WHAT goes around comes around. Having often been the target of the UK Independence Party's attacks I have hugely enjoyed the spectacle of that party tearing itself apart.

Their most prominent MEP, Robert Kilroy-Silk, now describes his colleagues as "barmy." The party, he says, is run by a "self-selecting cabal," and its ideas of elections are "reminiscent of a banana republic."

What a shame he did not add that their appeal has been based on a tissue of lies and distortions, trading on the fact that few people are well informed about the way in which Britain works with other nations to shape EU decisions.

Mr Kilroy-Silk's decision to resign the UKIP whip would no doubt have attracted even more publicity had it not come in the week when the elected European Parliament faced down the appointed European Commission.

The decision by MEPs to reject the nomination of Mr Rocco Buttiglione as Justice Commissioner was not based on his personal or religious views but on his suitability for the particular job in question. A man who believes that women should be sent to the kitchen and homosexuals should be sent to hell did not appear personally committed to the task of promoting equal opportunities across Europe.

The English Parliament grew in authority during the 17th century by seizing its moments and using the tools at its disposal to insist upon change. The European Parliament has just taken a similar step forward, setting new precedents and ensuring that the balance between government ministers, EU commissioners and MEPs will never be quite the same again.

CHRIS DAVIES, MEP, Liberal Democrat (North West).