Saturday 17th January

I must admit I do write quite a bit about Politics.  But that is almost always about Politics in the particular, reacting to and trying to calculate the outcome, observing and commenting on the current political debate, especially here in the U.K.   I have a good friend who sincerely believes that Labour are as bad as the Tories, and that there will be no discernible difference whoever gets in next time.  Others I know swear that ALL politicians are corrupt and in it for themselves; the expenses scandal and failure to correct it have only added to this view.  My opinion is that actually the vast majority of people who go into Politics do so because they want to make things better.  Part of the problem is the party system, and the other is the Politics of the Possible.

Political parties are always a broad church of opinion, and also more importantly an election-winning (or losing) machine.   Perception of party unity is seen as a pre-requisite for success, therefore dissent is frowned upon and a homogenized (often bland) face is presented to the electorate, much as in a beauty contest everyone wants to look their best.  When an MP is newly elected they are drilled in the “party system” and made to obey the whips in spite of what they may believe or have previously promised their constituents.  More loss of faith arises.  Also despite firmly held beliefs most parties simply attempt to progress by small steps, “The Politics of the Possible”, which seldom make a real difference to people’s lives.  Every big change means another group of disaffected and disgruntled voters.

But I believe that the electorate would really love to see some deeply held beliefs being expressed, such as a commitment to public spending which will be paid for by increases in taxation.  All parties are terrified of admitting the bleeding obvious – that if we want decent schools and hospitals and affordable housing we will have to pay for them.  If Government doesn’t supply them we have to pay for them in a different and less fair way anyway.  So come on Mr. Milliband, let the public know just what you do believe in.  Condition it, if you will on affordability, but give us some heart and soul and something to believe in, or I fear you may simply get committed Labour voters who have nowhere else to go voting for you.  And that may not be enough….