Off to Dublin today to see a few old friends and do the Late Late Show. It’ll be nice to be in a country where the majority will have no truck with the idea that a Conservative government could ever be a progressive government, even when propped up by someone as nicely turned out as Nick Clegg.
A word on the hugely enjoyable, and fantastically organised, Sport Industry Awards last night. The big awards went to Alex Ferguson and Brendan Foster, presented respectively by Fabio Capello and, in Brendan’s case, Tanni Grey-Thompson and the legend that is Haile Gebreselassie.
Having been a judge on the awards panel, I was particularly pleased to see the pure joy brought by the award to the team from Everton FC for the work they do in mental health.
I presented the Leadership Award to Nick Fry, part of team that presided over the best comeback story in Formula One history which led to Jensen Button becoming world champion. He managed to slip into his speech that he voted Labour, and said afterwards he was really disappointed at what had happened.
Maybe I just attract anti-Tories but in what was a pretty affluent, black tie dinner, I was struck by how many people sought me out to say the same thing. Fergie, Brendan and Tanni are huge Labour supporters anyway, so they don’t count! But plenty of others, including many in the business community, felt Cameron had failed to win a majority because he didn’t really know how to lead, whilst Nick Clegg was being seen by some as an unprincipled opportunist.
And when I had a little dig at Clegg when being interviewed on stage before I presented the award, fair to say it went down better than I had been expecting. There was also a lot of suspicion around at the news that the Tories had refused to commit to ring-fencing Olympic Games budgets, and a big desire that Tessa Jowell should continue to have a role in the preparation of the Games.
Meanwhile, more and more ex Lib Dems come to Labour. Apologies if the books being asked for take a bit longer to get out than usual but we have been overwhelmed by the sudden surge asking to buy The Blair Years and raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
Meanwhile, here are just a few of the messages left on Labour’s website by recent recruits.
Ruth from Cambridge
“I voted Lib Dem to keep the tories out. Now the LDs are with the tories, I’m coming back to Labour.”
Craig from Newcastle upon Tyne
“Former member of Liberal Democrats – the idea of any discussions of supporting a Conservative Govt fills me with utter disgust”
Nick from London
“Having just voted Lib Dem at the election, wooed by the promise of a new kind of politics, I am alarmed at the prospect of a Lib/Con coalition. Have decided that I will never again desert Labour at an election and wanted to go a step further and join the party.”
Pam from Newcastle upon Tyne
“Since the election, when I am ashamed to say I was persuaded to vote tactically for the LibDems, I have been dismayed about them talking to the Tories.”
Simon from Watford
“Because the Liberal Democrats have completely let me down.”
Stuart from London
“I feel totally betrayed by the libdem party who have formed an unnatural coalition with the Tories. ”
Alex from Witney
“I believe in labour policies and beliefs,that they are best for this country, I voted Lib Dem as a protest vote against David Cameron in the election, a wasted vote!”
Maxwell from Basingstoke
“Until recently, I was a member of the Liberal Democrats, believing that they offered a radical and progressive agenda for British politics; I see now that I was mistaken, and Labour remains the home for the progressive, centre-left in the UK – our only hope for ‘A Future Fair For All'”
Mark from Reading
“As an ex-lib dem’er, I feel sick I helped to get the tories in to ruin Britain again. Doing my bit to help the progressive cause in Britain”
Anne from Southport
“Labour’s never going to win in this town. I thought about the local picture, not the bigger picture, and so I voted tactically (Lib Dems) 🙁 Never ever again will i vote tactically in my whole life. ”
Scott from Manchester
“I made the mistake of voting for the Liberal Democrats, first, and last time.”
James from Leamington Spa
“A week ago I was wondering about joining the Lib Dems, but they have just lost all credibility for a generation. Time to come back home to Labour.”
Jane from Reading
“I voted Liberal Democrat to keep Gordon Brown and the Labour party in Government. Bad Decision and never again. I cried tears when Gordon Brown spoke following his resignation and again when David Cameron entered Number 10 – tears of sadness in the first case and fear in the second.”
Elanor from London
“I am a former Liberal Democrat supporter who feels betrayed by their coalition with the Conservatives – I now feel Labour is the only viable progressive force in British politics.”
Paul from Ripley
“I was very very stupid and got seduced by the empty promises of the Liberal Democrat party during the 2010 General Election campaign. Having previously been a Labour voter I shamelessly switched and voted Lib Dem. Seeing a Tory Prime Minister has made me feel desperately disappointed with myself for getting sucked in. From now on I’ll live by the mantra that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It’s easy to say in hindsight, but I never felt right from the moment my hand parted with the ballot paper. I wish to become an active member of the party and will look to get involved with any events/societies when I re-enter full-time education this coming September.”
Isabelle from Bristol
“Because the Lib Dems just let me down.”
Kate from Dorchester
“Thought about it for ages. Voted ‘tactically’ for Lib Dems due to West Dorset constituency – first time I haven’t voted Labour and felt utterly ashamed so wanted to make amends! Feel awful sense of dread at new Government. Want to raise tax to get rid of deficit so want to work within a party to do this. Gordon Brown’s resignation was so dignified it made me cry!”
Amy from London
“I voted lib dem and am disgusted and let down that they have joined with the Tories. I agree with most of labour policies and I want to see a socialist government in the future.”
Alex from Maidenhead
“i am a disgruntled liberal democrat supporter”
Felix from Holsworthy
“Previously having been a Liberal Democrat, I was disgusted to see them ‘sell out’ by allying with the Tories and would like to support the only major progressive party left”
Mark from Newport
“Frustrated at tactically voting Lib Dems who then form an alliance with the Tory party. Will never vote Lib Dem again and stick and support Labour.”
Phil from Abingdon
“Tactically voted Lib Dem to keep tories out and feel betrayed to see Cameron walking in to No.10. Will only ever vote on principal from now on…not ever tactically. ”
Christopher from Glossop
“I worked for the liberal democrats in the 2010 election and feel betrayed and let down by their actions.”
Laura from High Wycombe
“I am 18 and just voted for the first time, Liberal Democrat. This was a tactical vote against the Conservatives and now that I’ve been let down, I want to show where my real allegiances lie. ”
Kim from Hornchurch
“I am disgusted as a former Liberal Democrat that Nick Clegg has deicded to prop up a Tory regime. ”
Rosemary from Berwick-upon-Tweed
“I flirted with the Lib Dems, but want to come back home to the Labour Party.”
Sam from Tunbridge Wells
“I voted Liberal Democrat to stop the Conservatives, but was horrified to see them prop up the Conservatives. I will never vote for them again, regardless of labour’s standing in my constituency.”
Chris from Wednesbury
“Stood for Lib Dems in local elections and never have felt so let down as I do tonight.Stuff them and their Tory leader,lets fight for a left wing government. ”
Daniel from Billingham
“‘Conned by false ideology of Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats has helped me decide to return to my first instincts that the Labour party had my best interests in mind and at heart.”
Michael from London
“Always a Labour supporter, but sadly, this year seduced by Lib Dems. It seems voting Lib Dem got me Tories. Shame on them.”
Callum from Bracknell
“Completely disillusioned with the Liberal Democrats. I preferred that a lot of their policies were geared towards helping students and the economic growth of our country, but i can’t support a party that would ally themselves with someone who would seek to reduce the funding given to our public sector”
Catherine from Hull
“Labour is the party for a better future for the majority, not the minority who ruled for so many years in the past. They have made mistakes, of course, but it would be a much bigger one not to give them another chance. I will never vote Lib Dem again. ”
Natalia from London
“I am so disgusted with the Lib Dems for forming an alliance with the Tories. I voted Lib Dem last week only because I perceive them to be to the left of Labour on some issues.”
Susan from Otley
“so disappointed after election and in my area -Leeds North West I voted Lib-Dem- but would not have done so if I had known a vote for them would be a conservative vote.”
Harry from New Malden
“Voted for liberal democrat, to stop the Tories but I have ended with a conservatives government. The liberals campaign that a vote for labour would not stop the conservatives, but it looks like a vote for the liberals was a vote for the conservatives. I want a modern progressive government and you will never get that with conservatives”
Vic from Bristol
“Having voted all my adult life I made the extremely dire mistake of tactically voting for the Liberal democrats. Disgusted with myself and full of remorse I have now decide to be a more active member of a party that i feel i have betrayed. sorry.”
Carolyn from Dorking
“I have resigned my membership of the Liberal Democrats and wish to become a member (again) of a progressive party ”
Karen from Newcastle upon Tyne
“I have supported the Liberal Democrats and been an active member for a number of years. I now feel totally betrayed by the Liberal Democrats, I certainly did not give that support to get a Tory Government”
Malcolm from Wallasey
“The decision by the Liberal Democrats to get into bed with the Conservative Party has lost them my support for the next decade at the very least.”
Dan from London
“I’m sure like many who are signing up today, I voted for the Liberal Democrats in the General Election. Won’t get fooled again!”
Jessica from London
“Labour have done so much to imporove this country aqnd help the lives of ordinary people. Whilst I don’t agree with every policy of the past, I do believe that Gordon Brown was a good PM and a decent man. I have left the Liberal Democrats to join the Labour party because it is only Labour that now represents the progressive left.”
Mark from Illford
“Left the Liberal Democrats and returned to my natural home.”
Adam from Rochester
“I made the mistake of voting for the lib dem’s last time, not again. ”
Richard from Gloucester
“Because my Lib Dem tactical vote was to keep the Tories out, not prop them up!”
Oliver from Winchester
“Sad to see Gordon Brown go. Wanting to stand up against the Murdoch press. My tactical Lib Dem vote resulted in a Tory prime minister.”
Daniel from Oxford
“I thought by voting LibDem I was keeping the Tories out of power. I am so sorry!”
Jane from Colchester
“I accidently voted for a Conservative government by voting Lib Dem something i would not knowingly have done. ”
Paran from Worcester
“I voted tactically for the Liberals and will never do so again.”
Isobel from Tonbridge
” I have been campaigning against the conservative party for 30 years. For the past 10 years I have campaigned on and off for the LibDems for tactical reasons (I live in Tory stronghold, safe seat). I will now NEVER vote LibDem again (not even tactically). Nor will I support them locally. I would like to concentrate on helping my local Labour Party to raise its profile in this area. Rejoining the Labour party after about twenty years is a demonstration of my commitment to this. Gordon Brown has been inspirational during this campaign; the only candidate with substance and (so it now seems) integrity. We have lost a good PM. ”
Angela from East Grinstead
“I voted Lib Dem to try to keep out the Tories, never again. I want to support Labour for the fight back, they are the only party to have acted in line with their principles.”
Katherine from Newcastle upon Tyne
“I’ve been a LibDem supporter for 15 years, despite being a die-hard socialist. I did not use my vote to vote Tory. Gordon Brown has been vilified in the press – yet he is one of the few politicians who genuinely empathised with low-income families. I don’t believe the Tories would have reacted any differently to the Iraq or Global Economic crises, and our country was in safe hands with GB at the helm. That no longer applies.”
Nigel from London
“Gordon Brown’s dignity, and the Lib Dems’ betrayal, convinced me it’s time for everyone who wants progress to come home to Labour.”
Nicola from Kingston
“Former Labour voter who has voted Lib Dem this time, I didn’t do that to put Cameron in power.”
Claire from Wells
“to pledge my support for labour, i voted tactically in this election (lib-dem) what a mistake that was!”
Neil from Teddington
“I wish I had done more to keep the Conservatives out of office. I voted Lib-Dem at the election tactically and wish I had voted with my true social beliefs.”
Sarah from Truro
“I have decided to join, because like many, I did a tactical vote last Thursday. I voted Lib Dem instead of Labour, to stop the Conservatives getting in. What happened? My constituency is now Tory, the Tories are in 10 Downing Street and Nick Clegg has turned himself into some kind of Tory lap dog. I am very disappointed. Also Gordon Brown has been blamed unfairly for all of the problems we have to face and I think we have lost an excellent leader. I look forward to see who becomes the new leader, make it a good one! ”
Joanna from Buckfastleigh
“I am a Lib Dem member and voted Lib Dem to keep the tories out, I believed that Lib Dem were a party that stood for the progressive left, I am now gutted to see them prop up a tory government.Though I am grateful that tory policies and government will be watered down by Lib Dems, I now view Labour as the only voice of the progressive left. I can never trust Lib Dems again with my vote. I will be cancelling my Lib Dem membership as of today.”
