We should value a free Press

Freedom of speech is basic to a viable democracy, especially in a local context, writes Malcolm MacIntyre Read. An integral part of that freedom is a free Press, an essential safeguard against political corruption and attempts to hoodwink citizens.

But, precious as that freedom is, it is also very fragile. Abuse of, or ignoring the right to apply freedom of speech is itself corrupt.

And what has that got to do with sunny Shropshire, I hear you cry? Well, everything has to start somewhere and every high wall is built of small bricks (or stones).

As much as it only needs good people to do nothing to allow evil to triumph, it doesn't need a deliberate act of abuse to start undermining facts and figures. Many well-intentioned people, me included, are a mixture of subjective and objective opinions, prejudicial and tolerant attitudes, assumptions and certainty.

To unashamedly bias the whole towards the constructive side of things is simple - just accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. Above all, be able to explain your opinions by referring to facts, figures and

sources, not gut feelings, tabloid claims or "as everyone knows".

Clarity of information helps as well. Just take the letters page of the Shropshire Star. A healthy exchange of

opinions on matters local, national, international and global is to be encouraged, but when claims are made that have no foundation in, or do not provide reference to fact, their publication undermines properly informed discussion.

It would be really helpful if correspondents could state WHICH ?council they are referring to, when we Salopians have 201 to choose from amongst county, boroughs, districts, towns and parishes.

But perhaps the greatest service that the local Press can provide to develop local democracy is to increase their questioning of local authorities, rather than just verbatim reporting of declarations from councillors and

officers.

Readers make their concerns clear, but have little ability to insist on meaningful responses to follow-up questions arising from bland, infallible, official statements or an ever-expressive silence.

A bit more investigative journalism, equally based on positive motives of evidence and transparency, will greatly encourage our elected representatives to better represent our interests and provide respectful explanations for thinking adults when they reach a disputed decision.

Read futher opinions by members of the Shropshire branch of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce by clicking on these links:

• Want a say? Think local . . .

• What price accountability?

• Why big is not beautiful

• Party lines hit true democracy

• Are promises being kept?

* Do you have any views on how local democracy could be changed for the better? Send your comments to Democracy Debate, Features Desk, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU, or e-mail starfeatures@shropshirestar.co.uk.