Blair's Legacy
02/05/07 15:52 | Personal
Blair
You cannot have failed to hear by now, that yesterday was the tenth anniversary of Tony Blair becoming Prime Minister. Much news print has been used discussing his legacy; Is it his misguiding the electorate over the war in Iraq? Is it the Cash for Honours debacle or is it the the massive increase in the amount of public spending over the last ten years? It is, of course, all these things and more, but what seems to be escaping the forum of discussion is his success at diminishing the long held democratic process of governing this country.

Members of Parliament used to represent their constituents first and their party second. It was quite common to see them arguing against their party if they did not agree with what was being attempted. Since Blair's regime took over the reigns, those MP's have been effectively neutered and are actively encouraged to follow the party line at all times. They must be constantly “on message” and not do anything unless it has been cleared by the party PR machine first.

Decisions that used to be made by the collective Cabinet now appear to be made by an unelected group at the inner circle of power. The Cabinet appears to have become just a rubber stamp to the decisions being made.

The news media are now closely managed and announcements from government are made when it is convenient, rather than when they should be due. Protesters are now barred from demonstrating within the earshot of Parliament - unless they have been officially approved - so MP's are now isolated from the discontent of the very people they represent. Monitoring of the individual's every action has increased almost exponentially, so that wherever you go nowadays, you are leaving a trail that can be followed and recorded for future use. Accountability for any mistakes made while in office is no longer accepted by the people who should be accepting it. The list goes on and on........

But, the real legacy of Mr Blair is the fact he has weakened the respect the public once had for politicians and made them almost figures of contempt.

What is worrying is that what follows him - whatever the colour of the party - is going to be no better!!
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