JOHN Townend's comments on race were bigoted, offensive and demeaning to his office, his party and his country.

They were also first uttered back in March. Today, the first day of May, newspapers are finally able to report that William Hague has disciplined Mr Townend.

Mr Hague's vacillation smacked of weak leadership. Far more seriously, it allowed the distasteful remarks of a backbencher unknown outside Yorkshire to stir up prejudice and hatred across Britain.

We can only speculate as to why Mr Townend chose to deliver his inflammatory speech when he did. As a veteran politician, he must have realised his words were a timebomb that would blow up in the face of Mr Hague.

Perhaps his impending retirement loosened his tongue. The Yorkshire East MP is about to leave the Commons, so he has no personal stake in the electoral prospects of the Tory Party. How odd, though, that such a self-styled patriot can cast his loyalties aside so readily.

Yet his speech would never have made so great an impact had he been instantly disciplined by Mr Hague. The Tory party leader's reluctance to withdraw the whip from the backbencher implied that racism would go unpunished, and so was acceptable, in the Tory Party. It also encouraged Mr Townend, who compounded his original speech by saying Britain was becoming a "mongrel race".

By forcing Mr Townend to apologise, Mr Hague has belatedly made it clear that racism has no place in his party, and it was right he did so. But the damage has been done, both to British race relations and Mr Hague's reputation.

No one is suggesting that the race issue should not be discussed. However, it is incumbent on politicians and others to treat the subject with proper sensitivity. Racially-motivated assaults rise when remarks like those of Mr Townend are reported.

His words gave succour to racists, and diverted attention away from the Government's many difficulties. Loyal Conservatives must be relieved that Mr Townend is about to step down.

It's a vision thing

IT is all too easy for Tony Blair at the moment. The Opposition should be savaging the Prime Minister for the Government's handling of foot and mouth. But the Tories are too busy fighting among themselves.

While William Hague was busily squinting into an electoral black hole, Mr Blair donned a new pair of glasses. Instantly he presented himself as the visionary statesman.

Mr Blair is clearly delighted with his specs. How long can it be before he offers a free pair to every voter - complete with Blair-patented rose-tinted lenses, of course?

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, May 01, 2001