THERE is a whisper that in order to boost the ever-decreasing turnout at general or local elections, a penalty of £10 could be imposed on stay-away voters.

It is obvious that many voters couldn't care less which party succeed. They are disenchanted with broken promises and rhetoric which at the end of the day simply produces a shift in the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario. In an ideal world everyone should exercise their right to vote, but I don't think compulsion is the way to do it.

Why should people vote if they don't like any of the candidates?

K. SOWERBUTTS