We live in interesting times Pat and IMO the Westminster system in its current form is no longer appropriate. I think that the referendum balls-up has shown us that whilst the idea of direct democracy is appealing, as a nation we don't have a clue how to manage it. Personally, I'd like to see an extended period where the same approach that allows people to petition on line could be used for micro-referenda that would create a culture that might promote not just political awareness but perhaps greater understanding of what democracy entails. We could start with less contentious issues like on-the-spot fines or the impounding of the bikes of cyclists who ride on pavements, etc etc and then work our way up to matters of greater import....like the re-introduction of the pre-decimal currency. I have a personal fondness for the Groat 🙂
