The King-Maker Clegg

The next few months will be both difficult and exciting for Nick Clegg. He could become the most important politician in the country and prop up the largest party at the next election.

I think it’s difficult for him because he can’t win either way. He has said that he’ll support the party with the biggest mandate in the event of a hung parliament. This is very clever because it gives him leeway to support the party with the most number of seats or the most number of votes.

However I don’t think this will wash with the electorate. Clegg should be more open with the electorate about his intentions at the next election. Sitting on the fence is not good enough Nick. I know you want to be Prime Minister but it is unrealistic. The odds are stacked against you and you should pin your colours to the mast. The voters won’t be taken for fools.

Cabinet Resignation?

Paul Waugh is at it again. He reports this evening that a Cabinet minister is considering resigning tonight.

I bloody well hope not. The last couple of days have been good for Labour. To undo that now would be absolutely criminal.

Here’s hoping that it is just the normal idle gossip that we get from the Westminster hacks.

UPDATE: James McIntyre has it here that Tessa Jowell is the Minister rumoured to be resigning. I hope she doesn’t. We’ll see how it’ll pan out.

Some Good Blogosphere Reading

Been reading a few bits and pieces across the blogs and I thought I’d recommend a couple of bits.

Why Labour Shouldn’t Block the Independence Referendum

I agree entirely with this. Number 1, I think referenda is good for democracy. Number 2, it is certainly not in Labour’s political interests to block this. As the author of this piece says blocking this will give the Nats all the impetus they need.

Tories Marriage Policy will hurt the Young and Poor

So much for the progressive politics of David Cameron and the Tories eh?! Implementing policies that will hurt those who are most vulnerable in our society. I’ve always wanted to know why Conservatives find it acceptable to social engineer society within this context but not others. Answers on a postcard please.

Islam4UK shouldn’t be allowed to march through Wootton Bassett

Obviously I disagree with this post (see yesterday’s blogpost). However I think it is important to represent both sides of a debate. So here is Julian’s article, slightly amended on LabourList.

I think I’ll do this every so often. When I see something worth reading I’ll post it.

Bad Day for Dave

Well its all gone a bit wrong for David Cameron day. On the day that he was supposed be launching the draft health manifesto of the Conservative party he ends up back tracking on a promise to incentivise marriage in the tax system.

The Guardian reckons the Labour party has drawn first blood in the general election campaign. It’s all quite funny really. I’m suspect this is a sign of things to come from the Conservative party. Andy Coulson will not be pleased.

I think as time goes by and David Cameron comes under more pressure and scrutiny he will buckle. Yes he is an intelligent man and a good PR friendly politician. But I still don’t think he has the masterful grasp of policy Tony Blair did or Gordon Brown does.

I suspect his inheritance tax cut pledge will fall away if it becomes a political hot potato. Cameron will do anything to win votes. His eagerness will prove his downfall.

1-0 Labour

Islam4UK March Should be Allowed.

I accept that there will be a plethora of people out their who will vehemently disagree with the title of this blogpost. Julian Ware-Lane writes about it here. Islam4UK is an extremist organisation that gives a platform to radicalised Muslims who do not represent mainstream Islam. They plan to march through Wootton Bassett in protest against Britain’s continuing presence in Afghanistan.

I share the anger of those who have joined the groups on Facebook and expressed sentiments in different forums. However I don’t share the view that this march should be banned. Just as I would never support the banning of a BNP protest. We live in a democracy. As such we have the right to protest peacefully. I may find the way in which groups protest abhorrent, I may find their motives disgusting but as long as they’re peaceful I think they should be allowed to protest. Banning their protest and compromising our democracy will give them the oxygen they need.

So let the march go ahead. Let other extremist groups march. In a democracy these elements will always exist. The best answer to this protest would be to continue honouring our troops in the same manner as always. Any other reaction, I fear, will be victory for Islam4UK.