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18/02/2011
Cameron Faces Clegg In AV Debate
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have launched their campaigns over the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system.
Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
He commented: "On this one, I do not agree with Nick.
"Now, it won't surprise you to hear me say that... as happened last May, it can bring parties together in the national interest.
"But let's be clear, when there are more hung parliaments there will be more haggling and horse-trading between politicians - both before and after elections.
"There will be gamesmanship between parties in different constituencies as they try to stitch up second preference votes.
"And there could well be an occasion where we have a genuine second-choice government."
He added: "If the last election was under AV, there would be the chance, right now, that Gordon Brown would still be Prime Minister."
However Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argued in favour of AV insisting the current system was "not working".
He said: "It is no wonder people are ready to believe the worst about their politicians.
"Our democracy should be a shining beacon people across the world and should be something we're proud of, but often, it's not.
"Research has shown that last year's election was decided by fewer than 500,000 votes.
"That means most of us are represented by an MP that most of us did not vote for.
"It makes it easy for MPs to get complacent and lazy. First-past-the-post is not working and it’s time to get rid of it."
He added: "Under the Alternative Vote, politicians will need to aim to get half of their constituents to choose them. That means they will have to work harder to appeal to more people than before.
"They will be more legitimate and will carry a stronger mandate from a broader range of people. That can only be good for our democracy."
During his speech, which highlighted the existing system for encouraging expense abuse, two protesters were thrown out.
(BMcN)
Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
He commented: "On this one, I do not agree with Nick.
"Now, it won't surprise you to hear me say that... as happened last May, it can bring parties together in the national interest.
"But let's be clear, when there are more hung parliaments there will be more haggling and horse-trading between politicians - both before and after elections.
"There will be gamesmanship between parties in different constituencies as they try to stitch up second preference votes.
"And there could well be an occasion where we have a genuine second-choice government."
He added: "If the last election was under AV, there would be the chance, right now, that Gordon Brown would still be Prime Minister."
However Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argued in favour of AV insisting the current system was "not working".
He said: "It is no wonder people are ready to believe the worst about their politicians.
"Our democracy should be a shining beacon people across the world and should be something we're proud of, but often, it's not.
"Research has shown that last year's election was decided by fewer than 500,000 votes.
"That means most of us are represented by an MP that most of us did not vote for.
"It makes it easy for MPs to get complacent and lazy. First-past-the-post is not working and it’s time to get rid of it."
He added: "Under the Alternative Vote, politicians will need to aim to get half of their constituents to choose them. That means they will have to work harder to appeal to more people than before.
"They will be more legitimate and will carry a stronger mandate from a broader range of people. That can only be good for our democracy."
During his speech, which highlighted the existing system for encouraging expense abuse, two protesters were thrown out.
(BMcN)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
