Last Thursday, an audience of over 100 people met at the Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield to join the fourth Liverpool Debate:

Voter Apathy? Liverpool believes that traditional politics has failed.

Liam Fogarty, chair of amayorforliverpool.org and Lindsey German, convenor of the ‘stop the war coalition’ and Respect party candidate for London Mayor, argued that the present structure removes our ability to hold individuals accountable for the decisions made in our name and that it allows local and national government to ignore public opinion in favour of those with the money and the PR power to persuade them.

Lord (Bill) Rodgers of Quarry Bank, original member of the ‘Gang of Four’ and Cllr. Paul Brant, deputy leader of the Labour Group, Liverpool City Council, defended the present structure of democracy as a system the public can use to bring about the change they wish to see. They argued that the present system safeguards against extremism.  If people perceive local and national politicians as incompetent that does not mean the system is failing - it is instead the case that the public needs to exercise its right to replace them.

Chair Gillian Reynolds, Liverpool born broadcaster, radio critic and cultural patron, heard four articulate and informed arguments from the speakers before chairing an incredibly lively question and answer session from the audience.

Hot topics from the floor included the consultation process for the proposal to relocate Everton Football Club’s ground to Kirkby and the recent difficulties within the city council surrounding the Mathew Street Festival.

The motion  ‘Liverpool believes that traditional politics has failed’ was carried, with 57% of the audience voting ‘for’ the motion, 22% ‘against’ and 2% ‘don’t know’.

Prior to the debate Liverpool Echo readers took part in an online vote, which saw 87.5% of voters agreeing that traditional politics has failed.

Join us at the final debate of the Liverpool Debates 2007 series:

North West solidarity or regional rivalry?

Liverpool believes that it’s time for Liverpool and Manchester to join forces.

Thursday 11th October, 6.30pm

Small Concert Hall, St George’s Hall

To register for a place email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Rachael on 0151 709 5297 ext 24