Short Cut to War

Clare Short told the Iraq Inquiry about how cabinet was "misled", Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, had been "leaned on" and Parliament was just a "rubber stamp" (you can read the BBC report here). It's a frightening indictment of our government and democracy.

Some may say that Interactive Democracy would be manipulated in similar ways, but perhaps they have forgotten the mass protests against war. I suspect that the issue by issue democracy that ID could deliver would enhance the debate, put pressure on politicians not to be seen to be manipulative and slow the headlong rush to decisions. It may have prevented us going to war in Iraq, it may have delayed it until the end of the summer, giving the UN more time to avert catastrophe, or it may have re-focused our attention on Afghanistan. Who knows?

Many would be right to assume that truth in Government, in Parliament and in the Media is an important ingredient for a functioning democracy. I'd like to see laws in place that punish those that lie. More here.

Cabinet's Commitment

It is understood that the Cabinet has specific roles:

• Share information about government departments and the progress of policies
• Coordinate between departments
• Resolve conflicts of policy
• Confirm government policy

Individual freedom of expression is required for effective debate but cabinet members are expected to present a united front to the outside world.

The Prime Minister (PM) has sole responsibility for appointing cabinet members and (s)he may expect their loyalty. The PM has the authority to set the agenda and chair cabinet meetings.

With Interactive Democracy I would expect the cabinet system to continue to exist in its present form. However, the agenda may be influenced by the demands of the public, expressed through Interactive Democracy, and ministers may have to take into account a much more powerful electorate.

Flint Sparks Debate

Ms Flint resigned from the cabinet a day after she pledged her loyalty to it in a TV interview.

On breakfast TV she suggested that women should be better represented in politics. Interactive Democracy can't guarantee that there would be more female politicians, but does guarantee that every women can contribute their ideas and votes, issue by issue.

Click here for more.