THERE is no doubt that the Government's determination to drive through the Bill outlawing foxhunting attacks the way of life of many thousands, perhaps millions, of people.

They are quite within their rights to demonstrate and protest both at the principle and the methodology of curtailing their pastime.

But there is something unsettling about the menacing threats which have accompanied the protests, a taste of which was unveiled in the unsavoury scenes outside Parliament.

The violence was reminiscent of the poll tax riots. Angry protestors were filmed attempting to tear down barricades, then blaming the police; people with bloody heads claimed they were merely innocent bystanders. Perhaps these were the same people who condemned the poll tax rioters.

Imagine if the thousands of football supporters who are victims of a silly law which does not allow them to have a beer inside a football ground staged violent demonstrations because the legislation affected their way of life. They would be condemned as hooligans.

Those who resort to violent protest in their bid to preserve foxhunting tread the same line. Pro-hunting groups have said they do not condone violence but seem to stop short of condemning it.

There is one way, the British way, to overturn unjust legislation, and that is via democratic means. The proponents of fox hunting have every right to protest and publicise their cause but the only way to overturn this legislation is by voting for a party which has promised to repeal the Government's Bill at the forthcoming general election.

Put simply, to ride with hounds, vote Conservative.