I usually avoid politics on my blog as it can be devisive. I’m also so old that I remember when your voting intentions were private. I have cringed over the last few weeks at some Facebook posts I have seen. I have questioned ‘friendships’ having read some quite outlandish posts.
But there was an outcome last week and, whilst, ‘narrow’ it is a result. I think there were a few key pointers. Firstly, people when uncertain will revert to the status quo. Secondly, Miliband didn’t look a ‘leader’. Thirdly, the economy is rather important. We are also in a fragile recovery and Cameron did win that message.
We found out in the campaign that he carried around the ‘joke’ letter Liam Byrne left for his successor in the Treasury as he left office in 2010. It famously said, “I’m afraid there is no money, with kind regards – and good luck!“.
So, life returns to normal?
Well, not quite. The column inches since Friday morning have been awash with a feisty little Scottish lady – Nicola Sturgeon. She clearly hates the Tories and is not afraid to say so. She is keen on getting her message across – she’s not having anything to do with England wanting to balance the her books. Scotland is not having austerity any more. We can – but she’s not. We’re not all in this together.
A couple of observations:
1. She is not an MP and has no more right to be in the House of Common than I do.
2. Her Party, whilst impressive, is in opposition. As far as I can see they can’t ‘demand’ anything.
3. The undertones (and I may be wrong here) seem to be that they want independence – certainly from any frugal fiscal policy. But I thought the people voted on this? And not in favour?
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few weeks, months and years?
In the meantime – business as usual?
