Keep Party Politics Out Of Government

[Gayle]

When I was going through the selection process to be a candidate in the local elections I was asked if I understood the Whip process. I had to be honest and say that I didn't have a clue what the chap was talking about. So it was explained to me. Then I was asked what I would do if my views conflicted with the views of the Whip. I told them that I would not go against the party, neither would I go against my own views so therefore I would abstain from a vote and find some other route to achieve my objectives that did not conflict with the party line.

Although this is hypothetical in some way because I never got elected therefore it never got tested I was still accepted as a candidate and therefore one can only assume that my answer was satisfactory.

[jambutty]

Yes democracy of a type is still there Cyfr but it is a form of democracy that only pays lip service to a true democratic government.

The have in quotes that you refer to is included in the sentence relating to 3 line Whips where MP’s “have” to vote on party lines. They can dissent but rarely do because of the de-selection “Sword of Damocles” hanging over them not to mention the no chance of advancement.

Don’t forget that the PM has the final say on who gets a Cabinet or ministerial post and the high salary that goes with them and he is hardly likely to appoint someone if they didn’t follow party lines. Any MP who has aspirations of improving their lot will kowtow to the party lines even if he doesn’t agree with some of them.

Most MP’s have gone into politics as a career and will do what is necessary to keep their job. Fortunately there are a few who see politics not just as a career but as a means of genuinely representing their constituents. These are usually called either independent or rebels.

[Madhatter]

Originally Posted by Gayle

Because if you're not in the ruling party you don't make the decisions and as an independent a person would never be part of the ruling party.

if the ruling party an be outvoted by the others then I wouldn't care, If the ruling party were bigger than the others put together like labour used to be here before we kicked the dinosaurs out then it would be a problem.
Only four more dinosaurs to go now, one labour, three conservatives. then we'll have a decent town council.

[bullseyebarb]

Let's face it, not too many statesmen these days. Political polarization is rife - on both sides of the Atlantic. I'm not for pure democracy - which is mob rule. But a well informed electorate can make a big difference. Vote the bums out!

[SPUGGIE J]

The question that has to be asked is "do they want a well informed electorate?" Especially if their political career depends on it we will get more cow pats spindoctered advice selective information etc etc etc.