Politics in Airdrie and Coatbridge has traditionally been an open and closed affair. People vote Labour by a huge majority. 59% in Airdrie in 2005; 65% in Coatbridge. They are Labour safe seats, and as such, little to no political debate, dialogue, comment or criticism exists. There exist very few platforms for a constituency-wide debate about local issues. Indeed, the establishment probably feel that this is a good thing.
However, with turnout in both constituencies well below the Scottish and British average, it is clear that there is a widespread disengagement with politics at a local level. Through providing a medium for debate and discourse, I hope this blog will reignite engagement with politics on a local level.
In the lead up to the General Election it is my intention to:
Garner local media attention to this blog and make it the ‘go to place’ for information about the election on a local level.
Organise a ‘get out the vote’ campaign to encourage electoral turnout and participation in the political process.
Organise a candidates’ debate in the run up to the election, allowing for an interaction between candidates, and offering the voters the chance to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate in a relevant political arena.
Connect with voters on the issues that affect them, and put these issues to the candidates.
Undertake in-depth interviews with each candidate, and give voters the opportunity to analyse what the candidates stand for.
Remove the focus from the national, media-driven popularity contest and refocus voters and candidates on local issues that matter.
Please feel free to comment or leave any suggestions. I will probably be organising some events in the run up to the election and looking for help, so please don't hesitate to contact me!
ReplyDeleteIt might be an idea to contact the Advertiser about featuring this once it gains a bit more steam.
ReplyDeleteReally good idea though, people shouldn't be tightcast into thinking that politics around this area isn't worth discussing, that's why we've ended up with an all-female shortlist from Labour in Airdrie.
Johnny, im in the process of contacting them regarding either a one-off feature to draw attention to the blog, or a weekly feature. Also keen on getting them to advertise and promote a candidates debate.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this Paul but I'm afraid it looks doomed before it starts. The younger generation don't care so long as they have their x box and Sky TV. The older generation will desert Labour in droves because of the young and inexperienced candidate and the Nats will win by default. The only real winner will be apathy and that my friend is what allowed the the political classes to get into the state they are in today. All the same hats off to you for trying to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I realise it'll be an uphill battle. You're right with regards to the young generation and apathy. However, we cannot concede that apathy will always win out, that in itself is apathetic!
ReplyDeleteOnly through a stimulating discussion and debate, led by local voters, about real local issues, will people become re-engaged. That is what I'm striving to do here. Providing a platform for criticism, comment and debate which should stimulate local interest.