There are lots of ways for people to engage in a democratic polity - through Trade Union membership, community associations, advocacy groups, academic think tanks,  mainstream and on-line media - as well as the more traditional political party route. Furthermore, some public processes (e.g. planning decisions) require public consultations and can be subject to judicial review. When allied to having access to your local member of parliament, all of this can ameliorate the sense of powerlessness many people feel between elections - as well as at election time itself.

The problem is that the agenda is currently being driven by a perception of reality which requires an obeisance to the demands of global capitalism, financial markets, too big to fail banks, and Ms Merkel et al who have other fish to fry. But that is a problem of leadership as much as it is one of accountability or participation.

Index of Frank's Diaries