THE party is well and truly underway.

And if there’s one thing this country needs right now, it’s a celebration.

Thousands of local people are getting themselves together, rekindling that old community spirit and paying tribute to the Monarch and her 60 years of service.

The Diamond Jubilee brings us full circle, back to a time of uncertainty and austerity. It’s also a chance to reflect on three of the most important factors the Queen’s reign has brought; longevity, stability and continuity.

We take the institution of the Monarchy for granted, but ought not to. Astonishingly, opinion polls show the Queen is more in touch with public opinion than elected politicians.

We will never recover the trust and confidence that we once had in our political system because successful government is now a virtual impossibility.

If ‘The Firm’ plays it right, the Monarchy will be even more vital to this country in the decades to come than it is now.