When the major political parties all run vacuous, negative campaigns based on slogans a step away from "Don't vote for him, he smells of poo", which is what we were treated to last May, while concealing their true intentions and keeping all the nasty things out of the manifesto until they are safely installed in No 10, it is no wonder that a cynical and apathetic electorate can't decide which of these poltroons they hate the most, and stay away in droves, refusing to become engaged in the political process.
If not, you are likely to find that the party you thought you had voted for has ditched its promises and is now helping its former opponents to shaft you.
I genuinely fear for the future of democracy in this country unless politicians wake up and start to have the courage to frame policies that will improve the lives of real people and make things better. People will turn from democracy to direct action if the democratic system fails to deliver this.
Steve Rudd
Huddersfield
