Gracesgran I suspect that you and I may have very similar political ideals.
After living abroad for part of the 1970s we moved to an area where there were only two political parties - the Tories and the Liberals. The Labour party did not exist at local level although in general elections they did put up a "paper candidate" whose campaign was funded by a union and who did well not to lose his deposit. Because of FPTP many constituencies only had two parties, which differed in different areas.
In our area the Tories controlled every level of government. We joined the Liberals and in twenty years took control of District Council, County Council, elected a brilliant MEP and in 1979, a LibDem MP. What a difference that made to the lives of real people in this area!
At the time of the SDP /Liberal Alliance, and subsequent merger, it seemed to me that those in the SDP had, broadly speaking, come to the same opinion as the Liberals, but just a bit later. I am dissapointed that you never felt able to join us. I have met all the party leaders from Jeremy Thorpe to Tim Farron and appreciate what they have contributed to this country, which does not mean that I agreed with every single policy.
The two politicians I most admired were Roy Jenkins and Shirley Williams, either of whom could have made a wonderful prime minister.
Of course things might be different under PR, which is something I have always campaigned for, but surely it is better to work with those with whom we agree on the fundamental principles and not reject co-operation. Both the conservative and labour parties encompass a wide range of opinion. Please support the LIbDems - we need you more than ever.
