Thanks Echo, for getting worthy successors for the Mungo Comment space. Margo Kingston, for instance, in a recent op-ed piece ( Echo, 26 May), reminded readers of the potential of independent political candidates to strike a way through the dreaded two-party system. Using the example of Cathy McGowan and Zali Stegall she points out that, by not being beholden to party lines or to wealthy donors, a multi-issue independent candidate will be more inclined to actually serve and empower her or his electorate. And the added benefit is that such independents are often put forward and closely supported by the people of their electorates themselves, thereby encouraging grass roots democracy.