At Least The Scots Had A Vote

The Scots have decided, by democratic vote, to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Barnett and Simpson set out to deny the people of Perth a democratic vote on whether or not to keep their current local governments.

The scale and importance of these two may seem vastly different, but local democracy is fundamental to the integrity of state and national democracy.

At the 2010 General Election, the Scottish voter turnout was 64%. For the independence referendum, the voter turnout was 86% - demonstrating how much more responsive voters are to a single fundamental choice than to complex, often illusory and largely irrelevant party political differences.

For those in Perth who doubt the feasibility of getting the 50%+1 turnout required for a valid poll, I say take heart from the Scottish experience. Alex Salmond says it has been "a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics".

Let those of us who do have the opportunity for a poll on the local government recommendations make sure that those polls, whatever their outcome, are also a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics.