Paddy Ashdown this morning: The British people have spoken; all we have to do now is work out what they said.
Anyone who thinks that politics is boring should take a look at what’s happening here in the UK today. No party has an overall majority; the Lib Dem bounce left them flat on their faces; some people – in Britain, of all places! – didn’t get to cast their vote; and no-one knows who is or should or will be in charge.
If you think your vote doesn’t count speak to Glenda Jackson, who retained her majority by only 42. What if she had been in a constituency that turned away voters after ten o’clock?
My fellow in the Stockport ward came second, but he did reduce the Labour incumbent’s majority.
Despite my Tory convictions, I am disappointed in the Lib Dem showing. When I saw the Exit poll last night predicting only 59 seats, I was convinced it must be wrong – as did almost every political operator in the land; but it has been proven right. So much for a three-horse race, the power of the debates and a strong showing in the polls. On the other hand, I am relieved: I don’t want a government that wants to introduce pass law-lite or leave me without a bomb to hide behind. I guess when it came down to it, most Brits agree with me on that, at least.
Spud was gutted not to be able to stay off school and watch the results come in this morning. Tory Boy has been helping to fight a new seat but that result won’t be in until this afternoon. I think I can safely take a bath without missing anything newsworthy. I certainly need one: the thought of the horsetrading to come over the next few days leaves me feeling rather grubby. But that’s democracy for you.
I have the funniest readers in the blogosphere (not necessarily ha ha…)