Fun, fun, fun
Thursday, October 4, 2007 
Back home, I have one final reflection on this week's conference: to win a general election a party has to be hungry for power. The Conservatives may have been united - thanks to Gordon Brown - by talk of an election, but hungry for power? I think not.
What struck me - and others - as we sat drinking late into the night, was how comfortable the Tories seem to be in opposition. Nothing, it seemed, could disrupt their general good humour. In the bars and restaurants (the best litmus test), I don't recall a single person expressing anger or even resentment towards the present government.
The good news, for the Conservatives, is that there is a younger generation of twentysomethings coming through (many of whom were at the Forest/Free Society reception), but they're not yet ready for government. At present, they're far too busy having fun.
Personally, if I was the prime minister, I'd call an election now. Why wait? The Tories are once again enjoying themselves, but either they don't believe they can win the next election, or they don't want to - not really, not yet. Govern the country? Who wants the responsibility?
Reader Comments (2)
Is a strong Opposition more important than the governing party because they refine new legislation? An Opposition is in a position to represent the people and earn their next term in Office.
Actually, this Opposition is more important because as they let slip at their recent conference their proposed policies. These are the ones to be taken on board and implemented by the ruling party - it has already started re: inheritance tax changes!!!