There's more to Democracy than a Vote

Wicklow Opinion

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There's more to Democracy than a Vote

Saturday, March 31 2007

Surely democracy is much more than a vote cast every few years? Today, in the current political culture of increasing openess and transparency, there is a 'public consultation process' involved in many of the major decisions that will affect local people. Local town plans, area plans and the county development plan all have a public consultation element. Woe betide the local authority or government department that affects the lives of people in the community without consulting them in advance.

And then there are the statutory processes through which individuals and community groups can become involved in the political process. Objections can be made to planning permissions, reguests for information may be made under the Freedom of Information act, and extreme cases there is the right to take matters to court. And, of course, politicians are generally available to at least listen to the concerns of constituents and letters may be written to editors.

If people want to become involved in the issues and decisions that affect them and their lives there is plenty of opportunity. In many cases it is their right to be involved, if they so choose. What is emphasised much less is the issue of responsibilities. Far too often community participation is left to a few commited and responsible people while the vast majority feel that it is enough to complain in the pub or in front of the television.

It's not enough, of course. Democratic rights come with democratic responsibilities. There's more to democracy than a vote.

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