GEOFFREY Bulmer claims there are far more pressing matters than electoral reform to be considered at present (HAS, June 26).
The fact there is complete disillusionment with our political system, that only a few voters in a few constituencies have any bearing on the choice of government, that once embedded in a safe seat an MP is safe whatever the changes of political mood, and that choice of candidate lies almost entirely with the party machines, seem to count for nothing with Mr Bulmer.
My aunty came to the North-East in about 1995.
Interested in politics, she was astonished no one canvassed her opinion or sent her an election leaflet through successive elections. She was an innocent; Durham is all safe seats.
Contrast that with my experience in the Irish Republic at their last general election.
Under their system every vote counts and every citizen is worth canvassing. Electors cannot only vote for a party, but choose between candidates within a party. Every part of the republic was alive with interest.
Irish elections are conducted by the method recommended by the UK Electoral Reform Society. The method is not likely to find favour here because MPs in safe seats have a vested interest in their cushy jobs provided by an out-of-date electoral system.
Peter Wilson, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here