THE activities of the British National Party present a dilemma for newspapers.

There is an argument that they should be ignored and denied the oxygen of publicity.

The risk then is that public apathy allows a dangerous political party to sneak in through the back door.

The Northern Echo has taken the view that its readers should be made aware of the ambitions of the BNP in the North-East.

With 54 candidates standing for election in this region - nearly a quarter of its national tally - the BNP has made the North-East a prime target, with Sunderland and Darlington topping its hit-list for council seats.

We wholeheartedly support the calls from people such as the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, film producer Lord David Puttnam, athlete Steve Cram and Sunderland Football Club chairman Bob Murray for the BNP's racist ambitions to be thwarted through the ballot box.

Local government has a well-known problem in failing to stimulate public interest. Turnouts at council elections are invariably low, and good candidates are not easy to find.

But on May 1, when council elections take place, it is more important than ever to vote. Whether it be Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat or Independent, just vote.

Do not fall into the trap of believing it does not matter, or of underestimating the chances of the BNP - because apathy is a weapon that extremists value.

We do not give the BNP publicity lightly. We do it because we believe it is vital that our readers know that the threat is real - and that they can play their part in removing it.

Cutting losses

IT is another example of society's twisted sense of values that someone can earn £550,000 a year for being a failure.

Sir Brian Moffat raked in a massive salary yet never delivered a profit during his time as chairman and interim chief executive of Corus.

His departure is as unsurprising as it is welcome to those who work in the steel industry.

There is now the chance of a fresh start. We hope more successful times lie ahead for Corus under new leadership - and that the world-class skills and efficiency of the company's North-East employees are properly recognised.