tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post75317944092345471..comments2024-01-23T16:53:02.428+00:00Comments on Mark Thompson: Some MPs are more equal than othersMark Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744387583593537268noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-63220813450072799762010-01-24T22:51:36.520+00:002010-01-24T22:51:36.520+00:00James - Fair points, I was oversimplifying and I w...James - Fair points, I was oversimplifying and I was taking PR opponents worst case scenario (as they always do) of a closed list where even though there may be a larger constituency, effectively the MP answers to the party for their position on the list. However point taken that by reiterating this characterisation I am to some extent playing into their hands. I was just trying to contrast this description with all the benefits that STV can give and of course highlight how badly FPTP serves us even by the terms of the criticisms made of other systems by its proponents.<br /><br />IE - I have blogged before about open primaries and how they are a distraction from the real reform needed. Aside from all the obvious problems (expense, who decides the shortlist etc.) just ask yourself this. How many existing Tory MPs have had to be reselected through open primaries?Mark Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00744387583593537268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-6446886411573470502010-01-24T22:40:40.553+00:002010-01-24T22:40:40.553+00:00Mark: "it is true for systems like Alternativ...Mark: "it is true for systems like Alternative Vote Plus or Additional Member System ... some MPs have constituencies and others don't"<br /><br />Not quite right. Under both AMS and AV+, all MPs have constituencies, it is just that some MPs have larger constituencies than others. Only with systems such as the Israel list system do MPs not have constituencies at all.<br /><br />What's more, while AMS/AV+ type systems certainly do create two types of MP, they are certainly accountable to the electorate - more so than in a safe seat under FPTP. Admittedly, this is weakened by the closed list system used in AMS in the UK, but since most regional constituencies only have 1-2 members per constituency, in reality that can be over-stated. Under AV+, the top up lists would be elected using an open list system, meaning that they would be as accountable - if not more - as the single constituency members.<br /><br />I'm an STV supporter, but we shouldn't let FPTP supporters get away with making unwarrented claims that better-if-not-ideal systems would be worse than the status quo.<br /><br />Independent England: "surely open primary selections for MPs, as espoused by Douglas Carswell and Dan Hannan solves this problem?"<br /><br />Not if the experience in the US is anything to go by. Plus there is the whole question of the vast cost, potential for even greater corruption, etc.James Graham (Quaequam Blog!)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00319089107820032874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-23049095401291143612010-01-24T17:08:11.478+00:002010-01-24T17:08:11.478+00:00Regardless of the absurd effects FPTP has yielded,...Regardless of the absurd effects FPTP has yielded, especially in 1983 and 2005, it is still here. It is only going to be abolished via a hung parliament. This requires Lib Dem supporters in Lab/Con marginals to vote Tory in the micro-marginals (<6% majority) but Labour in the 'firewall' marginals (>10% majority). This in turn dovetails with attacking the opponent must likely locally to be relegated to 3rd place, which ultimately will provide the Lib Dems with 2nd place and the chance to win the seat.Hughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09669097087324197724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-54678577443609712902010-01-24T16:48:50.197+00:002010-01-24T16:48:50.197+00:00surely open primary selections for MPs, as espouse...surely open primary selections for MPs, as espoused by Douglas Carswell and Dan Hannan solves this problem?<br /><br />http://independentengland.blogspot.comIndependent Englandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00259685149221743106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-18214177604521794872010-01-24T13:19:25.474+00:002010-01-24T13:19:25.474+00:00Here Here the Norfolk blogger is right look at And...Here Here the Norfolk blogger is right look at Andrew Mackay not holding surgeries. He also refused to meet Goodbye Andre Mackay.dazmandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14859994295771083457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-42211442672380398792010-01-24T13:13:31.462+00:002010-01-24T13:13:31.462+00:00And by beaing sleected for safe seats they do not ...And by beaing sleected for safe seats they do not even have to worry about the mundane things (as they would see it) of constituency casework, visiting local groups and organisation, holding regular surgeries, etc. They can aboid their eletorate and tow the party line without fear of retribution.Nich Starlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237390959601973501noreply@blogger.com