SO it's the local government elections this week. I know because I have my voting card on my mantelpiece... but apart from that, I wouldn't know it.

Up to Monday lunchtime, I hadn't had any candidates round pressing the flesh, only two leaflets pushed through my letter box-and I don't even know who is standing in our ward - not that I really care. Commentators harp on about voter apathy... no wonder really.

And how do I persuade my teenage daughter to be bothered to go and use the vote that Mrs Pankhurst fought for? So I really wonder, is it just me?

JA Meller, Rosemary Court, York.