Having spoke to one or two people I know, largely by e-mail, but a couple face to face in the wake of Ming's refusal to let the British people decide if we should accept the new EU constitution, I am amazed at the number of people who say they are quite prepared to quit the party over the issue.
Sadly, given comments like these from some Lib Dem bloggers, the feeling seems to be that you can only ask for a referendum on this issue at the general election, and given the party's policy at the moment, someone like me can only express their wish to have a referendum by voting Tory. I am afraid that I have opposed the Conservative party throughout my political life, but if others feel like I do about the issue, and people are already telling me that they are prepared to quit the party, then Ming is going to have real problems, and the party could be heading for disaster.
What an absolute own goal and, yet again, a sure sign that Ming has got no political awareness about what real people want from the Lib Dems. Members will leave over this intransigence.
10 comments:
It puzzles me as why anyone who's a committed LibDem would quit the party over an interview given by the leader. It's not as if he gets to singlehandedly decide party policy.
If you disagree, ensure (either yourself or through your delegates) that the matter is raised urgently at Brighton. Write to Ming himself. In your case, Nich, write to your Lib Dem MP. Or do you think he doesn't deserve to be re-elected because of something Ming said?
If you still believe in opposing ID cards, in fairer, greener taxes, and the rest, you're still a Lib Dem, and disagreeing with a leader who probably won't be around for long after a general election surely doesn't change that.
But as I pointed out, some Lib Dem, supportive of Ming, suggest that people use their vote at the general eletion to register their support or not for an EU constitution. The only ay of doing that is to vote Tory at present, and that goes against all my political instincts.
Personally, I do not see the need for a referendum, but, politically, we have been wise to call for one. I have said this at least a hundred times, Nich: you're not a proper Lib Dem. You should either join the Conservatives or the old Liberal Party.
The so called "old" Liberals, or the Liberal Undemocrats as I would refer to them as (they didn't accept the democratic will of the membership of the party) are not, in my experience, a pleasant bunch.
The Conservatives it is then!
But they had the democratic right not to merge with the SDP and to 'go it alone'. What's so unpleasant about them? They have, I think, more councillors than the Greens!
They tend to be people kicked out of the Lib Dems and some are pretty unsavoury. I have heard some pretty disturbing things about some in parts of the country.
Utter twaddle. Nobody will quit over this issue !
This isn't twaddle - as I have resigned from my local party. I don't expect many will resign but I believe it will cause unnecessary divisions within the party. Over the last two years I have seen the party reduced in stature by Ming's poor leadership and this U-turn is the last straw. Why should I campaign for a party that throws away it's conviction so easily? It is pointless writing to Ming as he has obviously made his mind up. He should of used conference to bring up debate rather than make such a statement of intent.
I will definitely stop funding a party that is prepared to close eyes to the threat of creeping merging of 'Euro states'.
I can still vote for the party locally when it counts.
What other pressure points does a member have- but to advise dissent this way? Go to a local event?
Ming already said on radio that he's learned to not take too much account of 'activists' in the party in so many words.(With a knowing chuckle).
If you have a strong case over what the EU treaty means Ming..then you should put it to the test on behalf of DEMocracy(Yes,That's the word!) by allowing a free vote in the house,if one can be got.
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