Local elections and scepticism

There was yet another dismal turnout in this week's local elections around the UK. Cue the ever louder voices lamenting that "they're all as bad as one another" and that they can't trust anyone in politics these days (e.g. see the highest rated comments here).

What we seem to forget is that we, the public, have evolved. We are more sceptical than ever before because we know so much more. The media pries into public affairs and public figures in ways unimaginable even twenty years ago. We are lucky to have the knowledge and insight that such prying gives us, but it does breed contempt for those in power and those who want to be in power.

I would therefore tend to read the widespread dissatisfaction with politics as a sign of modern day scepticism, rather than a deterioration of parties or politicians. Today's crop of ministers, MPs and local councillors are surely no more clueless or corrupt than those of any previous period.

So how does democracy flourish in a society with ever increasing disclosure, knowledge and scepticism? That's a question we seem to miss when bemoaning so loudly that there isn't a better calibre of politician for whom we can cast our precious vote.