Bob Burnett has confused two very different systems. The system that he says "has filled the Scottish Parliament with party hacks and otherwise unelectable stooges" is the Additional Member System which does indeed lead to the election of party hacks. Jim Devine was complaining unjustifiably about the Single Transferable Vote (STV), which has been introduced very successfully for Scottish local elections. Far from producing party hacks, it produces representatives directly answerable to the voters.
Anthony Tuffin
Posted on 31 Oct 2008 7:44 pm
Bob Burnett has confused two very different systems. The system that he says "has filled the Scottish Parliament with party hacks and otherwise unelectable stooges" is the Additional Member System which does indeed lead to the election of party hacks. Jim Devine was complaining unjustifiably about the Single Transferable Vote (STV), which has been introduced very successfully for Scottish local elections. Far from producing party hacks, it produces representatives directly answerable to the voters.