Yes to AV

Deciding how to vote in the AV referendum on 5th May has been a challenge.

Those of you who know me as a long standing supporter of proportional representation may be surprised by that. What’s complicated my thinking is the limited “proportional” nature of AV and its significance as a key plank underpinning the Tory-LibDem coalition. Its awfully tempting to vote NO to make political life even worse for Clegg and the LibDems (whilst they make real life worse for most of us).

In the end , however, AV, for all its limitations is a change to the voting system which may just help to restore a little bit of the public trust in our political system. A change that makes it looks less like MPs are trying to protect their own interests by keeping the system as it is. Unfair though that charge may be, that’s how a lot of people see it. And if that results in more people coming out to vote then that must be a good thing. A step in the right direction is better than no step at all.

AV has the potential to build a progressive, centre-left political majority at Westminster. The Tories oppose it for just that reason. Another good thing about it then.

Whilst I’m campaigning to elect Dave Stewart as MSP for Inverness & Nairn, there will be much more important issues to discuss. But on this one I’m clear.

Its time to say YES to AV.