Paul Wheeler wonders about the merits of councillors being asked to chip into funding their political parties.

As Europe stumbles from crisis to crisis it may seem churlish to discuss funding for political parties. However if we are to avoid the descent into American style politics where big money dominates all parties we do need to take the issue seriously. Needless to say this is easier said than done for our main political parties who have just fallen out over the latest set of proposals.