Disenfranchised

Gerry Hassan (Perspective, 7 April) highlights the connection between turnout at elections and poverty, raising some interesting scenarios.

The people referred to in this article, sitting in silence with little hope for the future, have been represented locally and nationally mainly by the party once recognised as the party of social justice, the Labour Party– the party who stood up for social inclusion, defenders of the needy. Yet this scenario has been allowed to develop into what Hassan describes as the “million voices still waiting to be heard”. Perhaps elected representatives have been representing with contempt and taking voters for granted.

Political parties attempting to re-engage with the electorate need to demonstrate through actions and, sadly, once again the Labour Party is found wanting when only two of its MPs supported SNP and Plaid Cymru amendments to the Budget opposing the abolition of the 50p tax rate – an amendment I am sure the “million voices still waiting to be heard” would have endorsed.

For me, the creation of the Scottish Parliament has allowed politicians to reach out to their communities, be more transparent and accountable to those who have elected them, representing them with enthusiasm. I look forward to the million lost voices picking up the gauntlet and becoming involved once again.

Catriona C Clark

Hawthorn Drive

Banknock, Falkirk