Centre Ground Politics

Staying in Italy you begin to wonder why the people who live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world continue to elect the same fool every few years. No matter how oafish he is, no matter who he offends he will back around in four years - like some STD just when you think you are in the clear, he is back looking smugger and hairier (I took that analogy a little too far). The answer is simple, choice. Either too much or too little leads to the same conclusion.

When you examine the politics of Great Britain you are left with the same answer - choice. We have too little - should we move left of centre or right of centre but lets not get too near edge of the political map for there be monsters. What is missing is the right choice. If the NHS is too expensive then lets privatise elements of it. Lets support the elderly in their retirement years based on their contributions to the country throughout their lives. Lets make sure the school down the road is the same as the school everyone wants to go to four miles away. We have to be brave and make those statements that are correct regardless of the bias of the political party we are supposed to represent.

The four yearly pull to the left or right does not lead to good, safe reliable government. It does not lead to the reduction of conflicts in the world. It does not lead to the balancing of social backgrounds in the professions. If it did, it would have by now. We are pushing a slack string - only when it is tied and taught does any good happen. I find myself banging the keyboard as I write this - wake up everyone. Every shout should be heard - every individual listened to. MP's should make their personal views on every political subject clear and be held accountable to it - say what you think and stick with it - this should become a legally binding document that is a personal manifesto. The manifesto is a personal statement of the views thought to be right and it is up to the local community to agree or not.

This all leads to the electorate feeling more connected with Government the representatives being tied to their declarations and the end of left-right bias.