Democracy is a wonderful concept and it only becomes complicated when people decide to get involved, but it only really works when those involved in the democratic process have the ability and desire to engage in discussion and debate. Democracy, by its very nature, requires men and women holding diverse opinions and values to come together and speak openly and freely in the chamber so their opinions and beliefs can be considered and judged accordingly and, where necessary challenged, but the consensus of the majority will always hold sway over the decisions taken. This can be witnessed on a regular basis when elected members vote unanimously on issues regardless of their affiliation to various political parties.
Every person should have the opportunity to be heard and the chamber, in front of their peers, is the correct and appropriate place to voice their concerns about the democratic process. When, for whatever reason a person is given the opportunity to do so, yet chooses to remain silent, only to speak out in public free of the danger of being directly challenged, one can’t help but question why? A lone voice can’t expect to exercise the same influence in the chamber as a group who have discussed, debated and then agreed, a consensus of opinion, an individual whose only alliance is to their own needs shouldn’t be surprised when their actions create a sense of isolation and limited influence in the democratic process.
Much of the democratic process goes unnoticed by the general public, not because it’s held behind closed doors and restricted to the public, but because most people aren’t interested in the often important, but mundane business, dealt with by committees, sub committees and working groups which is where issues are debated and decisions made. A public statement, no matter how emotive, offers no guarantees as to the individual’s work ethic, commitment or lack of it, to the hours attending meetings and sitting on numerous committees and subcommittees, but if you want to be a part of the decision making process this is what it takes. The process isn’t perfect and neither is democracy but it’s the best system we have and it only gets complicated when people don’t fully understand what’s involved or upset when democracy works, but not in the way they want it to.
Phillip Hawkins
Independent Councillor