Bland politics

I always thought the idea of democracy was that candidates articulate their views then voters decide accordingly.

Not when it comes to issues of particular interest to Christians though, it seems, as candidates are advised by their parties to refrain from answering questions on these matters. Leaving such issues to "individual conscience" amounts to telling voters that they have no say, and that candidates will then act as they please once elected. Parties believe that these issues arouse strong sentiments and a bland line results in more votes overall that a distinct position.

Maybe they are right, but they risk losing my respect and my vote by being so unprincipled and, there's no other word for it, political.

RICHARD LUCAS

Cowan Road

Edinburgh