The General Election: Oh Gordon Brown!

Under pressure and feeling the heat, Gordon Brown is beginning to crack and his remarks after meeting Gillian Duffy in Rochdale, will not help his efforts to win this General Election. It was unfortunate he was wearing his microphone when, after meeting the voter, he called her a "bigoted woman" to an aide in his car.

It was a stupid crass remark that showed a level of hypocrisy and lack of empathy for the views of the ordinary voter in the country. Of course, like everyone else, to err is human and his comment probably reflected his exhaustion more than his true feelings. However, it was silly of him to pass such comments, especially to a lifelong Labour supporter. At this stage in the campaign a little irritation could be forgiven, although this incident only confirms the stories that, in private, the PM is a volatile man.

It will be interesting to see what the other parties make of it, but it is most likely they will take the higher moral ground and not kick him when he is down. The same can't be said of the media.

The General Election: Is Nick Clegg disappearing up his own bottom?

With just ten days to go before the General Election, the LibDems are holding their exalted place in the polls, which frankly surprises me because a number of people I have spoken with in the past couple of days, have gone off Nick Clegg, who they think has got above himself to the point of disappearing up his own bottom.

Two TV appearances and, like Susan Boyle, he has become a star which shows the power of television and, I guess, the superficiality of voters, who have suddenly found a new hero to vote for.

His appearance on the first TV debate was like a breath of fresh air and he delivered a performance that was confident, but without arrogance. However, since then he has become clumsy in his inability to retain some humility and many people find his insults towards the Prime minister stepping beyond the political and, in fact, quite nasty and condescending.

I would think that Gordon Brown would have been dragged kicking and screaming into taking part in the TV debates, but David Cameron must smack his own face every time he thinks of his own enthusiasm for them. After all, they were supposed to showcase his talents, not some other guy even posher than himself.

Nick Clegg is not the innocent abroad that so many of the public find appealing. He is a political insider and one wonders how much of what he says is truly what he believes, or is he an even better actor than Tony Blair?

He has done a superb job on behalf of the LibDems, but the self-satisfied look on his face and his new-found patronising delivery may just annoy enough people before polling day to end his dream of a government job.

The General Election: The 2nd TV Debate and Clegg pulls it off again!

The 2nd TV debate and an important milestone for all the party leaders in this General Election campaign, has resulted in the first polls suggesting a close run thing, with Nick Clegg and David Cameron scoring a draw and Gordon Brown not far behind.

Any hopes that Brown and Cameron had of knocking out the LibDem leader failed and Nick Clegg, once again, gave a polished performance. Although not as decisive as the one he delivered last week, it was enough to keep him high in the polls and the LibDems on target to be a strong force in this election. David Cameron had to deliver a better performance than last week and the view is that he did succeed in doing just that, although some of his "direct to camera" eye-shots were a little contrived.

Gordon Brown was never going to win, his presentation style too awkward, but his appearance was solid and a reminder of his experience in government and next week he will be able to talk like a wise man about the economy. Of course, the other two will also be able to gang up and raise some of his economic failures.

Clegg, while returning poll results that only a week ago the LibDems dreamed about, failed to match the 50% and more bounce he received after last week's debate, but it is still an incredible feat to be up there alongside the two main parties. There is a school of thought that this sudden popularity of the third man in UK politics, is just a phase in the campaign and that on May 6th voters will return to their usual party allegiance.

The Tory and Labour media will continue the campaign to tarnish Nick Clegg, but if I have an observation about tonight, it would be that next week he needs to be careful not to come across like a smart-ass. He is no longer the underdog and some of the recent allegations about him and his party means he can no longer pretend to be a political outsider, ready to do battle against greedy MPs and party financiers.

The General Election: Is Nick Clegg too good to be true?

With the General Election date approaching fast and his appearance on the first TV debate a political sensation, it was only a matter of time before the knives came out and the question asked: Is Nick Clegg too good to be true?

The Liberal Democrats have often been accused of presenting a holier than thou image at national level, whilst playing dirty politics in the regions, so it would be a bit naive to think that their leader, Nick Clegg, was another Martin Bell in a white suit. However sections of the media have really gone to town, with accusations about his Lobbyist past, including work for a firm called GJW, who acted on behalf of Libya, prior to Colonel Gaddafi's rehabilitation amongst civilised nations.

Alongside, his lobbying, his expense claims have come under even more scrutiny, with £90,000 of tax-payers money going towards his second home. This will disappoint a lot of his new-found admirers, who really were hoping that he would be the White Knight to help clean-up UK politics.

