Holyrood voting system 'not working - SNP got in'

[NickB]

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This is what the LibDems think of democracy in Scotland.

After admitting that he and Donald Dewar designed the Holyrood voting system to prevent the SNP ever coming to power 'Sir Malcolm' then suggests it needs to be changed since the SNP overcame that hurdle.

[jimcee]

NB - Murphy no longer the target ? - who next?- give it a break and try being positive instead of concentrating on vilification

[NickB]

NB - Murphy no longer the target ? - who next?- give it a break and try being positive instead of concentrating on vilification

You seem to be missing the point Jim.

The point being that in this far-flung outpost of the UK democracy is working - and it is giving the establishment the willies.

[jimcee]

Proportional representation may be a step in the right direction, but it does have serious drawbacks, which also need correction.
In the "first past the post" system those who aspire for a political career (and motives for this are somewhat suspect), have to go through various hoops, and if nominated, involve themselves in considerable time, expense and effort in making themselves known and meeting with the public who might be willing to support them.
But under the PR system, anyone who passes party muster, can be promoted to the "list", and perchance, find themselves with a seat at Holyrood, without leaving their fireside, and all the perks that come with the position.
What is the current position about all "list " members - come the next Holyrood election - are they automatically entitled to their desk, or at they back at the mercy of PR - and if so, can the party revise the pecking order to get "listed"?
Some day we may have a perfect voting system and have only dedicated people interested in others rather than themselves organising our lives, but our current Scottish one is not there yet