The Great Debate: In favour of self-rule . . . but some reservations

When I moved into the region in 1991, having spent my early life in the South-East, I was impressed with the North-East sense of community, with the pride people felt about their region, and Geordie culture and traditions - including football.

I can see the sense in giving us a stronger voice in our own affairs.

There is the Government Office, and there are lots of quangos, all of which spend money in the region without any direct input from the people.

It is a mess and it makes sense to have a democratic structure to give local people a say in how our money is spent.

However, as I understand it, the regional government would only have control over two per cent of the spending, so I am anxious that what we are being offered is not proper regional government.

People never thought the Welsh assembly would work but it has had a positive impact.

However, the North-East is being offered a diluted form of regional government which could end up as just another talking shop. We could end up with yet more politicians, but no increased control over what is happening.

I feel that the Government is reluctant to devolve power. However, there is an argument to say that we should vote for regional government, then campaign for more power.

I certainly am not sympathetic to the "no" campaign, because it is so negative.

It reminds me of the debate on Europe.

Yes, the European Union has all sorts of problems, but the principle of Europe is very important - not least because it offers regions like the North-East such good opportunities.

I think it makes sense to offer us the chance to remove a tier of local government if we are going to introduce a regional government.

The last thing we want is more politicians and if you are going to add a level of government it makes sense to remove one.

I have lived in Gateshead and in South Tyneside, both of which have unitary authorities, and they seem to work well.

I also believe that if we vote for regional government, we have to change the nature of politics.

The days of old-style party politics are numbered. Many councillors do a good job, but they tend to be drawn from a narrow section of the population.

If you look at Ken Livingstone in London, some of his key figures are not politicians at all.

Regional government gives us the opportunity to create a new, refreshing form of politics.

If we can do that, then it will give the region the opportunity to be positive and creative.

* Dr Tom Shakespeare is the University of Newcastle outreach director of the Policy, Ethics And Life Science Institute, based in the city which encourages public debate on scientific issues.