Calamitous Clegg
Oh what a lovely war! The battle over the Lisbon Treaty went in an exactly opposite direction from what was expected. One or two Tories voted with the Government, largely because of opposition in principle to referendums; there was a reasonably sizeable Labour revolt but… the Liberal Democrats, oh dear! This is the most universally pro-federalist party which drowned in a sea of confusion and contradiction.
Conservative MPs were sent a bizarre email by Nick Clegg, which was the source of immense mirth. You see little groups of Liberal Democrat MPs in a huddle in the corridors of the Commons, not exactly looking ecstatic. Nick Clegg and the word blancmange seem to go together.
Liberal Democrat supporters have an admirable concern for civil rights and for devolved government, and often have a developed social conscience. Lions like this appear to be led by donkeys.
As I reflect on this week, one can only speculate as to what misjudgements the donkeys will make next. It has all been so unexpected.
As they say in Suffolk ‘The last vicar was the best vicar!’ Come back Ming/ Charlie/ Paddy… all is forgiven!