• IT seems strange that the Green Party is making such a big deal about wanting to be a minority opposition on the council. Shouldn’t it be aiming to win all the seats itself so it can advance its programme?

Democracy is not about the amateur theatrics of debates in the council chamber by people who love the sound of their own voice. Nor is it about parliamentary games of manoeuvre and procedure.

Making futile speeches in a chamber before being outvoted hardly adds to the democratic process. Democracy means that minorities should have the opportunity to try and become majorities.

The election is that opp­ortunity. The movement outside the council chamber is far more important than getting chatterboxes on committees.

The Socialist Party campaign in Junction ward is not based around getting me into the chamber, but persuading workers to build a movement that can become a majority dedicated to abolishing the wages system.

BILL MARTIN
Socialist Party candidate, Junction ward