From Mr M. A. Reynolds, MRPharmS
SIR,-May I add to the current discussions in respect of the single transferable vote system of elections.
STV was invented and proposed by the Electoral Reform Society as a means of ensuring the introduction of minority political groups into Parliament under proportional representation. In fact the Electoral Reform Society was formed and sponsored by the Liberal party in order to achieve this political aim. There are, in fact, a few other voting systems which would work but the STV system was adopted and the "hidden mathematics" are very clever.
As is obvious, to change the "first past the post" general election voting system would not be easy. In order to persuade parliamentarians, together with society in general, to adopt the STV system, the Liberal party would attempt to introduce the STV voting system into professional and all other bodies through the mechanism of the Electoral Reform Society. So, by common use over time and by "professional acceptance", the general election system may be changed to STV - to its benefit.
Candidates for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Council stand on their merits, achievements and personalities. The make up of the Council is and always has been wide ranging. It can, and indeed does, co-opt members to represent any particular aspect of pharmacy if required. There is no need for an STV system as such.
Along with many other members, I do not believe that we, the Society, have benefited from the STV system. In addition, I am sure our Treasurer will confirm that the complex operation and administration of the system must cost the Society a geat deal more money than the simple X system which everyone understands and worked well for many years.
In these days of economic reality, this is one dubious luxury we can well afford to be without.
Michael Reynolds
Christchurch, Dorset