2006 - January

[Sweder]

I'd have to agree with much of your take on the reign of Charles the Worst. Kennedy achieved the greatest Parliamentary result for the Lib Dems in modern times. Sadly he did not so much rest on his laurels (and modest they were, too, in view of the appalling state of the opposition); he wears them still as if they were awarded yesterday. The image of a man feasted on spoiled riches, tattered remnants of ballot papers hanging from his maw, the bubbles of victory flat, staining his impressive collection of chins, is a hard one to shake off.

Interesting that you raise the Cameron issue alongside Charles' plight.
I believe DC has more to do with the imminent demise of Kennedy than a few drams over the eight. So long as the Tories spiralled, smoke billowing from rusted fuel tanks, toward the political abyss, Status Quo always had a more than even chance of another tour or two around Westminster.

Whatever the longevity of the Born Again Camerons, the cacophony of re-birth has shaken the Third Party to its' core. They need a leader, someone with gumption, spittle and in no way bashful about bareing teeth and letting blood from a Government losing its' way with a wounded PM. As for an assault on Her Majestys' Opposition, I fear the creaking hinges of the gate mask the sound of hooves dissappearing into the night. At least for now.

The real question is 'wherfore art thou, Libero?'
Will the Golden Firebird once more prove to be False Pheonix?
Ming the Merciless? I don't think so.
Simon Hughes? Wet fish are surely out of season.
How mighty seem the shadows of Steele and Ashdown now.