Preference VS Protest: Democracy isn't a Competition.

Shock and awe were evoked in Britons, among people across the European Union and in the greater world community today. The Brexit result left everyone in surprise. It was all very unclear as the polling stations closed last night. With a lack of exit polls, people were left to focus on odds set by bookmakers who ironically predicated the remain side winning.

“I voted ‘no’ but I didn't foresee this outcome”

- the words of a bemused voter on the BBC this morning.

Almost with a tinge of regret, the man appeared to be piecing together the consequences of this landmark vote in his own mind as he answered the question. To him and many Britons, leaving the EU seemed so radical that it could never happen. Well I wonder if the thought crossed his mind that the government could take the Irish approach. That's the tactic which involves re-running a referendum and giving voters a little light encouragement to change their preference. It worked for us. But it seems there's no way back for the UK, not after David Cameron announced his resignation.

It seems to me that there has been a common thread throughout many of the Brexit voters’ rationale. The vote to many was seen as a protest against the government, perhaps a way to stick the two fingers up to the establishment. But it's this anti-establishment movement that is becoming apparent. So to say, people are dissatisfied with the current government and will vote for the alternative offering, whatever it may be, in protest against the current system.

Donald Trump, who can attribute his mainstream popularity to this anti-establishment sentiment.

It seems fair to cast a vote as a means of expressing one's dissatisfaction with the government. But one must live with the consequences of this vote, which may end up leading them to a life under a system worse than the one that they are protesting against. This, in my eyes, will be a reality for many Brexit voters. These dissatisfied voters should have used the referendum as an opportunity to seek reform and change in the current political landscape instead of trying to beat the system that they feel let down by. Democracy isn't a competition - it is not about trying to get 'one over' on somebody, it's about expressing your true preferences to achieve a country that represents you.

As Tony Blair remarked today on British television : “This was not a protest vote. This was a decision vote.”

Comments

@rtesecretpro - An account that should never have gotten legs

Recently a controversial Twitter account by the name of ' RTE Secret Producer ' has emerged. Its premise: a brave RTE staff member stands up against their employer and sets out to expose the hidden culture which prevails within the organisation. It sounds like a plot to a low-budget thriller. The account has spurred much debate and has riled up many of the anti-RTE cynics who inhabit our country. Moreover, some of the Irish media - in competition with RTE and unlike RTE, not subsidised by the license fee - are probably happy to have a go at their media nemesis. I have a few thoughts about this Twitter account... First of all I have read Facebook comment after Facebook comment praising this mystery staffer for their bravery and for being the good Samaritan to expose the ' flawed ' organisation. Although when one examines the level of 'exposure' through the Twitter account, one notices that this secret producer's ramblings amount to little more th...

The 'A Word'

"YOU support murdering children?" It was a simple exchange. We were talking about faith in the modern world, and I foolishly dropped the 'A Word'. Hinting my feelings in relation to this controversial topic, I was immediately stopped in my tracks. My words had led to a judgement being made about my character and my personality. This headline from Waterford Whispers News summarises what has happened to the debate in Ireland: It's ironic, because since the debate has come into general public consideration in Ireland, it has almost become more of a taboo. A highly emotionally-charged debate, both sides will shoot the other down with provocative statements. People are afraid to open their mouths about it in case they are ridiculed for their views. This is exacerbated by the far-left and far-right musings on social media, suggesting that there is little or no middle-ground in this debate. Whatever side of the tracks you are on, or whether you have made ...

Back On Air!

I had a short break last week from my show. I promised myself that it would be an opportunity to get some study done. In actual fact I spent a few hours dreaming about being on-air, staring at my pile of notes. No, not particularly productive. It's funny - when you've been doing a particular routine like a show for weeks and weeks on end and take a night off, you actually kind of miss it. I'll be going back on air in about 24 hours (Who's counting?!!) and I cannot wait. There's a great rush when you're on air - in control of a station and listening to your favourite tunes. There's also a bit of fun in preparing for the show - I try to keep it balanced between entertainment content, reading out requests and throwing in an anecdote here or there. A funny thing about being Irish: I think I inadvertently mention the weather at least twice every show. In fairness, people care about it and it is definitively the best conversation starter in my book!! ...

If in Dowd

Search This Blog