Very astute, as always, Mr P.

Back in the days when I was a very minor political aparatchic I argued passionately for PR, in particular, the single transferable vote system. Now that I've spent 16+ years living in a country that opperates that system I am even more convinced of the benefits. We currently have, not a two party, but a three paty coalition. The party that secured most votes at the last election is the main oposition. There are at least 3 other parties represented, along with several 'Independents'.

Of course, we are a small country and constituencies with 4 or 5 members don't have to be geographically enormous as would be the case in UK. I still think however, that FTP, by ensuring that never, in my 60+ years as an adult, has there been a gverning party with a majority of the votes cast, lies at the root of the UK's lack of democratic accountability.