I still remember when I really liked Clegg. It seems like a long time ago now, but I have to admit that his latest speech – and his remit to deliver political reform – has moved him onto ground I can unambiguously support.
My housemate, not as political as I am, was completely stunned by this speech. She said, “This is real? We can really have this?” and I feel the same. The full text of the speech is on the BBC’s website and it’s well worth reading. Particular highlights include:
Landmark legislation, from politicians who refused to sit back and do nothing while huge swathes of the population remained helpless against vested interests, who stood up for the freedom of the many, not the privilege of the few.
and…
As long as money plays such a big part in our politics, we are never going to curtail the tyranny of vested interests.
“Tyranny”, along with “betrayal” is another one of those words that only politicians ever say, but I can’t quite help myself. “Tyranny of vested interest” is music to my ears.
Okay so the deal is done, that’s it, we have a Coalition Government, David Cameron is Prime Minister and Nick Frickin’ Clegg is Deputy Prime Minister. Yes, really.
The manifesto, based on what the Guardian has revealed, is looking much, much tastier than I imagined we’d get from a Government of Britain. The Civil Liberties section looks especially good, including a ‘Freedom Bill’ or ‘Repeal Act’ (as we’d hoped). Looking forward to seeing the full detail about what that includes.
Bed now. Brain completely frazzled after these last 5 days. Trying to lower my own expectations, but the idea that this is going to be a pretty radical, reforming Government is back with a vengeance.
I note with some amusement that despite leaving the Lib Dems and trying to be an independent, non-partial blogger I’ve found myself accidentally becoming a Pro Government blogger – or perhaps the first Coalition blogger (Neither Tory nor Lib Dem, but supportive of the two working together). I’m not sure I like that. My objectivity is being compromised again, I can feel it.
Still, more on this tomorrow after I’ve slept, seen the proper details and begun forming a more rational opinion on the good and the bad.
Ultimately Labour has gone. I got my wish. I’m surprisingly happy.
