You have to admire the French peoples' love of democracy. The second round turnout in yesterday's Presidential election was around 80% (same as the first round) and people were genuinely interested and concerned about the outcome. A similar enthusiasm can be expected for the French parliamentary elections next month.
Compare this with the pathetic figures for the recent elections - both for London mayor and local - in this country and you wonder why people should continue to deserve the right to vote, hard won and fiercely defended by our forebears.
True, local government in this country is often no more than a rubber stamp for central government decrees from on high but it is the foundation of our democracy. If more people vote in elections and take more of an interest then the more relevant the institutions will be.
The not so old adage must apply: use it or lose it.
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