Politics causing misery

I GET it that we live in a democracy and that we’re all entitled to our own opinions and views, but it’s getting to the stage where I can’t have my extended family in the same room together.

The problem is politics. From my father-in-law and sister to my teenage nieces and nephews, everyone seems to hold a different (and very passionate) view.

Their loyalties range from deep blue to blood red and each one is as vocal and stubborn as the next. Family meals are a battleground and my parents’ wedding anniversary was ruined by a row about the EU.

No matter how hard I try to keep the peace and act as a referee, it seems a civilised discussion is out of the question. How do we fix this when they are driving me to distraction?

JANE SAYS: The general election isn’t far off now, so it’s probably not surprising that emotions are running high.

But once June 8 is out of the way, you’ll be fully entitled to lay down some basic rules in your own home. When the time comes, warn everyone there is a time and place for everything and you will take offence and walk out if ever they start ranting and raving again.

There’s nothing more boring – or inappropriate – than a heated political or religious discussion during a family gathering and they should respect everyone else’s feelings.

Why can’t they take themselves into a coffee shop or down the pub, one night in the week and vent their views there?

Taking things further, if they’re all so interested in politics, why don’t they get involved at party level? All of that sitting around and shouting isn’t going to achieve anything.