BBC Radio 2 'Pause for Thought' - Sarah Kennedy

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'Vision is content of character and deeds and not looks or words – make an informed choice'

A team of Spanish doctors recently gave a man a face transplant. He had been dreadfully disfigured in a shooting accident, but after a 22-hour operation he has a new face - cheekbones, nose, lips and teeth – the lot.

Is he still the same person? Of course he is. Your character and mine are much more than skin deep. The same goes for politicians - though the reporting of the televised debates has tended to focus on appearance rather than content.

If I was on a ship sailing through troubled waters, I wouldn't care if the Captain was good-looking, so long as he was a good sailor and knew how to get us to our destination. We need leaders not only to steer us through a grave financial and economic crisis, but who also have a vision for GREAT Britain. Vision is about the content of our character and what we do and not just about our looks or what we say. Vision cares more for principles than popularity. Vision means working for the common good, rather than sectional interests.

If you were to turn the Lord's Prayer into an election manifesto – it would mean organising our country so that everyone gets their share of daily bread, no one is written off, and wellbeing counts for more than wealth. Forgiving one another, honouring God's name, doing justice, loving kindness, and not yielding to the temptation of worshipping at the temple of Mammon.

We need to see beyond mere appearance and make an informed choice as we vote tomorrow. Unlike one member of the Dawn Patrol who arrived in heaven. Everyone was dressed in white, sitting on clouds playing golden musical instruments or singing honouring God.

After a day, the Dawn Patroller asked St Peter to let him go and visit the Other Place. A 24-hour visit was arranged.

Our Dawn Patroller arrived at the Hell Visitor Centre where a wonderful party was going on. Old friends welcomed him to the fun - great food, drink, hot music.

The 24-hour visit was over all too soon and when he returned to heaven, he said, "Well, St Peter, having seen heaven and hell, I've decided my final destination is the other place."

Return transport was arranged and he descended full of anticipation. But arriving in the centre of Hell, he saw a barren waste; his friends in chains and rags, no food or water anywhere. He asked Satan, "How come? Yesterday this place was wonderful." "Ah", said Satan. "Yesterday we were canvassing for your vote. Today you have voted for us. Welcome to reality."

Play your part in the future of Great Britain: be well-informed and vote tomorrow.