Independence in Politics.

The public dissatisfaction with all political parties is at an all time high. The great danger is that, because of the deception and outright dishonesty practised by the discredited traditional parties, democracy itself will fall into disrepute.

At one time many elected local government members were independent. Given the limited powers of local authorities today, where funding and what they can do is largely prescribed by Whitehall, it makes little sense for local Councils to be organized on party political lines. What is required are more independent Councillors. They would at least be free of the political machines and the whipping system that directs how they will vote on particular issues. Neither would they be subjected to pressure by the extremists who tend to run the local party political machines.

We are coming to the stage where nominations will soon be called for the May 2007 local government elections. There is an urgent need for an increase in the number of people willing to stand as Independents. Maybe then the electorate, given their present general dissatisfaction with politics, will be attracted back to voting. They will at least have the opportunity to elect a representative who is not a prisoner of the political machines and who is free to vote in the best interests of their constituents.