Do we want democracy of the constitutional monarchy type? We've recently experienced a change in our Prime Minister. Now the Prime Minister is not elected by the nation's voters but by the party they represents and the cabinet they chair. The head of state is the non-partisan Queen - or the Governor General her representative.

We would expect decisions made by cabinet, caucus and Parliament with royal approval.
But Prime Ministers in recent times have assumed the role of presidents, making policy without consulting Parliament.

John Key was a prime example making trade and foreign policy on the hoof, with no regard to Parliament.

Do we want a leader or do we want a parliamentary democracy?

The media has criticised Bill English for not commenting on international and local news items. This is a refreshing change from John Key spouting his opinion on everything on
TV daily. Bill is hopefully waiting till he's in a position to give the Government's consensus opinion - much more democratic.

Bill is not charismatic unlike John but then most conmen are charismatic.

We don't need a leader we need a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

P Dolden, Papamoa.