There was a good system outlined in an episode of “Yes, Prime Minister” where the government was basically comprised of locally elected representatives, bringing the government “closer to the people”.

It seemed like a good idea, and I think it probably is. It’s got to be better than the situation we have at the moment, where political parties are so abstracted away from our politics and beliefs – and what actually happens (as you point out) that we might as well flip a coin at the election.

The only solution to political parties, IMO, is to scrap them. The government should be forced to work for the benefit of the people, not to toe a party line or try and “get one over” the opposing party.

I’ll stop ranting now…