Ok, we have an election coming up, so I might as well get as much off my chest as I can.

First of all, those of you not thinking of voting, let me just enlighten you. There is no point moaning about how bad life is and then when the chance comes round to do something about it, simply forget to vote.

I meet a fair few people on my rounds who are unhappy about one thing or the other but then can’t be bothered voting because they are ‘too busy’.

It has become an almost daily occurrence with people beginning and ending sentences by stating how much they hate politicians. But when it comes to doing something about it they realise they aren’t even registered to vote.

I disagree with those who say people aren’t interested in politics because of the politicians. I don’t think it is the politicians who are really to blame for fewer people turning up at the polls.

I blame us. We generally are lazy. We want everything at the flick of a button. If you could vote through texting or e-mailing, I still envisage the turnout to be under 70 per cent.

We would make up some other excuse for not having voted. Maybe we couldn’t pull ourselves away from the TV, or we were just too tired after a long day doing absolutely nothing.

If we can get fined for selling a goldfish to someone aged under 16, then maybe a fine for not voting should be introduced.

During the coming weeks most of us will think it necessary to ignore the election messages as much as possible and will be thankful when it is all over. But then come June we decide to criticise whoever is in charge for making our lives a mess.

Then there are those who don’t want to listen to any politicians because they think they are ‘all the same’. By doing so they actually make politicians’ lives easier. The last thing any politician needs is to be asked a question.

The coming month will see all your local politicians plead and beg you to vote for them. At least make them work for it.