James from Bristol
“I feel I have been let down by my previous political party (The Lib Dems) after they joined in coalition with the most right-wing Conservative party in recent years. As such, they no longer represent my political beliefs.”
Daniel from Southend
“I always voted Labour, this time i voted Lib Dem….What a mistake. We don’t realize what an amazing job Gordon Brown and the Labour party were doing…..We will now!”
Jonathan from Holt
“I voted tactically for Lib Dems to keep the Tories out. I’m disappointed a vote for Lib Dems ended up a vote for Tories.”
Tom from Birkinhead
“I was so angered that my vote for the Liberal Democrats was usurped by Nick Clegg propping up a Tory government that I have decided to put my full weight behind the Labour party, I guess you could say I am coming home”
Victoria from Gloucester
“Because I do not think Tories should be in power, I voted Lib Dem however I think my vote was wasted and would rather have a labour government then a Tory government”
Michael from Hull
“Previous Lib Dem voter disgusted at the coalition, Labour are the only party who can deliver social equality in Britain. ”
Patricia from Kendal
“I Have supported Labour in the past and believe strongly in its aims. I voted tactically in a mainly conservative constituency to support Lib Dems. They have now handed my vote to the Tories and I am appalled. I must support Labour now.”
Steve from Stoke on Trent
“I voted Lib Dem because I believed in their policies above all others. I did not vote for them so that they could change them at the drop of a hat and form an alliance with the Conservatives. Labour offers the only true alternative to a Conservative Government.”
Sarah from Cambridge
“I feel let down by the Liberal Democrats who I previously supported and now feel that the Labour Party are the only viable option for a fair Britain.”
Billie from London
“I voted Liberal Democrat and am outraged at the betrayal of the Tory/Lib coalition. If I had wanted David Cameron and his cabinet I would have voted for them. I never thought I would join a political party but the Liberal Democrat’s decision has spurred me into action. I feel I have to join the Labour party to offer my support publicly to the only remaining progressive party. ”
What was it Clegg said when we said voting for them meant ‘vote Clegg, get Cameron’? That was Labour playing the old politics. Yeah right. ‘Don’t let anyone tell you Clegg is anything other than a psuedo-Tory, propping up a Tory government which couldn’t win a majority despite the easiest playing field for an Opposition party ever.’
And to the guy who came up last night and said why don’t I stop knocking the Tories and give it a rest, let me tell you what I told him — because elections are won and lost in years not weeks and the next one is already under way. And it will come sooner rather than later, and people need to be reminded now, at a time the media kiss the buttocks of Dick Clameron, of the reality of the Cameron failings and the Clegg betrayal. I for one won’t tire of setting that out.
Alistair, I salute you sir!!
I have just watched your ding dong with Sky News’ Adam “pass me my dummy” Boulton. You are now officially my hero! Quality :0)
Thanks for this article. Pleasant and accurate read. I live in the States, but if I could have voted Labour last week, I’d have been the first one to the polls. The election season has made me take a good deal of interest in British politics, and I wish it had come in a better season for Labour. I’ll be studying at Hull in the coming spring term, and in my time in the country I hope to help the Labour party out in whatever way I can. For now, I’ll content myself with reading your blog and tweeting my thoughts. It’s always nice to come here and read a sensible, well-written blog from a great man. All the best from Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA,
-David (@profcedar)
If there was a Gold medal to be had in sour grapes you’d be World Champion several times over.
Two emails from Lib Dem voting friends in past few days:
1. “They’ve abandoned everything I supported them for.”
2. “I feel guity.
Drastic action was needed….
———- Forwarded message ———-
From:
Date: 12 May 2010 11:42
Subject: Thank you for joining the Labour Party
Dear xxx
You just joined the Labour Party! Thanks for choosing to become a Party member, because our people are our greatest asset.
Alastair – Stop, retire, get over it, relax. Fin.
All the best,
Alan
Dear Alistair. Looks like you are getting back all those who went LibDem when Tony Blair won the battle to make Labour electable. I wish you well of them as Labour returns to it’s original role of the Party of Protest.
I would liked to have voted for Labour, but there was no representative here in SE Cambridgeshire due to the firing of John Cowan. How did someone who used to be in the Lib Dems, then tried to get in to the Tories, ever become accepted into Labour? It clearly puts the idea that a politician’s ideals can have nothing whatsoever to do with the philosophy of the party they belong to. This would almost create mass apathy amongst voters.
Hi Alastair,
Something I noticed about the new government and their 55% rule.
This is either an undemocratic stitch-up, or just a prime example of how not to communicate your plans to the country via the media. I suspect the latter.
As I see it, there was this mention of it in the Coalition agreement and since no announcement, in the form of briefing or press statement or otherwise. Because of this communication breakdown, speculation has run riot and you have constitutional experts like Peter Hennessey coming on national TV to say what a rubbish idea it is.
Additionally, it fuels discontent amongst backbenchers.
This is surely the first evidence of underlying problems in the government – conveying the simple task of explaining your plans, and they can’t even do that.
A sign of things to come?
Hi Alastair – do you know the numbers of people coming to Labour and leaving the Tory-Lites? Also, still wondering why you think the BBC – Best Back Cameron went with the reprehensible media flow. Whats in it for them. Who’s side is Diane Abbott on by the way?
If I was a Lib Dem I’d be pissed off now too. Clegg has sold his soul to the dark side, and has been seduced by the promise of government and power. It’s the pomp and ceremonies that GB referred to in his very dignified resignation speech on Tuesday. If Clegg was bothered about making a difference he would have left the Tories to form a minority government, and continued with the fight for the progressive political agenda that he apparently endorses!
Fortunately I did not vote Lib Dem so I have a guilt free conscience.
Thought you should know that David Howarth, the LidDem ex-Cambridge MP – behind the 55% stitch up – quoted in Guardian – isn’t a constitutional lawyer. He doesn’t even work in the Law Faculty at Cambridge but in Land Economy. No wonder it is wrong on so many levels.
Thank you Alastair for putting the bumptious Boulton in his place. He lost the discussion with his frantic arm waving and became the ultimate blusterer. He couldn’t cope outside his cozy pontificating on Sky. The Labour Party needs you. Thanks again. Vernon
Nick Robinson started work as BBC Political Editor in August 2005, Cameron got elected as Tory Leader August 2005. Smell something fishy?
He has done his job over last 4 years and 8 months by putting his man in 10 Downing Street. What will be his next challenge?
Alastair, we’re looking for a big-name stand-up comedian to host an awards ceremony at The Hilton on Park Lane next March. Would you be interested?
I had voted Labour in the General Election as much because the Lib Dems had no chance of getting in than actually because I wanted Labour to remain in power. Things like the Digital Economy Bill and Iraq had driven a wedge between me and the party that I’ve always supported.
However there’s a snowball chance in hell that I’d ever vote Murdoch…I mean Tory and the Lib Dem’s cosying up to them has ensured that I’ll probably never vote for them either, whatever changes are made to the electoral system.
And so I’ve found myself not only moving back to supporting Labour, but for the first time actually joining a political party.
My hope is that Labour will return to Government reinvigorated and will have learned its lessons.
The sad thing is so many of the people quoted on the blog voted libdem to “stop the tories” in labour tory marginals e.g gloucester . If 60 + have bothered to come on your website and tell you.. how many are out there. I rejoined the labour party during the election when Clegg was on about getting second in the popular vote .. libdems still claim they put their popular vote up by a million .. these all seem to be labour people voting tactically. Always vote
I know a lot of LGBT people (being gay myself) who voted for the Lib Dems because of course, before the election the Lib Dems did have very good policies on LGBT issues.
Now my friends find that their votes have been used to create a government with Theresa May as Home Secretary and Minister for Equality.
Needless to say they feel deeply betrayed by this.
One of the most sickening things, in the aftermath of the election and Gordon resigning, is the palpable smug cheerfulness of civil servants, governor of Bank of England – at getting their boy into office. On top of the most one-sided media in history, it’s enough to make anyone sick.
