GIVING power to Yorkshire should appeal to everyone who lives here.

People from this region often complain about the remoteness of decision making, while harbouring a suspicion that there is a bias towards the south.

So the proposed creation of a directly-elected assembly for Yorkshire and Humberside should have wide appeal.

But, in truth, hardly anyone appears to be displaying much enthusiasm for this project - aside, that is, from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

This regional assembly is a passionate cause for Mr Prescott, who visited York today to unveil a new "Your Say" Government publicity campaign to stir up interest in the idea.

The Hull East MP is pushing for everyone to get behind what he calls "the Great North Vote" for regional assemblies in Yorkshire and Humberside, the north east and the north west.

Mr Prescott announced in June that there would be a referendum on devolution. The way matters are shaping up, next year's poll could be sunk by what may be termed rampaging indifference.

While Mr Prescott remains a passionate advocate for the regional parliament, that warmth is not yet shared by the Yorkshire public, who appear largely either apathetic or downright hostile.

Apathy could well extinguish Mr Prescott's dream. If a regional assembly for Yorkshire were to succeed, it would have to generate interest and support among local voters. If the best that can be summoned is a shrug, Mr Prescott has his work cut out.

While a Yorkshire parliament has not yet generated much in the way of excitement, it could have merit. But such a body would have to represent the region properly and have real bite, rather than ending up as a committee-bound talking shop.

Mr Prescott needs to convince a sceptical public that he has a good idea on his hands.

Updated: 11:59 Monday, November 03, 2003