The introduction gives a brief history of how and when the authors, both Republicans, first met, announcing their motives for writing the piece and the first hint of the conclusion.

Chapter one describes the power structure in the UK today and points out the differences between Crown and Republic. The first mention of a Republic invokes negative images to my ignorant mind - Banana Republic, People’s Republic of China and George Bush’s Republican party - but then the authors are quick to qualify the Republic they are supporting is a Republic as defined in a purer sense.

The next chapter entitled Early Democracies and Republic spells out the differences between the various political doctrines. The authors use the evolution of the Athenian government to illustrate how the differences work, pointing out that political structures constantly change. That the Athenians did not allow citizens with no political ideas into their parliament and called these creatures ‘idiots’ gave me proof that I had labeled this review correctly.

In chapter three entitled “The Making of Britain” the pair detail a brief history of politics in this land. The rule of William the Conqueror, the signing of the Magna Carta, the separation of Ireland and Ulster and the treaty with England in 1070 are described with clear concise precision. This may smack of a history lesson but the subject is fascinating and the economical writing allowed the information to sink into my idiot brain without effort, enticing some political ideas from me at last.

The final chapters are devoted to laying out a feasible argument for the abolition of the Royal Family and the introduction of a Republic. The authors support this argument with the Republican ethos ‘Government is for the benefit of the people, not the other way round’.

The language used in the pamphlet is plain and the important historical facts are told in an interesting and enjoyable manner. The distinctive Alistair Gray cover is exquisite, depicting the emblems of the nations in this land.

The clever thing this pamphlet does is stimulate the reader with political ideas.

Personally two developed in my mind. The first is that there are a number of political theories that sound feasible on paper, but, no matter what political structure is in place, it is the nature of man that the rich and greedy will eventually rise to positions of power. Because of this all political systems should be reviewed and changed on a regular basis to check that the ideal or theory still holds true or could be improved. The second point is that it is up to the individual to make a difference. Everyone counts.

I recommend this pamphlet to voters of any persuasion and to political idiots of no persuasion at all.

Moira McPartlin currently lives in Glasgow , but travels extensively with work. She started writing three years ago to relieve the boredom of airport lounges. She enjoys writing short stories and her passion for mountaineering and travel provides plenty of material for non fiction articles. Moira has yet to have any work published, but lives in hope. She is currently working on her first novel.

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© 2005 Laura Hird All rights reserved.