South Island Movement

Press, 8 May 1980, Page 20

South Island Movement

Sir, — The people are often ignored by our government because the electoral system insulates party politicians from the electorate. Outside, the elections our politicians can effectually forget the people en masse and court smaller but economically more powerful interests. Examples abound — e.g. the ignoble treatment of the country’s students, the National Development Act, Hakataramea, the L. D. Nathan take-over of McKenzies. We need an electoral system that ensures responsive and responsible government. Such is not to be found in the federalism proffered by the South Island Movement but is inherent in most forms of proportional representation. The simple first-past-the-post method has no place in modern society; it tends to polarise and alienate people. It produces odd results, such as locally where of eight city seats only one is held by the Government, and only seven of the 25 South Island seats are held by National. — Yours, etc., D. J. GATES. Mav 6, 1980.