Geoffrey Boycott, self-professed greatest batsman.

Will the UK's independence be safer in their hands?

If you haven't voted, please do. It's our right - and duty - to protect the interests of the UK. Where do the Tories stand? That's easy: no to the euro; no to any EU constitution and yes to the protection of agriculture, fisheries and Britain's business interests.

Clive Booth,

York's Conservative Parliamentary candidate,

Ash Street, York.

...SHIRLEY Williams made an excellent point on Question Time on June 3 regarding the UK Independence Party.

She pointed out that UKIP is strongly arguing for us to separate ourselves from Europe, but has made no mention of our special relationship with the US.

I don't agree with unelected bureaucrats in Europe controlling our economy, but it pales in comparison to the illegal and barbarous path we are following by supporting George W Bush.

Our close relationship with the US has put us among the most hated countries in the world, because of our involvement in the Iraq war and support for Sharon's apartheid policy in Palestine.

As for UKIP, it is a party which hails xenophobes and Islamophobes such as Robert Kilroy Silk and homophobic bigots such as the mayoral candidate Frank Maloney. They are a small-minded one-issue party.

Andrew Collingwood,

Turners Croft, York.

Updated: 10:05 Tuesday, June 08, 2004