So what difference does it make?

Fans of political numbers and statistics must have been in their element these past few days, as the European and English local election results were announced.

The big story is of course the notable drop in support for Labour but alongside this there have been other stories, such as the SNP's achievements in Scotland and elsewhere the rise of the BNP and UKIP.

It's inevitable that there will be a focus on this side of politics - who's up and who's down - but it remains slightly depressing that the results alone seem to be what is being celebrated, rather than any substantial policy change.

Obviously change does not happen overnight. Electing new people and parties will take time to have influence - assuming of course that it ever happens - but if we want an insight into one reason that the public-at-large are put off by politics it's surely this.

With the best will in the world most people do not have a massive interest in or understanding of how the European Parliament and its related bodies work. Therefore clearly the vote as a whole is one designed to send a message to particular parties, or show support for others.

However in spite the momentous way this is being reported it's hard to get beyond a feeling of 'so what'? Whatever changes have taken place will it have any notable affect on jobs or education or health or anything else you care to mention?

The instant evidence isn't promising. The focus from all parties thus far has either been wound licking or celebrating and lauding it over their vanquished opponents (in itself a slight peculiarity on the grounds that the proportional system means that no party really wins these elections).

Obviously politicians and political journalists get very excited about such results and it is a chance to talk about the minutiae and process of politics rather than anything else.

But it would surely be more relevant and impressive to the public if such results actually brought about some degree of change rather than simply leading to more political intrigue?