Although Gordon Brown is not quite an ordinary middle-class son of the manse, he does appear to be closer to the origins he claims, unlike David Cameron and Nick Clegg, who make every effort to distant themselves from their real backgrounds.

One wonders will the constant media probing prove fatal for Nick Clegg's standing amongst those desperate for a change in the political landscape? Tomorrow he has another opportunity to shine in the second of three TV debates, but has the drip-feeding of negatives already tarnished the reputation of the man who would be King-maker.

The Volcanic Ash: This should not be a political issue

The flight ban over the UK and elsewhere due to the volcanic ash clouds drifting across Europe, has been unfortunate for those families stranded around the world. However, it annoys me that opposition spokespeople are making efforts to put the blame on the government and want an Inquiry.

It may be that the flight ban was over-cautious, but it seems to me that it was better to be careful with people's lives, at least until the experts said differently. It should not be a political issue and I, for one, am fed-up with the politicians obsession with panels and inquiries, which cost a fortune, supply highly-paid employment for those within the establishment circle and take so long that the conclusion is out-dated.

Now it does appear that the airlines, having lost fortunes for the past few days, did lean on those who imposed the ban, to change the criteria and allow planes to fly again. But initially, the response was probably correct and whoever was in power would have had to take the advise of the experts.

The people who should come under scrutiny are the experts who, across numerous areas of our daily lives, seem to rule the world, with proclamations that are contradicted on a whim and without any accountability whatsoever. If a so-called expert wants to make an name for themselves they publish a paper, get publicity and hey presto! are on the book and speaking circuit before you can say "What a load of bullshit!"

If there is an Inquiry, it should also name and shame those companies who have used the situation to take advantage of stranded holidaymakers. Shame on them!

The General Election: The second TV debate just days away

When not dealing with the volcano, one wonders what Lord Mandelson is going to do to improve Labour's showing in the polls? Does he now regret saving Gordon Brown when it looked like he was about to be overthrown in a coup? Or is he relying on the LibDems to gain enough seats from the Conservatives to help Labour back into No.10?

With the General Election day ever closer and the second TV debate just days away, all three of the party leaders have a mountain to climb, even Nick Clegg who has to outdo his own performance from last week, if he is to keep the momentum going.

Gordon seems to accept that he just can't win on presentation and style and will play the statesman and bang on about his experience, whilst David Cameron has to walk the tightrope between rubbishing the Liberal Democrats' policies, but not Nick, the popular pin-up boy, who he may need to do business with on May 7th.

They say a week in politics is a long time and how true that is after the last few days. David Cameron was the undoubted Mr. Smooth beside the ungainly Gordon Brown, but with all their consultants and experts, no one in Labour or the Tory party predicted the rise of the new kid on the block.

Lord Mandelson: Minister of Volcanos

Unless I am having a flashback to nowhere, I am sure that a few years ago during periods of drought, the government appointed a "Minister for Rain" with the sure knowledge that as soon as the appointment was made, the rains would come. My apologies if I have just made the story up!

It came to mind on seeing Lord Mandelson outside Number 10, announcing a plan for a Dunkirk-style sea rescue of the many stranded abroad, as a result of the ban on flights due to the volcano ash. However, it now seems that an easing of the flight ban will start soon, so will the good Lord still be required to move heaven, earth and the Royal Navy?

At least Gordon Brown has not been blamed for the volcano eruption itself, although in recent days there were murmurs about the lack of government activity to assist those stranded. Such accusations would not do on the eve of an election, so Lord Mandelson was called in to head the rescue.

However, the latest is that there are enough spaces on commercial ships to deal with the crisis, so the need for the Royal Navy to go full steam ahead is more about politics than a real need to sail to the rescue.

Animal Brutality: Support Animal Aid

Animal brutality in British slaughter houses is an unforgivable act and the charity Animal Aid is leading the way for greater controls, including CCTV coverage where farmed animals are put down.

Perhaps a Minister or MP in the next government would take up the cause of animal rights?

If you would like to support the charity contact: Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 IAW. Or you can visit: www.stopthebrutality.com or call 01732 364546 .

Britain's Got Talent: The Simon Cowell publicity machine swings into action

As Britain's Got Talent hits the screens this weekend the Simon Cowell publicity machine swings into action, giving him and his programme massive publicity. The media hype is almost as important as the show itself, as wannabes strut their stuff for the entertainment of the judges and public. One day someone will seriously bring back the Christians v. lions scenario, live and in HD.

