I COULD have been watching England in the Euros instead of writing this, but it’s too stressful for me. While I always wish our national team well, family life with three Spurs fans has confirmed my suspicion that the best way to avoid ultimate disappointment is not to care too much in the first place.

Increasing numbers of people seem to feel that way about our political system, which is why they don’t bother to vote. And members of the two larger parties in our constituency tell me they’ve been having trouble finding candidates for next year’s council elections, either at city or Wiltshire level.

It’s hardly surprising, when you think about it. City councillors barely have the power to blow their own noses without seeking permission from Wiltshire.

And Wiltshire is very firmly under the thumb of Jane Scott and her cronies from the north of the county. If you doubt me, summon up the energy to drive to Trowbridge, or Devizes, or Chippenham, or wherever else they’ve decided to hold the latest meeting, and watch what passes for a debate.

However valid the points raised by our individual councillors or members of the public, they have little hope of being heeded unless they have already been ‘given the nod’ by the ruling clique.

With all the tribal jeering and heckling, it’s like a mini-House of Commons, only there are no TV cameras to highlight the futility of it all.

Why would anyone want to volunteer for that?

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