Since the leaders debate Nick Clegg has grown into a giant. A clever and catchy campaign slogan, unofficial perhaps and penned by Gordon Brown, of ‘I agree with Nick’ has become a mantra. The debate has brought the Lib Dems into the spotlight and seems to have brought a lot of younger people to take an interest as they have been enrolling to vote in high numbers. Both of these are good as it reduces the lack of choice argument and involves more people into the voting process. In countries like Australia it’s illegal not to vote, that might be a bit too far for most, but more involvement is needed.
The spotlight has also brought debate onto policies in the LibDem manifesto. There are what appear very good ones like raising the income tax threshold. Nick Clegg is against the police holding the DNA records of people not convicted and reform of parliament comes high. Some appear a bit over-enthusiastic: no prison sentences less than 6 months, quiet enthusiasm for the Euro, illegal immigrant amnesty, no Trident. Although listening to an explanation of these on the radio the spokesman appeared to water them down. Perhaps they’re not as clearcut, or they could be just a beginning of more to come. For example he said the amnesty is only for a select few, Trident could be extended and the alternative isn’t clear.
Trident is a key issue. Many would say it’s more than defence. It’s about a national position. To be able to promote UK interests and resist pressure to accept policies we don’t like. Either by being at the top table in international forums or bi-laterally with emerging nuclear states. Some people put a financial cost on this but it’s real value might be a way of life or more acceptance of other peoples preferences.