Ps: this has got to be a coup by the Public School elite – classless Britain? do me ****ing favour…
Totally agree. the one thing that worries me is the blatant self interest, and total disregard by the coalition regarding the set term parliament and the 55% margin needed to dissolve it. this is clear self serving to ensure that not matter how up popular the government becomes, even if the lib dems faulter, the tories cannot be removed.
tories on their own make up 47%, tories and libdems make up 53% all parties, excluding the tories make up 53%. therefore it seems impossible to remove a government without the addition of 16 tory mps, which is hiughly unlikely.
Alastair,
It would be interesting to hear what you think about this ‘democratic’ wheeze by Ant and Dec that a 55% vote would be needed in Parliament to dissolve the government of the day.
Surely, Labour voters who tactically switched to Lib Dem in Con/Lib marginals should be PLEASED they’d voted Lib Dem, whatever they think of them. Why are so many regretful? If they’d voted Labour, they might have handed Cameron a majority.
If I’m just not getting it, would someone please explain.
Will you all please just shut up and stop whinging. The 55% thing will never happen. You are all getting wound up over nothing.Bad Losers all of you! Just concentrate on getting back to Labour’s old standards. Ditch all the spin doctors and evil lords and union bullies and people may once again come back to the party that once was the proud champion of the working class. Get a decent leader all the contenders have too much history especially the Millibands and Balls and wife. A fresh face, not tainted by the sleaze and corruption of the Blair/Brown governments. Then and only then when Labour have found its honesty and values again people like me will come back to Labour and vote for them again. Let the people have a voice again and don’t ignore it like you did before.
It really is amazing that people voted lib dem to keep the tories out. That was clearly going to be doomed from the start. Far more constructive would have been voting to get rid of Brown , Mandelson and the other rather shabby people that now call themselves labour – that includes you Alastair. Labour cannot be called socialist at this time – get rid of the hangers on.
Dear Alastair,
As I am Irish and have a great interest in politics in general, (election result nights always mean hardly any sleep!) it has been very interesting to watch developments unfolding in the UK over this past election campaign from the outside.
If it were possible, I would have voted Labour, their policies and political personell being far more appealing to me than anything offered up by either the Lib Dems or Tories.
On one hand, I have admiration for Nick Clegg in stikcking to what he said before the election – the party with the biggest manddate (largest numbers of both seats and votes) should have the chance first of forming a Government. Too often we see politicians promising the sun, moon and stars during the campaign, while the moment they are elected, all of this goes up in smoke.
However, I was quite surprised when he went into a full coalition with Cameron. I think this is a risk. I am doubtful whether this government will go the full term and if it does fall, I think the Lib Dems will probably be blamed for forcing the public into another expensive election so soon after the one just gone by. As a result, Clegg is sure to lose more seats than he did last week and will find it hard to recover. The Tories would suffer too obviously, but they have the numbers and are strong enough.
I hope now that Labour’s next leader will be successful in bringing the party back into Government. Gordon Brown should be proud of what he achieved.
I look forward to watching your interview on television here tonight.
Dear Alistair,
Thanks for putting that pip squeek Boulton in his place…he’s been oozing smugness about Gordon and Labour for years, now people like him have got what they have been wishing for , the wizard of oz alliance, or wet dream ticket, I think they are getting a bit worried that once UK People Ltd realise that all of this was one big Tory led, Liberal supported media hyoed conspiracy to screw the Nation again, that the media might be up there with the most hated list too. Ordinary people I speak too are saying that they now realise that they were fed bull from the media about how awful things were, with Labour, to make choose change to what? Change that works for you….no Change that works for Blue, or Change you can believe in …..no Change that you can be-lied in….I have re joined labour after a few years off…I am furious with the likes of Sky and the rag bag yellow tories, (Tory -lites) and the real Tories of course. I will not be rested until we get rid of this bunch of crooks…plus I will be watching carefully the likes of Boulton,to see how enthusiasic he is for this government as the inevitable chaos descends..It’s like giving a bunch of joyriders a key to the whole multi story car park – You had him bang to rights- well done! We need a few more like you Alastair…keep at it! I’m loving it…
I have been intrigued over the past few days . We have seen all the past Lib Dem leaders trotted out in front of the press to support Nick Cleggs deal with the Cameroons. We have seen Paddy Ashdown, Ming the magnificent, David Steele , but no Charle Kennedy. Is he too busy donning his Ross County scarf for the cup final tomorrow or have I missed any comment from him or his unwavering support for this crazy coalition.
