Machine politicians

Published: 16 April, 2010

• AS an independent candidate standing in the local government elections, I am allowed to spend just over £1,000 to let the 8,000 electors in Canonbury ward who I am and what I stand for.
At the same time, those candidates representing the main political parties, while notionally restricted to the same figure per candidate, have the benefit of all the monies spent by their national party machines to generate publicity and bolster their campaigns.
What a farce – no wonder so few independents ever make it.
TERRY COMER
Independent candidate, Canonbury ward