Responsible Policies - They Won't Help You on Election Day

It is a sad indictment of our political system that politicians have become so synonomous with lies and deception. From the war in Iraq, to the Conservatives' U-Turn on grammar schools, to the Labour Party's recent admission that spending cuts are needed (after months of claiming they weren't), both the government and the opposition routinely dodge the harsh realities when announcing policies. In their desperation to get elected, politicians have forgotten that their job is not only to hold on to power but to do something worthwhile with it.

It would be wrong, however, to place the blame solely at the feet of 'power-hungry' politicians. If politicians have to think short-term to win elections, it's because that's what voters demand of them. Britain's electorate has routinely rewarded politicians who propose unachievable manifestos. When they fail in their goals we admonish them and then turn to the other side of the aisle for more of the same. British voters choose the optimistic lie over the pessimistic truth and it is to our detriment.

The reaction to Nick Clegg's recent announcement is proof enough of this. Clegg showed honesty in admitting that, with Britain's debt at record levels, he may have to delay his plans to abolish university tuition fees (estimated to cost £12.5 billion over 4 years). The reaction from both inside and outside the party has been critical, to say the least. Some have regarded the move as an abandonment of a key Lib Dem policy, others worry that this move will hurt them in the upcoming General Election, and it will. Nowhere, however, have people applauded Clegg for doing what both Labour and the Conservatives have failed to do: make responsible policy decisions in light of an enormous budget deficit.

The only way to break the cyle of short-termism is if voters demand long-term thinking from their politicians. It is time for us to stop asking for the optimistic lie and reward honesty from our leaders.

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