WE all like an argument and live by the golden rule: "What's in it for me?".

I think most people, apart from politicians, would prefer to be free from party politics.

The reason we are mostly governed by party members is embodied in the first rule of survival; safety in numbers.

Politics, like religion, is about living together, with all our differences, in peace rather than conflict. It's more rewarding, less painful and costly.

Most people are moderate and too busy living the life they have to get too involved in either, unless roused by what they see as extremes. Therefore, we are ruled and governed by leaders from the most active people in politics and religion, by default.

If you manage to climb to the top among the lawyers, QCs and bishops, the challenges are great but the prizes are massive and you will do very well thank you from the public purse.

If you manage to keep the multitudes reasonably quiet, your lineage is secured for several generations.

Until, if ever, the independent multitude get actively involved in politics and religion, we are stuck with the present system and voicing our opinions where and when we can.

We have to make the best of it. The obvious, general apathy most people feel is an unmistakable sign that we do need change from the last two decades of living under minority rule.

The British way of life has been looked up to and copied throughout the world. The world is much changed and we need to make it harder for minorities to govern here, virtually unopposed. There has never been a better time to push for a new English version of proportional representation.

George Appleby, Leighton Croft, Clifton, York