Lets Hear it for the Family

If all that it takes for evil & prejudice to thrive is for tolerant people to do nothing, perhaps it's time for those of us not directly affected to do something.

I've a stock question that I ask of canvassing politicians who come to my door imploring me to give them my number one preference. I ask "What are you going to do about queues in A&E?" Most eagar would-be electees give me some guff about putting more money into the health service and adding a rider that it will be directed towards front line staff not administrators. I thank them for their considered opinion and they depart convinced that they have my vote.

At the last election, the person who told me that the problems of the health service were complex, required taking on vested interests (consultants, nurse unions, etc) and that an enterprise spending €10 billion per annum of my money should have its far share of admininstration staff, got my vote. You see, if I want someone to make decisions on my behalf, I want them to be informed and courageous.

I'm thinking of changing my question to "Where do you stand on family issues and this whole gay marriage lark" whilst projecting an image of a happy, content and conventional marriage. Anyone who defends the right of all peoples to be equally treated and argues that marriage isn't just for heterosexuals like me will probably get my vote. If he/she goes as far as quoting the ideals of a republic for all peoples, his/her running mate will get my number 2 regardless of their party's economic policies.

I don't know the issues well enough. I've been remiss in not reading this subject. But I intend to start. Check out Fiona and London Denizen and start asking questions.
Paige.