tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582562105265467070.post8199035087603089512..comments2023-04-02T11:54:46.591+01:00Comments on Nigel Holdcroft – a view from Nelson Street: The important thing is democracy but don't ask the peopleNigel Holdcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446597545038423081noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582562105265467070.post-15377385658530220952013-10-24T15:41:32.673+01:002013-10-24T15:41:32.673+01:00Julian
Thank you for this feedback. As I am sure ...Julian<br /><br />Thank you for this feedback. As I am sure you will accept all systems have pros and cons. Whilst I accept that it is unlikely in the current circumstances that any party would have a majority of over 17 before a "third up" election it does not change the argument that the power of the electorate to make real change on any particular election day is hampered which must undermine the public's engagement. The main counter argument is that it can lead to quite dramatic swings but this can happen in a partliamentary election as well and at the end of the day it is for the people to decide and live with the consequences. I have always been a strong supporter of FPTP on the basis that it gives the electorate a choice rather than the blurring and coalitions often resulting from PR and hung parliaments. Hung parliaments mean that governments are appointed by politicians in (formerly) smoke filled rooms rather than the electorate and give easy opportunity to justify movement from manifesto pledges by blaiming pressure from the other partner. Having said that FPTP failed to deliver last time and if we have another hung parliament in 2015, with the Libs offering themselves to the main 2 parties and being effectively unremoveable from government then I will obviusly need to reconsider my position!Nigel Holdcrofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01446597545038423081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582562105265467070.post-75256092034800894092013-10-20T08:42:21.862+01:002013-10-20T08:42:21.862+01:00Sorry, the above comment highlights my appalling t...Sorry, the above comment highlights my appalling typing. There is a 'could' missing between 'we indeed' and 'elect all 17'. My apologies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582562105265467070.post-31433774897457631622013-10-20T08:39:59.345+01:002013-10-20T08:39:59.345+01:00Nigel, there are two problems with your “...there ...Nigel, there are two problems with your “...there could be a situation where every one of the 17 seats available was won by one party but it was still in opposition ...” argument as far as I am concerned.<br /><br />The first is separation of reality and fact: whilst it is possible, it is so remote a possibility as to be ignorable.<br /><br />Secondly: this adds to my arguments about the unfairness of first past the post – we indeed elect all 17 councillors from one party, and this could be achieved on a mere quarter of votes cast. If you want real fairness how about joining me in the Electoral Reform Society? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com