From: Gene McAloon 

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 18:50:28 +0200, Phil Payne
 wrote:

>> Maybe there is hope yet for the Lib Dems replacing the Conservatives or at
least
>> becoming something other than a debating society with little political
>> influence. I am not sure you are pleased with that, but you should be. Even
it
>> you don't like Labour, you do need a better alternative than the
Conservatives
>> under Howard.
>
>The Lib-Dems _do_ have influence - in fact, they control a fair bit of the
>taxpayers' money at local level.
>
>Their national presence is the issue - are they ready for government?

Yes, they do have a certain amount of influence on the local level. But then, in
some areas. Do does the BNP. Doesn't mean much really.

Not sure what you mean by the Lib Dems being ready for government. Was the
Labour party ready after Thatcher/Major?  It sure as hell doesn't look like
it.

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