A Decent Man

Harry_Powell

nickmason wrote: »

But if your analysis, is right, then the LDs surely just won't accept that offer?

If they're changing the voting system, then they have to have a referendum. They can't then force the cons to pay foe advertising a "yes" vote, when they don't actually agree to it.

chucky

nickmason wrote: »

Chucky's probably right - stand by for a lot of spinning, posturing now as the parties all start the private horse-trading and the public "honest Joe" facade. The only hope is that - very quickly - something sensible can be worked out. Otherwise we will see continued dark arts of "well, I really can't agree to [eg - boil babies], just so that I can get [eg - a fair system for everyone], and anyhow more people voted against 'them and their policies' than for, so I'm going to hold out for what's right for Britain"

It's basically going to be the sequel to the debates.

Zugzwang...

BillTrac

But surely Labour are only/will only offering a referendum on PR? So no real difference there

And here was me hoping GB had arranged for Pickfords to call...doh!

carolt

Sorry, haven't read the whole thread, but am saying a little prayer that Cameron will see sense and take Vince as chancellor, and hide Osborne in a cupboard until the next election, or something...

PhylPho

Jonbvn wrote: »

So my guess that you were a LD supporter was spot on.;)

Enjoy your (only) day in the sun.

Oh, we are. Having a wonderful day watching a Labour politician playing King Maker.

Oh. Sorry. Not Labour.

How on earth could it be that Labour suddenly has no more influence thasn your post?

PhylPho

BillTrac wrote: »

But surely Labour are only/will only offering a referendum on PR? So no real difference there

And here was me hoping GB had arranged for Pickfords to call...doh!

He's going through a list of honest, dependable and responsible outfits that would like to be associated with this latest New Labour transport policy. Evidently, it's taking some time.

Entertainer

Exocet wrote: »

Just heard Clegg saying Tories got most seats / votes therefore they should have chance to form government. He could have played it the 'Mandelson' way but he didn't. I am impressed by his integrity.

This was my initial reaction too and was in marked contrast to the cynical wranglings we saw last night from the Labour ministers claiming victory. On the face of it, Clegg seems like a good guy although politicians can disappoint you.

Entertainer

ruggedtoast wrote: »

I actually think the Lib Dems should have made a strong commitment to an actual independent, British deterrent.

We dont need nuclear subs driving around on a patrol thats been dictated by Washington, carrying hardware that is made and maintained in America. That cant realistically be used unless the Americans agree. Despite occasionally crashing into the French.

The same amount of money could be spent on a smaller, British ICBM programme, then all the investment, R & D and jobs would benefit British citizens, rather than American ones, at no risk to our "safety".

Trident has a lot to do with appeasing America and pretending we have a nuclear deterrent we neither have the money or expertise to actually run ourselves.

A British ICBM programme?? Sorry don't mean to mock but how much would that cost? The Lib Dem policy is a muddle and rather daft, proposing cruise missiles instead which will still cost alot of money. It was things like that which lost them credibility- just get rid of Trident completely or don't, don't try to make it a wash.

The other alternative, after you have got rid of a cold war deterrent that is useless against terrorists, is to keep a stockpile of weapons grade plutonium and the expertise on the basis that you could reacquire nukes in the future if the global security situation changed. This would cost very little and would have the added advantage of not wasting all this human resource on something that is so pointless and negative.

Malcolm.

Exocet wrote: »

I don't think you can play the game of I'll be your friend and then I'll be someone else's friend. Not so publicly. Clegg could have played that game behind closed doors and dragged the whole thing out. I believe he knew exactly what he was saying, and the brief statement laid it out for the country.

When you think that Clegg personally probably gave up a cabinet seat in order to make that statement I believe it could restore some much needed faith in politics. I hope Mandelson will now slither away for good.

I think Clegg is experienced in the art of negotiation and knows his game theory. He's basically said to the Tories show us what you ca offer, the pressure is on them to get the LibDems on board. While this goes on the LibDems can also listen to what Labour has to offer, while giving them to opportunity to oust Brown.

Tactically it's a good move.

Sir_Humphrey

Malcolm. wrote: »

I think Clegg is experienced in the art of negotiation and knows his game theory. He's basically said to the Tories show us what you ca offer, the pressure is on them to get the LibDems on board. While this goes on the LibDems can also listen to what Labour has to offer, while giving them to opportunity to oust Brown.

Tactically it's a good move.

Bump. Nice call.

What does the OP think? :rotfl::rotfl: