Some legal heavyweights first brought together by the Article 23 debate on a national security bill, and again by the universal suffrage dispute, have taken a major step towards playing a wider role in public policy-making. With a 'First 100 days' action plan if they are elected to the legislature, four prominent barristers in the Article 45 Concern Group have teamed with pro-democracy activist Cyd Ho Sau-lan to show voters they have concrete alternative policy ideas. The four are Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, Alan Leong Kah-kit, Ronny Tong Ka-wah and Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee. Under the plan, Ms Eu will campaign for the reduction of class sizes from 30 to 25 and Ms Ho will lead a debate on health-care financing. Mr Leong will focus on a public housing rent review and Mr Tong will float ideas to boost fair competition and enhance protection of small investors. Ms Ng will present a white bill on Article 23 for public consultation. They plan to deliver an alternative policy address at a Legco debate in December. Cynics may try to dismiss the 'First 100 Days' initiative as election gimmick, but it reflects subtle changes in the political landscape, particularly among the pro-democracy camp. Disappointed with the Tung administration's dismal policy-making record, people expect their elected legislature to exercise more effective checks and balances on the executive. This is despite the fact many people understand that the legislature does not run the government. Nor do they think it should. And with the development of political parties still in its infancy, some have become resigned to the reality that the parties could do little. That said, it has become clear that with growing public political awareness, people are asking for more from their elected representatives. Rather than acting merely as an opposition against the government, they expect them to come up with substantive, feasible policy ideas and options. Known for their strong expertise on legal issues, the four prominent barristers have become aware of the winds of change. Despite their high profile after the Article 23 fiasco and the row over full universal suffrage, they must have realised that scope for single-issue political advocacy will become increasingly limited. This is particularly the case for Ms Eu, Mr Leong and Mr Tong, who are standing for election in geographical constituencies. Their stance and approach on political issues such as democracy and human rights may remain their strongest competitive edge. But when facing a wider section of the community, they also have to have a good grasp of everyday bread-and-butter issues. Barring unexpected developments, it looks almost certain the four barristers from the Article 45 Concern Group will capture a seat in the election and emerge as a more influential force in the pro-democracy camp. There is no denying the prominent barristers have grave reservations about formation of political parties. They have been anxious to maintain an independent image and keep a distance from the Democratic Party and the pro-democracy force. But as the 'First 100 Days' campaign shows, there is greater awareness among the barristers of the need for them to team up if they are to play a meaningful role in policy-making. Their move to build a platform of specific policies will also pave the way for partnership with other like-minded political factions in the next Legco. While they will be numerically small in the legislature, they are likely to become a rising new political force that flies the banner of independent thinking, a rational and moderate approach and, more importantly, a new way in politics. In the medium and long term, their new approach will help inspire the pro-democracy elements to evolve from an electioneering-based platform to a genuine alternative governing force.