Being leader of the Liberal Democrats was not his finest hour.
Ming Campbell had been a superb shadow foreign secretary, so often demonstrating a degree of radicalism and commitment to the best principles of liberalism that belied his establishment appearance.
Now his appearances on Newsnight suggest that he has regained his former status. And he is still as true as ever to radical liberalism. Speaking good sense. Just great.
It must be tough on Ed Davey, our current shadow foreign secretary, and unfair, but Ming is back as a great asset to the party.
Showing posts with label liberal democrats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liberal democrats. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Saturday, 6 March 2010
THERE IS NO GRATITUDE
It's 9pm on a Friday evening and the telephone rings. Carol, my wife, answers it. "Is this the Liberal Democrats nationally or locally?" I hear her say in response to the first words of the caller.
She goes quiet, listening apparently to a young woman giving a not-very-good series of apologies and pleas that not all politicians should be judged by the impression created by the expenses scandal. It must be hard to get money out of the supporters of any party at present, especially if your opening gambit is so downbeat. But the caller is clearly gearing up to ask the question....
"Tell her I gave £5,500 towards target seats in the North West only this morning," I say, speaking over Carol's shoulder. It's true, I did. I'm paid more to be a Liberal Democrat representative than anyone else in the region so I like to give something back. It's all on public record.
"My husband says he gave £5,500 this morning to four target seats in the North West," says my wife. There's a pause, and then Carol puts down the phone. "She hung up," she said. "I don't think she believed me."
Well there's gratitude for you. The Liberal Democrats call looking for money, and my news should make their day. Instead they think I'm taking the piss!
She goes quiet, listening apparently to a young woman giving a not-very-good series of apologies and pleas that not all politicians should be judged by the impression created by the expenses scandal. It must be hard to get money out of the supporters of any party at present, especially if your opening gambit is so downbeat. But the caller is clearly gearing up to ask the question....
"Tell her I gave £5,500 towards target seats in the North West only this morning," I say, speaking over Carol's shoulder. It's true, I did. I'm paid more to be a Liberal Democrat representative than anyone else in the region so I like to give something back. It's all on public record.
"My husband says he gave £5,500 this morning to four target seats in the North West," says my wife. There's a pause, and then Carol puts down the phone. "She hung up," she said. "I don't think she believed me."
Well there's gratitude for you. The Liberal Democrats call looking for money, and my news should make their day. Instead they think I'm taking the piss!
Thursday, 18 February 2010
NO COALITION
Nick Clegg has proved himself a class political act with his strategy in the event of a hung parliament.
No coalition, but voting support for either larger party in return for commitments to promote the education of those on the lowest rung, reform the tax system to reduce income inequalities, boost the green economy (environmentalism and bash the bankers), and to introduce a fairer voting system.
So Liberal Democrats can now talk about issues they care about rather than answering questions about which other party they might support.
If the finesse works a treat we even get the others talking about OUR agenda and how far they would go to meet it.
Very neat.
No coalition, but voting support for either larger party in return for commitments to promote the education of those on the lowest rung, reform the tax system to reduce income inequalities, boost the green economy (environmentalism and bash the bankers), and to introduce a fairer voting system.
So Liberal Democrats can now talk about issues they care about rather than answering questions about which other party they might support.
If the finesse works a treat we even get the others talking about OUR agenda and how far they would go to meet it.
Very neat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
