The Importance of Voting on June 4
May 21, 2009 9:04 PM
Not voting would leave the field open for the extremists
On June 4 we can vote for candidates seeking election to the European Parliament. We must not let the opportunity pass by.
Understandably, many people are now feeling angry and unhappy with some of our national politicians. But it is important that we ignore advice from certain quarters to abstain from the European elections so as to record disenchantment. That would leave the field open for the extremists (already likely to prosper on the back of rising unemployment and financial hardship) to pursue aims which are, in many cases, fundamentally undemocratic.
Little of the party political broadcasts, or literature coming through our letterboxes, has anything to say about the work of the Parliament or what policies at European level candidates would pursue. Yet, contrary to the impression that might be gained from parts of the national media and, sad to relate, from the two main political parties, the European Parliament is of great importance to us. Much of the law affecting various aspects of our lives is passed in the Parliament. And, in many ways, it is, the citizens' voice in the European Union
All of us should be concerned that the EU should have an effective role in trade negotiations, in the regulation of financial markets, in consumer safety, in combating climate change, and in the prevention of terrorism.
We should demand candidates' views on these matters and vote accordingly.
(This is an open letter written by Dr Alan Bullion)
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