WHEN the 'Blair Machine' introduces compulsory voting, I am going to stand at the next election.

I will stand on one issue: 'Abolish compulsory voting.'

With the normal turnout of about 46 per cent, and the 54 per cent who don't bother or don't want to vote, I think I stand a darned good chance of being elected.

Then the 54 per cent could return to normal, happy in the knowledge that they won't be forced to vote at the next election.

When I have taken my seat in Parliament (along with my fat salary, long holidays and other perks), I shall listen with interest to the debates (if and when I attend because I may have more pressing things to attend to).

And when the time comes for a vote on the issue at stake, because of my lack of knowledge of politics and even less interest, I will of course abstain from voting.

S GARSIDE (Mr), Brunshaw Road, Burnley.