May trilateral politics forever remain
By InSITE Correspondent Shae Courtney
Politics, however boring it may seem to young people, plays a huge role in our everyday lives. From the cost of a packet of cigarettes to state education, politics is a hugely emotive and controversial practice. As a result of a stagnating economy and a waning government, political change has been a focal point in the media in recent months. From commonly perceived poor decisions to truly abominable results at a Glasgow by-election, the question of whether the Conservatives can ever regain control in the Commons has once again emerged.
By no means do I profess to hold the answers to the political ills of this country and by no means do I write to favour any of the three largest political parties in government. I write to support an independent tri-party political system in contemporary Britain.
What I do not want to see, is the Liberal Democrats being absorbed into the Conservative Party
Whilst some may argue that Labour can still win the next General Election, the one thing that is certain is the result is likely to be a very close one indeed. A possible hung parliament without a clear majority may be quite likely at the next General Election.
What I do not want to see, however, is the Liberal Democrats being absorbed into the Conservative Party to gain a majority in government. This is not because I entirely dislike the idea of having both the views of the Lib Dems and the Conservatives represented in one party, but because I think it would see future elections being a boring and lacklustre political stage.
The demise of the Liberal Democrats from one of the largest parties in government to the third largest in fewer than one hundred years is neither sad nor anything to rejoice over; it is simply unfortunate. What is crucial, and I say this with the utmost conviction, is that the party remains independent of either Labour or the Conservatives for the benefit of British politics.
One of the delights of politics in Britain is that they are not only historic and represent shifts in attitude, but that they are so incredibly diverse. No fewer than twelve political parties, six independents and the speaker have seats in the House of Commons. Whilst the majority of seats are made up by Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems, many other seats are held by smaller, lesser-known parties.
Many would argue that the Conservatives and the Lib Dems are too different to unite, but when the decision is over holding majority in Parliament, then the matter becomes all the more contentious.
