We need more women in politics

One of the main changes in parliament after the election, is that there appear to be many more women there than there were. Writing as a man, it seems to me that this is really great news. Most people seem to agree with this when specifically asked about it, but nobody seems willing, or able to do anything about it.

It could, of course, be that a lot women simply do not want to become involved in political life at any level, particularly in parliament, because it so frequently seems to descend into childish name-calling and slanging matches. Perhaps 'volunteers' such as our own Lynne Beaumont, who would have made a fabulous constituency MP, are few and far between: Folkestone and Hythe has lost a lot by not electing her.

The reason why I believe we need more women at the forefront of political life is simple. They are (generally) better at working together effectively than men, ever when they have different opinions. OK, there have been exceptions of which a former Lady Prime Minister (and her handbag) is a prime example. But then, generalities are always dangerous.

I am convinced that we need far more consensus, and much less confrontation, in politics. We were once promised an end of 'yah-boo' politics, but with the exception of the way the Lib Dems and Conservatives managed to rub along for five years in coalition, it seems that shouting matches over the dispatch box are alive and well.

If politicians of all stripes spent less time on disagreeing with each other and focussing instead on what they agree on, we would probably achieve far more as a nation … and all be better off.

Of course there can be fundamental differences between all the major parties. But many of the differences are a matter of nuance. Consider most issues under debate and you tend to find that even those with apparently incompatible views actually share a fundamental objective, which is to make life better for the people of this country.

Instead of constantly bickering with each other, we should seek to find common ground - and there almost always is some - and them move forwards slowly towards a mutually acceptable solution. Perhaps more women in parliament would facilitate this, as opposed to continual confrontation.

Consensus is not a dirty word, it could - perhaps should - be a way of life.

More women in Parliament? For me, that would be a great thing, provided that we recognise that we should always pick the best person for the job.

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Stephen Phillips is a member of the Shepway Liberal Democrats, and his views are not necessarily those of the Party. He has been writing professionally for many years on investment and economic related issues, and has focussed recently on creative writing.

You can find Stephen online at www.phillips-writer.co.uk