How well do you know your local MP?

 Have you actually ever spoken to them...or even been to their electorate office? Would you recognise them if you saw them in the local shopping centre or at a football match?

I realised with some alarm yesterday that I am not on a "casual-friendly" basis with either my local member or my federal member. This is the first time in many, many years that I can remember this being the case. The last time it happened was when I was away for so long that I was not voting. I soon remedied the situation when I came back.

No, I didn't pounce on them in the shopping centre or the library or anywhere else. I was introduced to both by someone who thought I might have an answer to something - I have forgotten what the problem was.  I remember the MPs being polite in the way that people who want something from you but really can't be bothered with you are. They really made no secret of the fact they did not want people fawning over them.

I am not the fawning type. It is much easier for me to write a letter than make a phone call. Asking for an appointment to see my local MP is the sort of thing I will avoid even when I know I should not. I don't think I am shy. Someone I know has actually said I come across as "assertive" on these pages. I am not in the least bit assertive and will go out of my way to avoid confrontation of any sort. I am not in the least bit like Middle Cat who challenge anyone.

But the MPs? I have known a few in my time, known a few quite well. I have known them well enough that they know my name and will discuss a problem with me. Their secretaries have called me and asked me to do a rough draft of a letter they need to send. I have been asked to talk to X family or Y individual of Z group and get things together so the MP can do something about a situation. I have never minded helping out in such situations - for MPs on both sides of the political divide.

So, what has happened now? I have tried to work it out and failed. All I can come up with is that they are failing to do their job. I was convinced of it when someone who is at very least moderately politically aware could not name his state or federal representative.

"I don't know Cat. They sort of aren't there. They aren't making any sort of noises. "

I realised he was right. The current two would probably be pleasant enough if I met them but, so far, they are not representing me in any meaningful way. They have sent out a couple of "newsletters" but that is all the contact I have had.

There has to be a federal election this year. If the current incumbent wants me to vote in their favour they will need to do a better job of representing me.