As candidates we are rightly being bombarded with requests to support campaigns and sign pledges every day. This is not new. What makes it more modern is the use of pledge internet sites and email requests for support.

I have heard many of the candidates I know say - "oh I just sign them all."

I know it would be easiest just to sign every one of them that crosses my desk or lands in my inbox. Indeed some are easier than others and don't ask for specific pledges.

However, many more ask us to sign up to do specific things for the next 4-5 years. This is where it gets difficult. As others say it is easy to just say yes. But what happens when in 4 years time there is an issue that needs a decision. It may be that there is not enough money for the pledge you have made. It may have seemed a simple pledge without any financial commitments - but in fact it did. It may be that you end up signing several health related pledges where you have agreed to prioritise the particular campaign. What happens when there is a conflict over scarce resources? What happens when a wider consultation comes to a different conclusion to that of the very specific lobby group? It often happens.

So whilst it may seem the easy route - this kind of politics is part of why the public become cynical. I won't sign everyone because I may want to qualify my support. And here is the problem. These campaigns try to blackmail you into support by telling their supporters that you have either backed their campaign or 'refused'. This is loaded to make the candidate feel they must sign up or lose potential voters. I prefer to explain on this site where I stand and why. I prefer to say in difficult financial times there will be some tough choices ahead and committing to extra spending now cannot be guaranteed.

To be frank people want more honest politicians - and we should start here by saying we may not agree with EVERY specific point of EVERY lobby group. It doesn't mean we will not fight your corner in Parliament - but we will do it in the interests of ALL our constituents. This may mean a compromise in the future - but it is more honest.

So I will continue to post responses to lobby campaigns on this site - and only when I hear from constituents!