[SPUGGIE J]

I first must appologies to members for answering a thread that might by its content take it "off track" so a BIG SORRY.

I must thank JB for starting this because hit hits at something that really bugs me which is the polite answer. As I can also see the Hollyrood kids in their chamber I have always wondered if we have an elected dictatorship run by the Prime Minister First minister or whatever they call themselves.

There will be times when "polititions need to legislate for our own good but there are times that when the voting public need to be listened to when its something close to their hearts issues they feel strongly about. Ok if we dont like what has been passed by those in power we can always unseat them at a General Election when it comes.

My opinion is that if the majority of the population regardless of ethnic background religion etc etc etc. Parlament has a free vote system yet it is very rarely used so its time the people voice was heard. Given that members have the power of a private members bills but they are not very successful.

The house full of independents and dozens of cliques sounds like a house of horror yet thats the other end of the spectrum from what we have. So is there a happy medium or are we just going through the motions?

Regardless of who is in power there will always be legislation and actions that make us red around the gills but that is what we have which compared to some countries is heaven. Maybe there will be an "enlightened" seat of power but chances are it will be beyond my life time and maybe that of my daughter. So all in all its better the devil we know that that what we dont.

Should there be another option that will work better I aint heard of it but it could surface. The be all and end all is that despite what we think we do have the "mother of all parlaments" well alledgedly.