This time Mr Cowell is pushing the idea that he may leave BGT due to his other commitments and there is even a suggestion that Jordon would replace him. While critics say he has too much control over our television screens, it must be said that Cowell resurrected weekend family viewing and his shows have a stamp of quality, due to his insistence that money is spent on keeping production values high.

The man himself is as popular in the United States as he is here and two of the reasons for his success is his belief in himself and, like Anne Robinson, his lack of embarrassment over the obscene amounts he earns.

He is also clever in his choice of people he shares the judging panel with, whether on X-Factor or Britain's Got Talent. Louis, Cheryl, Dannii, Amanda and Piers are there because they make him look good and treat him like he is God. Of course, since he gives a thumbs-up or down to their future careers, it is no wonder they do not want to upset him.

It is reported that, despite his arrogance, Piers Morgan is petrified he will upset "his boss" and in turn lose the platform for his big ego. However, I may be in a minority, but I think there is something endearing about a man who enjoys his celebrity so-o much, as Piers certainly does.

As for the poor deluded performers who appear on the show? Well, for every Susan Boyle, there are thousands who return to obscurity, their talents never to be displayed again. Thank God.

David Cameron: Is he kicking himself for suggesting TV debates?

David Cameron must be kicking himself for suggesting the TV debates! Back in the good old days when he was considered the golden boy, with the golden touch and a shoo-in for occupancy of Number 10, it must have seemed a fantastic, if cruel idea, to force Gordon Brown into a TV debate. After all, Gordon isn't exactly Mr. Smooth, whereas clever Dave has all the attributes of a sophisticated performer! Everything pointed to a massacre of Gordon and the ascension of one David Cameron.

But life can be so unfair and in a desire to humiliate poor Gordon, it never crossed anyone's mind that Nick Clegg would come along and beat the two main party leaders, with a forceful performance throughout the first debate. The result has been a surge in awareness of the LibDems that is reflected in all the latest polls.

The Tory front bench must be kicking each other and especially their leader for pushing so hard for the TV meetings and inadvertently promoting the LibDems into serious players. The nightmare for the Conservatives is that the polls now suggest Labour could win the most seats and, with the help of the LibDems, it would mean the return of Gordon Brown to Number 10.

Of course, we have two more debates to go and the knives will be out for Mr.Clegg, but next Thursday's is on foreign policy when the Iraqi war will no doubt be debated. As the only party leader to oppose the war, once again, Nick Clegg will be on firm and popular ground.

Now that things are not going as well as expected, it will be interesting to see how Mr. Cameron will react under pressure. The Sun newspaper, which prides itself on backing the winner, must be wondering if, on this occasion, it has made a big mistake. On the other hand, a week in politics is a very long time, so there could be plenty more spills, spins and slaughter on the campaign trail.

The TV Debate: Nick Clegg wins first prize in the competition

So the general reaction is that Nick Clegg wins first prize in the competition, sorry, historic TV debate, with a stellar performance, that can only help to create greater awareness for the LibDems cause. If Clegg performs as well in the next two debates it could be a major breakthrough for the third party, but expect both Labour and the Conservatives to unleash their collective power to undermine him over the next two weeks.

Had Gordon Brown been in a strong position as Prime Minister he would never have agreed to participate in such an event and watching him on stage, there was a feeling that perhaps his appearance devalued both himself and the office of Prime Minister. Mr. Brown is far too serious to be an actor (or attempt awful jokes about posters), but although he failed to find the chink in Cameron's armour, he remained sure of his policy briefs.

No one expects poetry in motion from Mr. Brown and what he primarily delivered was experience. Unfortunately, that itself was a reminder of Labour's years in power and in the forthcoming debates he has to find a way to put David Cameron on the defensive. Ultimately, Nick Clegg could gain additional seats due to his TV appearances, but the spoils of war belong to either Labour or the Conservatives, although if there is a hung parliament then the LibDems will be in a strong bargaining position.

David Cameron didn't shine in the debate, but he didn't commit any real gaffes either and as the frontrunner to win the election just to survive the occasion was perhaps the main goal. His nerves showed and he failed to deliver his message with his usual flair, but is likely not to have harmed his cause. And there is always next time.

The General Election: The first of three historic TV debates

The General Election looms closer and in less than twelve hours time the first of three historic TV debates between the main party leaders will take place in Manchester. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg will go into the debate fully aware that it could decide the outcome of the election.

