Ukip

[OB1]

I wouldn't quite say unbelievable, but the results in the EU election are perhaps even more pronounced than most commentators expected.
I don't see this as a UKIP endorsement here in the UK - I actually see it more as a "none of the above" vote.
Only 56% of the vote has gone for UK wide mainstream parties. The Greens are up at 8% so it's not just UKIP that have attracted support.

I'm not sure the 3 big parties get it. They are all discredited. Their people are all talking about learning lessons, listening.... but that's just the same old, same old...

They seem to think that this cannot be replicated come a general election, but I'm not so sure. I think the public has seen what power it can wield and may well use it in 12 months time.
It could be interesting.

Meanwhile, across Europe the extremes on both sides seem to have done well. Is it the end for the EU as we know it?

I have not read the whole thread (cant be arsed) so simply replying to the OP.
I was determined to cast a vote, so left Mid-South Wales mid-afternoon to return to Tameside to caste at 9pm.
But I was equally determined not to vote for any of the 'big 4' (no longer the 'big 3'?).
So I looked down the list and cast a 'Green' vote even though I knew little about the candidate of the manifesto.
I'm still trying to examine if this is a real personal shift or just a protestation, but f ts the latter its the first time in 30 years of voting.