Chief Minister Allan Bell says it's too early to say what impact the breakthrough by the UK Independence Party in last night's local elections will have on British politics long-term.
UKIP siphoned support from the Conservatives and Labour, capitalising on discontent about immigration and mainstream politics.
After success in council elections in England, UKIP leader Nigel Farage believes his party will be serious players at the 2015 general election.
His supporters say the UK has witnessed the emergence of a fourth national political force.
However Mr Bell says while the party has secured an imprint in local government, the main tests are yet to come:
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