In my view it is the job of the MP to represent the views of the "silent majority" and not to be influenced by pressure groups. Our system is one of representative goverment, and not of delegates, so that we elect people not to do our bidding but to use their best judgement having duly considered all the facts. We rely on them to make the enquiries we have neither the time nor the expertise to do ourselves. I would much rather have such a system than that which exists in the USA, for instance, which might appear more democratic as it involves the people more directly in decision making but in fact enables the influence of interest groups to flourish, and those with the deepest pockets to flourish best.Originally Posted by johncar54
I understand the criticism of the way that the Government sidelines the ordinary MP but they always have the ultimate sanctions in their hands and nowdays the influence and work of the various specialist committees should not be under estimated. My own experience with my local MP has always been a good one.
I say thank goodness for our system as it protects us from the extremes of both left and right thinking. We have witnessed enough far right thinking already in this thread for me to be grateful for our MPs judgements being paramount. I can just imagine some folk pressing for a referendum on the re-introduction of capital punishment because they know there is a fair chance that the great British public would vote for it.
