IT has been widely predicted that the turnout for next week's General Election will be the lowest ever in modern times.

Not so long ago politicians were inspirational figures, their pictures hung on the walls of ordinary homes up and down the country; today they have never been held in such low esteem.

But is is hard to see why this should be the case.

A common criticism of our politicians is that 'they are only in it for what they can get'. But usually what they get in this country is a lot of flak for a limited reward.

Arguably the majority of those now in the House of Commons could expect to be earning more had they chosen a different career.

So why do they do it?

Politics remains one of the few careers in which it is possible to make a difference to the lives of large numbers of people and, in general, those who pursue it earnestly believe their ideas to be in the best interests of the country.

Inside this supplement, politicians of all parties have been asked to write about the issues which they consider to be most important. We would urge you, the voters, to take the trouble to read what they have to say.

Some say there is no point in voting because the main parties are 'all the same'.

The politicians share some of the blame for this impression, but it couldn't be further from the truth.

Take one of the most basic issues of all, the taxes we pay and how the money is spent.

Politicians are now so afraid of being caught out by the media they are not prepared to commit themselves more than three years ahead so the differences appear small. In fact, there are fundamental differences of approach which would tend to be emphasised over time.

Big issues are at stake at this election, and that is not even mentioning the 'E' word!

Still not convinced?

When you consider that little over 50 years ago our parents and grand parents were fighting for the very survival of this country, it is astonishing how quickly we seem to have taken that vote for granted.

If that memory is too far distant let me leave you with a more recent image from the first ever free and fair elections in South Africa.

Do you remember those picture of black South Africans queuing for miles for the right to use their vote.

They were not expecting instant benefits, they were not asking 'what's in it for me', but looking ahead one day to a brighter future.