It may not be the economy or taxation that will swing the vote either way, but which of them wears the most appropriate shirt on the night, or shows the least disdain for the audience. It may even be who wears the least, or most, make-up for the cameras and who is the most convincing at not appearing smarmy and evasive. If Tony Blair was taking part, one just knows he would win!

We are familiar with the US presidential debates, but for UK audiences it will be a new experience to watch our leaders effectively apply for the Prime Minister's job, live on television. Is this the best way to elect our next government? Well, it has yet to be tried and tested, but in this age of digital communication, it had to happen.

Already the party leaders are down-playing their own performances, but we can be assured that the three of them have been practising in front of mirrors these past weeks. No doubt Gordon Brown will appear serious and dour for most of the time, but expect some jokes; David Cameron will be sincere, but will have to avoid being too sickly with it and Nick Clegg is the one who probably can afford to be most like himself, because he hasn't a cat in hells chance of being the next Prime Minister. Of course, he and the other two know that there is every chance he may decide which one of the others is, should there be a hung parliament.

Whitney Houston: Once the soul diva of her generation

It is hard to believe that Whitney Houston was once the soul diva of her generation, until she married the wrong guy, got in with the drugs and lived unhappily ever after.

She dumped the husband Bobby Brown and was said to be clean of drugs, but whatever the situation, she is not free of problems if footage of her performance in Manchester on Tuesday evening is anything to go by. At one point she insisted the audience stay in tune if they were going to sing along to her classic hits! She was unable to reach the high notes of "I will always love you", but after all this time and the troubles she has seen, it would have been silly to expect it.

Some at the Manchester show said that she still displayed the old vocal power at times, but when you pay £100 a ticket you expect a more consistent performance.

It is sad to see someone of her undoubted talent being booed and jeered and one would think that those around her would, even now, protect her from herself. If she is not capable of giving a good performance then shouldn't someone who cares about her stop the sad spectacle, until she really is ready to carry a full show?

The General Election: A slight overall majority win for the Conservatives?

David Cameron is having a good campaign and is being rewarded with positive polls, that don't quite give him a comfortable lead, but do steadily point to a slight overall majority win for the Conservatives.

Gordon Brown has impressed as he rushes about the country, although the news that the three Labour MPs charged with criminal offences relating to their expenses, have been granted legal aid, will not be welcomed by him, or the general public. It is also unfortunate that Labour has waited thirteen years to unveil plans "for the future" and the hint of a VAT increase may be economically wise, but not voter-friendly at this stage in the campaign.

What Mr. Brown says and what the evidence shows after such a long period in office, is creating a gap that the Prime Minister is having difficulty closing. Tony Blair's wars (and Gordon's involvement) have not been at the forefront of the campaign as many thought, but the economy has taken centre stage and, although Mr. Brown, acts and sounds like a man who knows his finance, it can't be helped that he is also remembered as the Chancellor who did so much damage to pensions and who promised, but failed to deliver, "no more boom and bust".

However, despite the polls consistently showing the Conservatives ahead, the electorate still appear to be in a quandary and, as stated elsewhere, the TV debates for those who tune in, may well be the decider on May 6th.

The General Election: David Cameron reaching out to the gay community

David Cameron must be congratulated for moving so swiftly to sideline the odious and stupid Chris Grayling and for reaching out to the gay community with a couple of significant proposals. He has said that a Tory government will quash the historic convictions of those who were found guilty of consensual gay sex ( when it was illegal in law) and he also promised to introduce tougher measures against homophobic bullying in schools.

Mr.Grayling, the shadow Home Secretary, has been missing from the campaign trail and the expectation is that he will not be included in any Cameron government. The suspicion is that with a wink and nod, he has been told to lie low until after an election win when he will then be re-installed, but such a move would have a negative impact on a new Tory government.

Peter Tatchell, who led a protest group outside the Conservative party headquarters, later met with George Osborne, who assured him and his colleagues that the Tories had changed. One wonders what Lady Thatcher would say?!

Of Mr. Tatchell, it is amazing that a man so reviled by the media in the past, has now become such a respected campaigner and not just for gay rights. His brave confrontation with Robert Mugabe and his thugs, when he was severely beaten, was much admired by even his most ardent critics and it can't be long before he is honoured by the establishment. Arise Sir Peter?

Jordon and Alex: We know who wears the trousers...

