The Leaders Debates - groundbreaking, or a missed opportunity? A bit of both. The debates have energised the election but the format needs revisiting. The gaps between the debates have been weird in that parties have tried to carry on ‘politics as usual’ when it clearly isn’t. The daily press conference and photo op routine has become almost irrelevant. Women haven’t figured (apart from Mrs Gillian Duffy) and George Osborne (note to reader – could be next Chancellor) has disappeared from view.
Having visited several constituencies one thing is very clear. The majority of candidates who put themselves forward are either inadequate or downright odd. High calibre competent operators are thin on the ground. This brings into focus the selection process. At a time of crisis, it is not good enough to rely on machinations behind closed doors based on who knows what prejudices and score-settling. The American Primary system has much to commend it.
We cannot rely on parties to sort this out. Vested interests will prevail. Reform is needed more than ever.
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