Tim Hames has a comment piece in todays Times advising the Lib Dems not to get rid of Ming Campbell. I'm not sure why he cares, as he doesn't seem to be a Lib Dem himself, but never mind. His argument regarding the general state of the Lib Dems seems sound though. They have been squeezed because both the Tories and Labour have new leaders, and both of those leaders are natural non-risk-takers. Ok, in his words the latter are centre-ground occupiers, but there is no centre ground in politics. There are the wise things to do, and there are the stupid ones. Often the wise things annoy a great many people, and are therefore ignored. Also, large numbers of people often want politicians to do a stupid thing, and to garner their votes, non-risk-taking politicians promise to do it. Risk-taking politicians go with the wise actions, and put up with the flak. The Lib-Dems are comprised completely of non-risk-takers. They promise the electorate many stupid things, because they understand that they will never actually be in a position do them.
At the moment, both Labour and the Conservatives are led by men who will promise things to their potential electors which they won't follow through on after the election. This gives the Lib-Dems no room for maneuver. Everybody in British politics is promising to stop global warming (totally impossible), improve public services (almost impossible) and make us all happier (don't even go there). In a situation where the sober gentlemen are offering these miracles, what hope do the dorks from dweebville have of getting our votes?
What we DON'T have in Britain is a Spartan party- a voice of harsh reason and unstinting honesty. One which will approach Britains problems with a genuine commitment to solving them, and then drive on determinedly until that is done. Nobody wants to be that party. They'd all rather promise a new ford cortina in every garage, and a fondue set in every parlour.
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