The magnet of politics

Dennie Quill, Contributor

Asked to explain the chief qualifications of a politician, Sir Winston Churchill said, "It's the ability to foretell what will happen tomorrow, next month and next year and to explain afterward why it didn't happen."

Churchill seems to be suggesting that politicians are persons who raise false hopes and aspirations and make empty promises. And he is right. We know from experience that promises of milk, money and honey, are often heard during campaign season.

Qualifications aside, there is a certain magnet in politics that ordinary people may not easily fathom. Maybe that's because politicians know very well that the gullible electorate will continue to be lured by new promises and there are no consequences for breaking them.

Take the drama being played out in North East St Elizabeth where the hinted resignation of the embattled member of Parliament has supporters of prospective suitors in a frenzy.

Crucial times

Three candidates are lining up to snatch the seat considered a safe one for the Opposition People's National Party (PNP). These are crucial times for politics and politicians. There has been a decline in respect for politicians, which many feel, to a large extent, is their own fault. Poor governance is the main reason why politicians have lost the trust of the people, however, added to that are - broken promises, corruption and links with criminals. The demand for change is growing louder and louder.

But wait! Those who long for a new day had better not harbour too much hope because there is every indication that we are in for the same rough politics of the past and that it will be business as usual.

Modelled off the English Parliament, the floor space between the government and opposition benches in Gordon House was determined as the distance between two protagonists with swords drawn. Any wonder why Members are so combative? The Parliament presents the perfect setting for politicians to do verbal battle and reference to "Honourable Member" does little to take away the sting as they harangue and heckle. And why should their constituents be any different?

Bypass the tradition

The St Elizabeth comrades sparred and swore, two women of ample proportions went after each other, and it happened, in of all places, Union. And this was shortly after their leader, Portia Simpson Miller warned them about the disunity that had caused them to lose the last general election. Now it seems Mrs Simpson Miller may have to delay the selection by delegates and select a leader. Come July 18, we will see how this one plays out.

As Prime Minister Bruce Golding clings to the wreckage of a sinking ship, the PNP is cranking up its election machinery. Recent opinion polls have bolstered confidence and given the Opposition the sense that the next general elections are already won.

Many of us must rethink political assumptions in light of recent events. The next election may not be an opportunity for Jamaica to get what the majority wants - an effective, accountable and creative government. Many are disenchanted with the current Government and do not think the Opposition is the answer.

So, what do we do? There is a feeling that for us to emerge from our current malaise and be a better nation, we need greater focus on the social partnership in which government, private sector, unions and community-based groups are all brought to the table in one collective objective of finding solutions for our many problems.

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com