We all have differing ideas about what we want to see in Northern Ireland but the major commonality is a dissatisfaction with the status quo. We have mentioned elsewhere that a “None of the above” option would be welcome but there’s no way the local government (never mind Westminster) would agree to that as an option.
But…
In Northern Ireland there are 18 MP seats. To “buy” a slot on each form would therefore require £9000 and a little bit of time. Would people consider crowdfunding enough to pay the 18 deposits and then canvas among the group members to secure a nomination.
This is not about actually canvassing. I don’t want anyone wasting show leather trying to get “None Of The Above” votes. I don’t want posters or stickers or postcards or placards. I just want to see how it could move the needle. Maybe it’ll get nothing. Or maybe the 18 people who have to put their name on the list will all get elected. In that case, we will worry about the consequences.
I stood before in North Down, I’d be happy to help put together a brief for North Down in the Westminster elections. Deadline for nomination forms is the 9th of April. Anyone interested?