Jamie Whyte in the Times today makes a provocative case for political apathy. 

Democracy is required to defend our liberty and prosperity. When the people cannot remove a government, it is sure to descend into despotism, corruption and inefficiency. But we should not confuse our love of democracy with a love of voting and other forms of political engagement. Political engagement is worthwhile only when there are political problems.

Jamie Whyte - The Times

Also in today's news...

• Ultra-low turnouts in recent NHS trust elections have been put under the spotlight by Lib Dem health spokesperson, Steve Webb.

"These figures show Tony Blair's pledge to put local people in charge of his new foundation hospitals is just another New Labour sham," he said. "How can the Government claim that the health concerns of millions of people are being properly represented when only a tiny handful of people vote in these elections?"

The Telegraph

• The Arch-Bishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, gets wide coverage for his interview where he complains about BBC bias - something our friends at 18 Doughty Street will be interested. 

• The 'big beasts' of contemporary politics lock horns over terror in most papers - but the FT do quite a good job of outlining the contenders.  Morland's cartoon in The Times sums up the issue most succinctly.