SIR – I see no harm in these alternative parties such as UKIP, BNP, Green, etc trying to get the electorate to side with them at local and European elections.

But when it comes down to the nitty gritty, it is the 2015 general election that will hold centre stage – one can’t wait till the old BBC swingometer comes into use again.

But I would like to see us get back to basics and opt for the two-party system.

That brings to mind the great battles between McMillan, Wilson, Heath, Callaghan and, of course, the enigmatic Maggie Thatcher.

In comparison Cameron and Miliband will never have the charisma of the aforementioned.

Let the battle commence!

Joe McHugh, Fairfax Flats, Otley