I chose to study politics at University predominantly because I find it interesting; having a broader than average understanding of the way our country and the world is run, and of why certain significant political situations prevail, I presumed, would be something of a privilege. » We asked every candidate standing in North Yorkshire what they'd do for their constituents, and we limited them to 60 seconds. Listen to what they had to say... To an extent, the decision to do a politics degree on this basis has been justified. Studying political philosophy in my first year was particularly enlightening; I now appreciate the significance, genius and role played by the literature of the likes of Mill, Rousseau, Machiavelli and Marx in shaping our society and our opinions. Appreciating this, shallow as my knowledge is, leads me to guess that I should know something about politics which a lot of other people don't. With this in mind, I'd like to think that I hold an advantage in coming to an informed, intelligent opinion of the main parties and their manifestoes. As we draw closer to the election date, however, I find my efforts to come to such an opinion in order to decide how to vote increasingly frustrated. In 1997 New Labour exploited the public's lack of faith in the Conservative government and by attracting the vote of 'Middle Englanders,' cruised to victory. Approaching the next election the roles are, possibly, slightly reversed: Labour are falling behind in certain polls and the public is losing patience with Blair, particularly as a result of his apparent misleading of the nation in the run up to the Iraq war. Michael Howard now has the possibility to take advantage of this loss of faith. This is a basic understanding of the situation at hand and whilst an examination of the three main parties manifestoes will be provide a more detailed analysis, I find myself unable to decide how to vote. Talking to my friends about how they might, the dilemma I face appears to be a popular one: I'm not apathetic and I'm keen to vote; but I'm not particularly drawn to any of the big three parties. They appear very close to each other in terms of ideology, and it is doubtful that any radical or attractive policies will be implemented as promised
so who do I vote for? Apathy, the press tells us, is worst in the 18-25 age group. This, I feel, is a result of this dilemma. What I'm saying wouldn't be misunderstood as a justification for apathy; it's important to vote as others died so I could (it's an old cliché, but it's very true). Some argue that voting for a party that won't get into power is a wasted vote
but it's better than nothing so I might just vote for the Monster Raving Loony Party (provided they've got a candidate in my area!)
Toby Could you be a student diarist?
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