Politicians and Christmas cards

My festive run-up was recently started when a chap from Radio Scotland rang and asked for my views about Christmas cards. It was an interesting and perhaps surprisingly thought-provoking discussion. One thing it touched on was the cards politicians send; apparently Tony Blair will be sending out a card adorned with a picture of his family. Not a surprise that one really: his style is pretty paternalistic.

I like that in a leader incidentally. James VI & I, one of my favourite kings and a widely respected political theorist of his time, compared the role of king to that of father. While he believed that God had chosen him for his position as monarch, he also believed that with that went a duty of care and guidance to his subjects. No direct comparisons intended here of course, but I reckon that not so much has changed from the age of Absolute Monarchy to the age of Democracy. When you’re in charge, you have to care and guide. How good you are is partly defined by how well you handle the situations when care and guidance come into conflict.

Leaders also have to be in communication with those they represent, care for and guide. My son Fred recently entered a Christmas card competition, and he announced yesterday that the entries were being exhibited in a local shopping centre. That's pretty cool when you're 10 years old of course, but what really made him stick his chest out with pride was that he got a certificate from our MP Mark Lazarowicz . Fred's met him before, at an evironmental awareness event at his school. 'I asked him a question,' Fred said to me solemnly, 'And he gave me an answer.'

Definitely one of those 'Ahh, don't kids say great things!' moments. But also I'm impressed. I'm impressed by Mark Lazarowicz's policy of engaging with kids. It's worrying that there's so much voter apathy, and I think the only real solution is long term. It involves people seeing politicians as people who listen to us and make a positive difference. Pro-active, listening, caring leadership. If politicians show us their interest, they'll get ours.