Me thinks the techno-understanders talk on technorati, and that as you suggest, a large part of the population does not see the consultation offerings, contribute or care.
Perhaps the " Pol Idol " idea in the papers today will re-invigorate some feelings about civic participation. It is suggested that it will be run by BBC Entertainment. If a monkey-suit can win as Hartlepool mayor, then a Pol Idol could be good for England.

Trust lost is hard to win back though, and bringing citizens to the consultation table will take a lot more than web-sites, enjoyable though it may be to design them.

Have a good week-end

Alex