Sniffing The Wind

Ian Hargreaves

Politics seem to be in decline as voter turnouts fall and party differences shrink. Are we becoming less engaged with public issues, or finding other ways of expressing our opinions and values?

As politicians continue to struggle to win the confidence and enthusiasm of the voter Ian Hargreaves asks what impact we will have on the shape of our democracy as we turn to other means to express our values and opinions. From taking part in electronic polls, ringing newspaper and tv vote lines, supporting ad hoc protests, and influencing business through what we buy are we fundamentally reshaping the political world?

There's a strong argument that we don't have a public opinion today. People are fickle, people are cynical, people are perverse in their behaviour

Bob Tyrell, Conservative Party Adviser

Indeed is it realistic to argue that our post-industrial world is also becoming a post political world - one where political expression is so widely spread that it can no longer be influenced or controlled by politicians themselves.

Where then will the power be? With the voter, the consumer, the wind sniffing public opinion expert, or the inspirational leader? Where will politics take place - on the floor of The Commons or the floor of the supermarket? And who will voters be left to trust - the instincts of their politicians, the reputations of their favourite companies or simply their own very individual values and views.

Producer: Nick Booth