We all know who wears the trousers in the Jordon and Alex Reid paid-to-be-married game. There is no stopping that girl and she seems determined to control every aspect of her new husband's life.

Cage-fighter husband Alex Reid, is by all accounts a friendly professional man, making efforts to exploit his name since winning Celebrity Big Brother and marrying the unclassy harridan called Jordon. Every interview and photo-shoot he has undertaken recently has gone well, until that is, the unannounced arrival of his wife and her entourage. Her interference and demands have shocked those involved.

The latest incident happened during a photo-shoot for the gay magazine Attitude Apparently, it was all going swimmingly well and Alex was about to do a nude "but tasteful" shot, when Jordon realised it was being done to promote her husband's new TV show and not, heaven's forbid, for MONEY! At which point she yelled like a loony and ended the session.

The Attitude people, who have in the past, dealt with the likes of Robbie Williams and David Beckham, were left shocked by the glamour girl's tantrum. Matthew Todd, the magazine's editor is quoted in The Sun as saying: "She was screaming that it wouldn't be tasteful, which coming from her is unbelievable!"

We don't know if there is any truth in the rumour that seconds prior to Jordon's appearances, people in the vicinity hear "Tubular Bells" (the music from The Exorcist). I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this and lived to tell the tale.

The General Election: Business leaders doing it for themselves

The row over the National Insurance levy certainly fired-up the general election campaign, with a number of business leaders taking the side of the Tories in not advocating such a tax increase.

Those good and true representatives of capitalism were in no way doing it for themselves and getting their own back on Labour for introducing the 50% tax rate, nor where they putting self and company before country in criticising the NI increase. Of course not. The truth is that, regardless of who is in power after the election, taxes will rise and jobs will go.

In addition, the government of the day will have to tackle the pension time-bomb within the public sector, which is grossly unfair to the rest of us, without gold-plated pensions, who are paying large amounts to subsidise these public servants. Any effort to seriously deal with this issue will, in turn, lead to dissatisfaction and strikes which, one suspects, will be a major feature of the landscape over the coming twelve-months.

There is massive over-staffing and inefficiencies within the public sector, but the idea that the government, ANY government, is going to tackle this drag on the country's resources, to the level of savings being bandied about, is laughable. And also frightening, if that is the main plan the parties have to reduce the national debt.

The NI row has opened up the gap between the two main parties and one hopes that, at a time when the public finances are fragile, it does not prompt them to offer unaffordable, or unnecessary, bribes for votes. The Tories tax breaks for married couples comes to mind.

The Conservatives are moving ahead in the polls, but there will be no landslide victory and, with three-weeks to go, everything for Gordon Brown to play for. One wonders if he is only half-packed at No. 10?

The General Election: LibDem supporters should vote for Labour

With everything to play for in this General Election, it is no surprise that Lord Adonis, has suggested that LibDem supporters should vote for Labour to keep the Conservatives out.

Even today, the polls are still showing a close run thing and it is possible that Gordon Brown will amaze everyone by winning the election, although he may need the support of a sprinkling of Independents, if he can't exchange power for principles with the LibDems.
Of course, Lord Adonis is perfectly right in pointing out that, whatever Nick Clegg says, the LibDems have no chance of absolute power to pursue their policies and some of the polls even suggest that the third-party will lose seats. This would be a calamity for Mr. Clegg and his party and a recovery would be difficult.

On can understand why Nick Clegg would want the LibDems to stand alone during the election campaign and not side with one or other of the main parties. However, in his hard-man comments about both, is he painting himself into a situation where any post-election deal would prove difficult for him to accept, without losing credibility?

The General Election: May 6th and It's All Systems Go!

So, the General Election is May 6th and it's all systems go! On his way to the palace to see the Queen, I wonder did Gordon Brown reflect on how things might have been had he been brave enough to call that snap election just over two-years ago?

That decision back then was the first sign that the 'clunking fist' was not quite the strong character we had been led to believe and he has paid the price every since. However, his performance over the past few months, has been quite impressive and, it seems quite possible, that over the next four weeks voters could be swayed to keep the status quo during this time of economic woe. Of course, it would be ironic if Gordon Brown kept his job on the basis of his handling of the economy, when, let's be honest, it was he who fueled many of the problems in the first place.