Or does he need to have over 55% approval from the Lib Dem Mps to make comment and break ranks by saying what a nonsense this deal is ?
PS do you know if Adam Boulton managed to find his blood pressure tablets after his wee spat the other night. He looked like Mr Creosote in the meaning of Life seconds before he blew up !!
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The thing that Osbourne has never understood, is that good business is based on confidence and trust. There has been an adverse reaction to the drastic cuts in Greece, Spain and Portugal, and Gideon wants to go the same route. Our level of debt has never been the problem, due to the size of our GDP, but the tories could never understand this. The fundamental issue that needs to be addressed, has actually been adressed, by Labour pre-election. Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling, saw the principle of confidence was best addressed by concentrating on investment in both ppublic services to steady the economy, and government investment in British industry.
Now, the tories plans to cut these areas, which could lead to the undermining of confidence. Osbourne has no grip on the concept of confidence, as he was guilty of ill-advised comments during opposition, which could have led to a run on the pound. No wonder the businessmen you have been meeting, are not amused by the outcome of the general election.
Hi Alastair, I’ve just watched your interview on The Late Late Show in Ireland. I was a fan a yours before but I think you have endeared yourself even more to the Irish people. I am from the North of Ireland and we greatly appreciate the efforts of the New Labour Party in bringing about peace and a normal way of live to the North. After all the Brits put us in that situation in the first place..its the least you could do! On a more serious note, I can’t believe the people of England have voted for a Tory party to govern the UK. As if Cameron wasn’t bad enough he has added that “Gobshite” Clegg to the equation. I think it’ll be a disaster for both Britain and NI. The only good thing is that we now have elected representatives on all sides of the community here who all want to work for the common good for all the people of NI. I hope they stand up to whatever the UK Government try to throw at them with regard cuts because we’ve been through enough in general without the recession we are in getting any worse. Anyway, just want to wish you all the best in whatver you go on to do now and if you need any workers in the future theer are a lot of Political Gradutes over in Ireland, like myself, who have yet to be given the opportunity to work in the political arena. By the way Donnacha O’Callaghan can’t sleep easy tonight…you didn’t make a “balls” of the interview. Good Luck.;)
TB’s transformational achievement was to force the Tories into morphing the party into his image.
But it turns out it took two Blair wannabee clones to equal one Tony. So there is a chance for Labour.
But it won’t win again until it takes back the reform agenda. It will be interesting to see which, if any, of the candidates understand this as well as TB did.
It becomes clearer every minute that Labour is only interested in being in power and not in the wellbeing of the country. The constant harping on a 3 day old government is simply amazing. If it was a Tory minority government Labour would be going on and on about it.
The simple fact is that Labour is intent on destabilizing the country and would happy to see it in even a bigger mess that they left it in if it means they can get back into power.
I am in Tory majority constituency and we voted Liberal to keep the Tories out but to see the LD’s gushing over them is is inducing a feeling of extreme nausea. Time to return to Labour. Let’s get back to principles, politics and beliefs.
Not a lot of trust of Lib Dems on Tory side judging by Christopher Chopes interview on Newsnight… It won’t last , therefore we have to be ready
Huge pat on the back over how you handled Adam Boulton both times during the election. But I find the whole Conocrat hook up morally bankrupt. As a long standing Lib Dem voter back in Hampshire I’m now switching my vote to Labour or Green. Just depends on who keeps the reactionaries out.
As for the guaranteed 5 year term of government, oh please.
Excellent blog Alastair. More power to your elbow as you’re speaking for a hell of a lot of us. Great to see so many new members joining Labour.
I wanted a hung parliament because Labour was incapable of making the break from the legacies of 13 years in power.
Labour now needs to focus on being an effective opposition instead of pretending to itself that the electorate made a big mistake that they now regret….