Thank you, Gordon ... but a coalition would be untenable

David has an article in today's Guardian expressing his thanks and respect to Gordon Brown for the leadership, domestic and international, that he has shown as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister.

However, David also cautions against a Labour-Lib Dem coalition, arguing: "My belief is that it is untenable to create a rainbow alliance ... a coalition of the defeated". Such an alliance would, he says, "result, almost inevitably, in a massive defeat for Labour at the hands of an electorate who would blame us for flouting the will of the substantial minority" as expressed in the General Election.

Read the full article here.

Comments

[Mike Newton]

Dear David

I was astonished to hear your interview. We have a first past the post system of election - which means either one party gets past the post or a coalition gets past the post. To call a Lab-Lib pact a coalition of losers is ridiculous - combined they had over 52% of the votes against just 36% for the Tories. If a PR system is introduced then there would always be coalitions. It is sensible to want a strong government but if the Cons & Libs can't agree then the next best strong government is a Lab-Lib pact.
I fundamentally disagree with the Tory policies and we should try all we can to keep them out of government. I'm sure that Hitler had a strong government but this is not a good reason to select a government!

[Rob]

I just wanted to acknowledge the comments i heard from you on Radio 4 earlier, regarding your views on the present Lab/Lib/ rainbow coalition idea.

I'm a floating voter, with great pride in our country, and feel even more let down by a self centered approach by politicians to cling onto power, just when some trust was returning.

Maybe they should make you leader of the Lab party in opposition - and build a credible / ethical voice for your party again!

Regards,
R

[David Nuttall]

Dear Mr. Blunkett

I voted Conservative. I have been very disappointed at the process that has unfolded this last 5 days. Today – I feel some order and dignity has been restored by the more rationale and experienced around the process. I listened to you today and felt like giving you a big pat on the back – not because I voted Conservative – but because you brought some common sense and dignity to the politics in this country. You had the bottle and good sense to speak your views when others were holding back. I realise you may also take a long view for Labour and I also think that is valid and sensible. The world goes round!

Thank you again on behalf of those of us from all views that were desperate to have good values and a sense of “Right & Proper” come more to the fore.

Best Regards, David Nuttall, (not the Tory MP!!!)
p.s. I would also want to say the same to John Reid, Andy Burnham etc.