The polls are quite diverse and there does appear to be a reluctance to fully support David Cameron and the Conservatives. Is it a class thing? Or is it that there is a suspicion that much of the Tory spiel is based on focus groups, headlines and spin, rather than solid belief and understanding. Chris Grayling's behaviour over gays and B&Bs had more than a whiff of hypocrisy about it and one wonders if this attitude of saying one thing, but believing another, is widespread across other areas the Tory Party publicly support.

The assumption now appears to be that the TV debates will decide the outcome of the election and it will be interesting to see who does come out looking the stronger in front of the cameras. David Cameron will have to watch himself from behaving too smarmy and too personal in his attacks on Mr. Brown. I don't think the public really warm to the idea of the Prime Minister being personally mocked and ridiculed and some of Cameron's recent attacks have perhaps gone too far in doing just that. He can, at times, come across like the bullying rich kid.

Nick Clegg has a fantastic opportunity to generate wider recognition for the LibDems, but I do think he should drop the pretense that the party could actually be an outright winner. It will not happen and the more he says it could, the less credible is his argument. In reality he must be hoping for a hung parliament and the role of Kingmaker. His problem is that the LibDems could lose seats and, his nightmare, that neither Labour or the Conservatives will need to call on him for support.

The Conservatives & Gays: Chris Grayling out of the closet

Has Chris Grayling, Shadow Home Secretary, come out of the closet with the real Conservative Party view on gays and their rights? In allowing good bigoted Christian B&B owners to turn away gays from their establishments, will that extend to those with racist views, who don't want black people around? Or disabled? Or Muslims?

It is a reminder that if the Conservatives were now in power, it is unlikely we would have Civil Partnerships. It was this party who introduced Section 28 and who lined up with the Daily Mail and its like, to create such an anti-gay atmosphere when it was last in power.

For a Shadow Home Secretary to express such views, gives great comfort to the homophobes and bigots still alive and well and seemingly lurking behind closed doors, within the Conservative Party.

If the party has really changed, then David Cameron has no alternative but to sack Mr. Grayling.

Twilight: New Moon & Robert Pattinson

One of the defining moments in my youth was the realisation that some of those art-house French films I sat through were actually crap and I didn't really need to like them. That thought came into my head when I was shanghaied into watching New Moon from the "Twilight" series, starring young buck Robert Pattinson.

Now, I am not within the audience demographic for this film, based on the very successful series of books about vampires and werewolves, by Stephenie Meyer, but a half-hour into it and I had to make my excuses and leave. Life is too short and I did wonder why such a slow and dull screen adaptation could appeal to its' teen girl market. Are they really prepared to be bored to near-death just to see their heroes, Mr Pattinson and the young beefcake actor called Taylor Lautner? This is the second film in the series and it will be interesting to see how the third, already scheduled for release, will do.

Meanwhile, the young, rich and now famous Robert Pattinson, is a media darling, but instead of being quoted appreciating his privileged life, he appears locked into the Hugh Grant school of spoilt actors, forever moaning about the fame, the girls trying to take advantage of him, the money, his lack of mates. He is becoming as boring as the film.

Lord Mandelson blows it with business leaders

Lord Mandelson, normally the self-assured, confident one, of the Labour Party, went and blew his top with those business leaders who sided with the Conservatives over the National Insurance increases.

Of course, it must frustrate the good Lord that he could soon lose his lofty status amongst the great and good, although one gets the sneaking suspicion that if anyone is going to rise from the ashes of defeat, it will be him.

Peter Mandelson has done much to be admired to keep Labour afloat in recent months and Gordon Brown has him to thank for his continued survival as Prime Minister. He generally likes to be on the winning side, so it must be painful to realise that perhaps the end his nigh for the Labour government and, with it, the end of the New Labour Party which he virtually founded and helped secure three general election victories.

The sadness of Labour is that it came in on a wave of optimism and goodwill, which it then promptly discarded with levels of personal greed, spite and high-living, that would not have shamed a member of the Politburo in the old Soviet Union. One of its' number even decided that he was so powerful and Godlike that he could fool the country into going to war with his old friend George W. Bush.

Labour could still win the election, although the business leaders who have come out in support of David Cameron, obviously think not. Captains of industry like to back those they believe will hold the power strings, so the Conservatives have it!

And what will happen to Labour if defeated? Well, Gordon will go, the bloodbath will begin, the party will re-establish its' lefty roots and a very long period in opposition will follow. Is it possible that, in the turmoil following defeat, Labour could be so badly damaged that the LibDems overtake it?

As for Lord Mandelson? He'll carry on regardless. In power or close enough to it.