What do the LibDems actjually stand for?, Is it simply power at any cost? Options

[On the edge]

Reading the Community Radio thread, it was pretty obvious Richard G had been in deep and meaningful discussion with senior LibDems before his proposition hit the public. That could have been put down to straightforward enthusiasm to get support for a cherished idea.

This weeks' NWN reveals that those discussions went far deeper and seem to be implying that approaches came from LibDems themselves. This was the astounding proposition that Richard, an avowed Socialist should drop his principles and stand as a LibDem at the next general election. This, of course, is the self same party that felt its principles could be stretched to keep the Tories in power for five years! To me, this means that LibDems have no principles, no degree of honour, no policy they would not willingly sacrifice simply for power.

Press report suggests that the bate wasn't taken - but as far as I'm concerned, the damage is done. Trust in politicians is at an all time low - but as far as I'm concerned, don't think I'd ever trust a LibDem again.

[Andy Capp]

The Lib Dem tuition fees fiasco wasn't about keeping the commitment (THEY DIDN'T WIN THE ELECTION), it was that is wasn't costed, but they never thought for a moment they would have to keep to it. What I think they have done though, is put in a progressive alternative.

[Cognosco]

The Lib Dem tuition fees fiasco wasn't about keeping the commitment ( THEY DIDN'T WIN THE ELECTION), it was that is wasn't costed, but they never thought for a moment they would have to keep to it. What I think the have done though, is put in a progressive alternative.

Exactly so they misled the electorate? Politicians and parties can promise anything they think the electorate want to hear before the election and then completely ignore what they have promised when they get in power. How can this be right? Business has to comply with legislation such as the trades description act. Something as important as governing a country or running a large local authority should be treated with more respect than the same actions as a crooked second hand car salesman?

[GMR]

Exactly so they misled the electorate? Politicians and parties can promise anything they think the electorate want to hear before the election and then completely ignore what they have promised when they get in power. How can this be right? Business has to comply with legislation such as the trades description act. Something as important as governing a country or running a large local authority should be treated with more respect than the same actions as a crooked second hand car salesman?

They didn't mislead the electorate. The electorate were/ are too thick to understand politics.

The Lib Dems said that if they win the election no tuition frees would go up. They came third thus making their manifesto null and void. Therefore they had to barter their policies with another party; which is PR.

The problem here is that you don't know how politics works.

[Cognosco]

They didn't mislead the electorate. The electorate were/ are too thick to understand politics.

The Lib Dems said that if they win the election no tuition frees would go up. They came third thus making their manifesto null and void. Therefore they had to barter their policies with another party; which is PR.

The problem here is that you don't know how politics works.

Well I do realise that politics is not for the ordinary pleb only for the likes of your good self who understand it. But that is the problem! Why should politicians promise the earth just before an election and then completely renege on it after the election. What is the point of having a manifesto and millions spent on party conferences and then just doing the opposite when they get into power? Even you must have a niggling feeling this is not quite right?

[Adrian Hollister]

Well I do realise that politics is not for the ordinary pleb only for the likes of your good self who understand it. But that is the problem! Why should politicians promise the earth just before an election and then completely renege on it after the election. What is the point of having a manifesto and millions spent on party conferences and then just doing the opposite when they get into power? Even you must have a niggling feeling this is not quite right?

Agree. Shameful.

As for RG playing the politics and releasing the story, perhaps it would be good to remind him that in the last council elections he approached the Greens and others and asked them not to stand in Labour target areas. Go democracy go...

[NWNREADER]

Agree. Shameful.

As for RG playing the politics and releasing the story, perhaps it would be good to remind him that in the last council elections he approached the Greens and others and asked them not to stand in Labour target areas. Go democracy go...

He never told us that!!!!