POLITICS – a process by which people make decisions. Ah, if only it was that simple.

If ever a term was guaranteed to whip up fierce debate and divisions then it's the world of politics.

The papers and airwaves have long been rife with reports of scandal, corruption and broken promises.

Recently we've heard how the political expenses system has been used for duck houses, hedge trimming and adult movies.

It's fair to say public opinion of politicians is not exactly scaling new heights.

A 54-year-old Rutland-based businessman is hoping to capitalise on the current mood after launching a website which he says will encourage public debate to explore "the need for change".

The man behind www.rutlandpolitics.co.uk is Trevor Harrington, of Main Road in Lyddington.

He says he's a "natural Conservative voter". However, he describes himself as "completely disillusioned" with the political and regulatory leaders of Britain.

Mr Harrington, a business consultant, sees politics as a murky business, dominated by the constraints of the three main parties.

His website is filled with regular posts expressing Mr Harrington's views on topical issues, while the public is encouraged to have their say by using a comments section.

He has promised to publish any views thrown his way, barring legally-sensitive or offensive comments, to provide what he believes will be a transparent debate on political issues.

"The objective is to discuss the difficulties in the political system, with both local and national issues," he said.

"If we can develop a groundswell of opinion then we can develop some power on the site.

"It's rewarding because it enables me to get views out in the public domain without relying on editors."

Mr Harrington, who has written financial advice for news organisations for several years, said the website had been on the cards for some time.

He says his only previous dalliance with politics was an exchange with the Conservative Association regarding Rutland MP Alan Duncan some years ago but felt the opportunity was now right to branch out into politics.

Since the website was launched last month, Mr Harrington said it has had more than 400 hits.

Issues which have come under the microscope include public spending, pensions, and, of course, MPs' expenses.

Mr Harrington hopes a wide political spectrum will access the site and help make politicians sit up and take notice.

But what are the intentions of the man behind the site?

Father-of-two Mr Harrington, who is married to Sally and has lived in Lyddington for 24 years, is a former managing director of financial advice company Maplelord based in Market Harborough.

He admits the project has caused some unease among the family but he's committed to the cause.

He has ploughed his own funds into setting up the website, although he won't say exactly how much.

And Mr Harrington admits that should his influence grow he would be ready to challenge for the Melton and Rutland seat as an independent, or Independent Conservative, as he would phrase it.

He said: "It's a possibility but one of the objects of this is to develop a consultation with the public of Rutland and people generally."

Adverts have been taken out to promote the site and Mr Harrington is hoping to spread his readership by finding ways of printing the site in order to make it accessible to those without the internet.

He said: "If there was sufficient support from people in Rutland then I might thrown my hat in."