RESPECT

Much hand-wringing from the media as liberal luvvy Jon Snow claims that journalist cynicism is to blame for interest in politics dropping through the floor. Oh dear. The Channel 4 Anchorman is aiming a side-swipe at his BBC colleagues Paxo and the lot over on the drastically radical 'Today' programme.

But shurely he of the swanky ties and vaguely interesting news agenda is off the mark on this one?
Too much respect for politicians? Oh deary me no no no.

Look Snowy disgust is different from apathy. Consider these factoids...Voter turnout at the 2001 general election fell to 58% - the lowest level of popular participation for such an event since 1910...In the year of the last election more young people voted for Big Brother than voted for a party...
and according to a new report, figures show news and current affairs viewing is down by a quarter among younger people.

Here’s the stats since the war…

1945 - 72.8%
1950 - 83.9%
1951 - 82.6%
1955 - 76.8%
1959 - 78.7%
1964 - 77.1%
1966 - 75.8%
1970 - 72%
1974 (Feb) - 78.8%
1974 (Oct) - 72.8%
1979 - 76%
1983 - 72.7%
1987 - 75.3%
1992 - 77.7%
1997 - 71.4%
2001 - 59.4%

Why? Our extremely scientific test points to three main reasons:

1) They’re all a bunch of lying bastards (take Weapons of Mass destruction or the lack of them)

2) Uninspiring individuals converging on the ‘middle ground’ of neo-liberal consensus. The death of ideology leave voters grubbing about discussing micro-management of health boards (zzzzzzzzzzzzzz)

3) New Labour have perfected the art of spin – you know your being presented with a partial view presented to you as a package of information organsied by former margarine salesmen. Organised deception has become so much part of the game that last weeks exposure of Ed Matts and Ann Widdecombe’s photographic change of heart drew much huffing and puffing but ultimately no censure.

Vote? Oh but for why Mr Snow sir?