Historic Third Term

Watching and listening to the BBC coverage on C-Span and over the internet, I am caught between frustration at the egotism and irrelevency of typical politicians, and pride in parliamentary democracy. As countless party devotees reel off their uniform, bland and predictable opinions, there are moments of sheer Britishness: the bizarre and eccentric mixture of candidates, the soothing tones of Dr Tony King and the Prime Minister sharing a stage with Reg Keys.

Photo from Getty Images

Good Morning: The Paxman vs Galloway interview occured just after I went to bed. It too was a highlight of the evening. For my thoughts on Paxman's behaviour, I think he crossed the line that I was talking about here, and wasted an opportunity.

Comments

[Matthew Whitfield]

I agree, this result is the best we could have hoped for. It does show, I think, that somewhere in the abused mess that Blair has made of the British democratic system, there lurks sound principles that are difficult to subsume. Blair is actually chasened, and it's a great feeling to know he's on his way out - like the day after December 21st when you know the days can only get longer and lighter.

So, a good result, but only insofaras the current system allows good results. The campaign for a fairer voting system should start right now - I'd urge anyone who feels the same to sign the petition at www.makemyvotecount.org.uk.

I voted Green in Liverpool Riverside and helped to dent Louise Ellman's majority by 14, 000 - a massive 14% reduction. The Greens got 5.5% share, which I'm amazed and rather chuffed by.

[AJE]

I was amazed to see how well the Greens did against Ellman - it was nice to see a protest vote going to the radical left rather than the radical right.

Just a shame that there wasn't the chance to go with an actual Radical Party.

[dearieme]

Blair chastened? Only if sane.

[Quinn]

I am a Paxman fan, and a Galloway hater, so my opinion is far from unbiased; however, although I agree Paxman can sometime "cross the line" and go over the top (especially with some poor innocent on "University Challenge") I cannot find any fault in his challenging of that insufferable, egotistical oaf Galloway and his discraceful political campaign. In that interview, Paxman was placed in a situation I would love to be in, and he spoke for me. Cheers, Jeremy.