Not only is Prime Minister Gordon Brown's policy of spending our way out of the recession under severe criticism, the recent row over MPs of all stripes making dubious expenses claims is pushing the collective credibility of politicians over the edge.

Bexhill's MP Greg Barker has not escaped the storm – he has come under fire both locally and nationally for his claims on the second home allowance.

Mr Barker now faces the challenge of winning back the trust of his constituents.

This will not be an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination.
With the European MP and county council elections coming up next Thursday, June 4, it will be interesting to see the effect of all this on the electorate.

Will voter apathy increase as people take the attitude that "they're all as bad as each other, so why should I bother?"

Or will it encourage people to make a trip to the polling station to register votes of protest?

Or will it simply allow them to feel that they have effected some sort of change?

The right to vote is a vitally important cornerstone in any democratic society.

Over the years, people have paid with their lives to maintain our right to vote and choose who represents us – particularly during the Second World War.

And if you're female, remember the Suffragettes' campaign at the beginning of the 20th century to grant votes to women.

So beat the apathy and lack of confidence in politicians and visit your polling station on June 4.

Nobody can really complain about elected representatives if they haven't exercised their right to support a certain party – or exercised their right to bring change by placing their cross firmly in the ballot box.
n To find out more about who is standing for election at county level on June 4, turn to page eight.