I find myself in the strange position of not wanting to support any of the political parties because I believe that the party system kills democracy, and even though some of the parties have talented members, they are well outnumbered and well outspoken within their own parties which means that they will struggle to achieve anything in power or opposition.
Conversely, voting for independent candidates like Michael Lowry or Jackie Healy-Rae leaves the country’s interests in the hands of selfish local politicians for local people, who have no interest in what’s best for the country.
So, who do I vote for in the upcoming election? Voting for any of the parties just serves to perpetuate the status quo with the same old faces and a few token “new” members who will obey the party whip. That only leaves the independents, of which there are three running in my constituency.
I’m looking for candidates who can convince me that they not only match up with my political views in general, but also that they’re firm about putting the country ahead of any local needs or issues. I have already read up about Dylan Haskins and I plan to support him. I will do the same for the two other independents if they can convince me too.
I do lament the “party” that never was with O’Toole, Dunphy and McWilliams etc behind it. I think they gave up too easily and too quickly, before they really started even. I’m hoping that if we can reduce the number of seats the parties get, and vote in enough nationally minded independents we can achieve much the same result, “Democracy Now”.