In the long history of British democracy, there has never been a more important by-election then the epic contest now underway at Makerfield in Greater Manchester.
In her radical socialism and vociferous support for minorities, Catherine Connolly represents precisely that spirit of wokeness that a large section of the Irish public is determined to challenge.
In today's Britain, restraint is being replaced by aggression, solidarity by conflict. In the face of rising crime, fear and friction cast their shadows over too many of our neighbourhoods.