tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910188492873665563.post7049765901785208352..comments2023-07-21T09:17:17.142-07:00Comments on Test 25636: Northern Ireland Secretary offer to Ashdown - Only a cretin would take this seriouslyPaul Walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00525444717679391831noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910188492873665563.post-92063036997487225172007-06-21T07:13:00.000-07:002007-06-21T07:13:00.000-07:00Cretin!I'm surprised Ashdown didn't bite h...Cretin!<br>I'm surprised Ashdown didn't bite his hand off.Mileshttp://www.action-without-theory.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910188492873665563.post-5053185996945903572007-06-21T02:31:00.000-07:002007-06-21T02:31:00.000-07:00Good points Peter. Thanks.Good points Peter. Thanks.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00525444717679391831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910188492873665563.post-83744124755806250262007-06-21T02:14:00.000-07:002007-06-21T02:14:00.000-07:00Cretin. Great word. I think there are two point ...Cretin. Great word. I think there are two point here (1) we used not to be big enough to worry either Labour or Conservatives. Now we are large enough to stand a greater chance of holding the balance of power in Westminster and well-organised enough to take seats where previously we wouldn't have an earthly. Even if we don't win seats our share of the vote can stop gains being made by either party. Hence the sudden unflattering and clumsy attention from both parties: Cameron sending his bagman to try to get David Laws, and Brown offering our elder statespeople jobs. Why would Paddy want to run what is basically a large and fractious council? Second, I think Brown's mania for control is underestimated. He can't control the Tories, but that was a clumsy attempt to gain influence over us.Peter Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850862887931603954noreply@blogger.com