Here we have two types of men - the wealthy and the community.

Wealthy men can send valuable gifts to politicians and expect to wander into their chosen politician's office at any mutually convenient time.

Community-type men can write letters to the minister or premier which will be intercepted by a lackey who will send back a type-one form letter.

Alternatively they can scribble a few words on cardboard and stand outside Parliament House, shouting a catchy slogan, hoping that someone may take notice.

Politicians usually hide where they can count the number of community and assess whether they are accompanied by any significant media, and so determine whether they need take any notice.

Community persons can also enlist a few thousand people to sign a petition to support their concerns. This will be presented in parliament and voted on party lines. With the government in a majority, the matter can be quickly dismissed.

Elections are touted as the community's opportunity to square up.

However, it is standard practice for the wealthy to establish their priorities to the candidates well before the election and make placating statements for the community until the elections are declared.

Then they can abandon most of the pre-election community promises and get on with the wealthy or 'core' promises. And so the cycle recommences.

- George Paris, Rathmines