One of the things that depresses (distresses) me is that there are a growing number of people who reject the right (or the need?) to cast a vote that will help determine the way in which their country is governed, the way society develops, which laws will be passed, how educational policy is shaped and whether we engage in wars.

But we are seeing a simultaneous growth in the volume of the population who give not a second thought to spending 50p or £1 to vote for one singer over another in any number of talent shows. And, if there is even the slightest suggestion that this vote is in any way rigged, and their favourite is beaten into second place, we see a level of passion and anger roused that politicians could only dream about.

Makes you think – doesn’t it?