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Pete, I really do understand where you are coming from; nowadays it's more about popularism and almost celebrity rather than the essential differences between party philosophies, i.e., the bit which is supposed to offer you a choice. The normal hum drum of politics at base level is seen as too boring for mass appeal and so is almost disregarded by the national media in favour, as you say, of the slick PR sensitive guys who front the parties. The problem is that it is the political boiler rooms which effect people in their normal lives and without the close inspection and reporting which are needed, things get through which might not be seen by the majority as advantageous or even warranted. I also take your point about people 'knowing' their elected representatives; do you know your MEP, arguably even more important than a domestic MP with the Lisbon Treaty almost in operation!