“So the people don’t trust politicians, hold the front page”, said Iain Dale, political commentator at the launch of this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer.

Dale went on to explain that he believes that when people conform to stereotypes, trust in them tends to diminish. The press has long depicted politicians as a group of lying deceiving scoundrels, now look they have lived up to that, this government most notably through the cash for honours scandal. Therefore it should come as no surprise that in this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in politicians is at an all time low. Leaders are no longer considered great people, like Churchill was, added Dale.

Iain Dale, most famous for his hugely popular political blog was surprised that blogging had not come out higher in the Edelman trust survey; only 14% trust in what they read in blogs, hopefully this is on the rise he said! Dale extolled the virtues of the internet as a tool for greater democracy, blogging gives everyone the opportunity to voice their views.

Dale talked about the importance of “people like me” – politicians nowadays are popular when people consider them to be like themselves; peer to peer communication and appeal is essential for political success.

Iain Dale said that he hoped that we would send a copy of Edelman’s findings on the importance of CSR and communicating this to David Cameron, at present the Conservatives are ahead in this area he commented; all politicians need to prove their credentials in this field.

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