I find the collapse of the Dutch government interesting.

[Adam]

I know talking about anything other than american politics is a pretty much a "who cares" response here but y'know, whatever.

It seems to of been one of those 'and finally' news stories and nothing much said about it.

Anyway; coalition government is likely in the UK and although Lib Dems have said they won't prop up a a Labour or Tory government, I still think the taste of some power for them will lead them to say "we've reviewed our position and think taking Britain forward with X/Y is the best blah blah blah..."

So thinking about that, I wonder what issues might force a split in a UK government. Lib Dems voted against wars and push certain taxes that neither Tory or Labour would want.

I dunno, I think a few years of government wilderness will be good for the UK - things might not get done but on the other hand things (like wars) won't get started either. If we get a few early elections over the next ten years then more people might start to think seriously about what they want out of a political party and see pass all the white noise the three main political parties give atm. It might force parties to not be so blurred into each other and go back to their original principles. Labour use to be for the worker, Tory for the boss - I see no difference in either now.

Like I say, I find it interesting as it raises questions in my head of what might be...

...sorry to of wasted your time.

[Documad]

I read quite a bit about UK politics (for an American :o) but I'm way too embarrassed to try to have a real discussion. I don't feel qualified.

As an outsider, the situation in the UK has been mystifying for a long time. Is there any real choice? Could Libdems have a statistical chance at making anything happen? They're never reported as having any hope of a chance on our news. Every time I hear a Tory leader interviewed on our radio, he will inevitably be making a ridiculous statement instead of showing a clear difference from some Labour position.


Anyway who is paying all that money to hear Blair speak? How does he have the guts to be seen in public after the Iraq stuff? Ditto his press guy who published the diary last year.

[Adam]

Blair is pimping himself as a european consultant atm. He made a lot of people rich with Iraq and Afghanistan so they have the money to pay him. Rewarding contracts to rebuild what we destroyed etc. Its just business.

There is no real choice. The majority of the UK wouldn't want to see a Cameron or Brown Prime Minister. But the Lib Dems don't seem to get the news coverage to mount a serious threat. This is why I believe they put themselves in the news with the "no coalition" stance but all bets will be off after the election I think. Lib Dems wouldn't know what to do with the power anyway. Nick Clegg (the leader) is from Sheffield where I live and they've had the council here for a while. They've done ok but this city has so much potential and not really let it flourish. Some might say, central government have too much power and don't allow anything to grow outside of London because London is the representative of the whole UK.

Like as an american, where would you first aim for if you decided to come to the UK - London would probably be it unless you knew something else about the country. Liverpool for Beatles maybe but that is just a happy accident. Sheffield is 5th biggest UK city, I'd be surprised if you've even heard of it?

So because the papers are in London, everything happens there and it probably is the least embarrassing place to an outsider there is little seen outside it. You can't blame the mentality of the news to not really look further than their backyard - no1 else does.

What I'm saying is (sorry to go on/rant): Because all Westminster has known is the two main parties, its portrays itself to all voters that that is the only choice. I'd love to see a Lib Dem government but even I am sceptical, except I'm a green party member - but we have no chance :D