LS1: The Big Debate

Just a big turn-off?

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The plans were finalised last week for the televised election debates between the leaders of the three major parties. Some say that will wake the electorate from its apathetic slumber, but some think they will have the opposite effect. So this week, we ask: Will the TV election debates be good for democracy?

A recurrent complaint of voters and political commentators (of all allegiances) is policy. What is it, and where is it in the convoluted rhetoric with which we as the public are presented with by our prospective leaders? Many who were not disinterested from the start, have now resolved that politicians are untrustworthy and that the differences between parties are negligible. Will Self, (journalist and nuisance to many politicians he encounters on numerous discussion shows) argues that an “anorexic cigarette paper” could not fit between the main parties on their approach to governing the country. With this dominating disaffection, why vote at all? Because as much as many of us would like to distance ourselves from politics, it isn’t possible. Therefore what is needed is clarity, for the parties… Continue reading...