NO2BBC

Yes, I know that UKIP already has MEPs, although little things like that have never bothered the Beeb in the past. But the BNP hasn't. Yet much of Newsnight earlier this week was given over to plugging the BNP in general, and the BNP in the North West in particular.

By contrast, yesterday's publication of NO2EU's complete list of candidates, including several people rather more notable than anyone the BNP has to offer, has been completely unreported. Clearly, in line with past practice, Auntie still regards European federalism as a dispute internal to the Tory subculture, and the only arguments against it as those advanced by the Tory (though not the New Labour) market fundamentalists.

This is part of the wider reality of British politics: certain people, parties, causes, candidates, scandals (real or imaginary) or whatever are not reported because they are important. They are important because they are reported; because the BBC, in particular, has condescended to mention them. Does this amount to ballot-rigging? Perish the thought...