Latest from Democracy

Irish PM wins party leadership vote
PM Brian Cowen won a confidence vote yesterday in his leadership of Ireland's Fianna Fail Party.

Mayor defends hobby suggestions for councillors
Wellington's mayor has defended a leaked email which suggests councillors learn Te Reo, Mandarin or ballroom dancing to keep 'mentally fit'.

Looking to build hope in a troubled Burma
Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi talks to the Herald about the future of Burma, her family and why Kiwis can make a difference

MMP's support has shot up in a year
More than half of all voters support keeping MMP, a new poll shows.

Ballot in Sudan for a new beginning
Southern Sudan looks to have voted for secession from the Arab-led north of the country.

<i>Editorial</i>: Rhetoric of violence must be reined in
It would be dangerous to instantly suggest that the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was the product of a poisoned political climate in the United States.

<i>Nicola Lamb</i>: Politics of fear spawn politics of the gun
There was something awfully inevitable about the Tucson shooting, writes the Herald's Foreign Editor Nicola Lamb.

<i>Lewis Holden:</i> It's time Kiwis had a say in nation's top job
The Republican Movement's Lewis Holden says nominations for Governor-General should be made by the public.

Dog fee boost makes rebel ratepayer seek breakaway
The Whakatane District Council faces turmoil with the possibility of 10,000 residents defecting to neighbouring Kawerau.