Boat Drinks Virtual Election

[divine]

Originally Posted by Mark

I'm not convinced there will be a coalition at all. Lib/Con is unlikely, and a justification by Nick Clegg of going Lib/Lab after his comments about David Cameron could be interesting viewing.

Well he doesn't really need any justification, all he's said is Cameron should get first shot at trying, if he fails he hasn't said anything that would preclude Lib Dem joining Labour.

Take into account some of the small parties who are effectively 'sister parties' to LD and L and LD/L are very close to a majority when you take Sinn Fein etc. out of the equation.

[Matblack]

Originally Posted by divine

Well he doesn't really need any justification, all he's said is Cameron should get first shot at trying, if he fails he hasn't said anything that would preclude Lib Dem joining Labour.

Clever huh?

MB

[Mark]

Sounds like a Con/LD deal over PR is a non-starter then.

[Stan_Lite]

Originally Posted by Mark

There doesn't need to be a coalition. Gordon Brown can go it alone if he wants - until he gets kicked out when the Queens Speech debate falls. David Cameron could then do the same - and hope enough others abstain.

Never happen.
Gordon wouldn't bother as he's on to a loser from the start. "Dave" wouldn't risk it as everyone except the DUP would vote against him and it'd be back to the polls. It has to be either LibLab or Cons + others in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Matblack

I'm with you, although I think there maybe a backlash on the LDs for forming a coalition with a party with no mandate and I'd hate to see the good work undone. I think Clegg is doing the right thing, offer Cameron the rope to hang himself, if he ploughs ahead with a minimal majority made of odds and sods then the LDs could come out of this smelling of roses when they work constructively beside them without being in coalition. Let's face it no one is going to come out looking that good with the global economy in its current state.

MB

Not sure how much of a backlash there would be. I would think most LD voters would rather Nick Clegg aligned himself with a Labour party without a mandate than with a Tory party with one - I know I would.
Staying on the outside waiting to pick bits off the tories would be a safer option but it would be difficult to wring concessions out of any party without offering some sort of inducement.

[Feek]

Originally Posted by Stan_Lite

I remember only too well what it was like, both as a student and a low paid member of the working class, under the last Tory government and I would hate for others to have to experience that.

This. In droves.

[Justsomebloke]

I think Gordon will Offer Electorial reform to Clegg to win him over & then carry on as is.

[Stan_Lite]

Originally Posted by Justsomebloke

I think Gordon will Offer Electorial reform to Clegg to win him over & then carry on as is.

I don't think he'll be allowed to carry on as is. Gordon doesn't stand a chance without the LibDems, meaning Nick Clegg has a golden opportunity to make a difference. In my opinion, he needs to grab Gordon by the stones, squeeze hard and tell him "We'll help you out but here's what it's going to cost you ........"

I think the LDs and Labour in coalition has the potential to be what the Labour party should be - a party for the people with a social conscience.

[Pumpkinstew]

The boundary changes meant our Lib Dem MP was beaten by the conversatives by 176 votes!

I hope Clegg doesn't rush into a decision. No doubt he's got Mandy whispering in one ear and Cameron schmoozing in the other. Brown is gone no matter what happens.

[Stan_Lite]

Just had an e-mail from Oddbins.

Hung Parliament? - No problem. Great deals from Oddbins

Gotta love their opportunism

Edit: It wasn't unsolicited btw. I signed up for their newsletter when in buying whisky once.

[Matblack]

Sith Lord Madleson pretty much offered up Gordon on a plate this morning if there was any chance that he could get the LDs on side.

Here is my list of demands

A referendum on PR
Gordon out
Let Vinnie handle the cash

In exchange we'll support you on the economy, or more accurately you'll support Vinnie, we'll back off the Euro (we were only joking anyway), we'll tone down the Trident thing but we still want real debate on it and we'll back you on nuclear power.

And we want Cameron deported.

Sounds workable

MB