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100 days and counting 29 January 2015 20:21 Less than 100 days to the general election. Is this a good thing? I don’t mean the general election itself, but knowing about it so far in advance. If we are to be subjected to 100 days of political point-scoring, and if every statement a politician makes is going to be analysed by the media, possibly not. This is probably the first time that we have known the date of the election so far in advance. Fixed-term elections were part of the conditions that the Liberal Democrats had for joining the coalition government. In the past, the election would be called by the government when it wanted to – within five years of taking office. If the government were popular (stranger things have happened) after, say, four years they would call an election then – hoping to get another five years in office, rather than waiting another year and finding things going pear-shaped. If the government were unpopular they would hang on for as long as possible, hoping things improved. If the government is really unpopular (e.g. Unlucky Jim* in 1979) it can be forced into calling an election. And sometimes, the gamble of calling an early election doesn’t pay off (e.g. even unluckier Ted** in 1974). *Jim Callaghan, leader of a government with a very small majority. So slim that it lost a vote of “No Confidence” in the House of Commons and an election was called. **Ted Heath was Prime Minster when the coal miners, power workers, transport workers, and just about everyone went out on strike. He called an election so the public could decide whether it was the government or the unions that should run the country. The result was an overwhelming “Not you, mate”. It’s democracy. Well, part of democracy. There’s more to democracy than free and fair elections every five years. The winners of the election have to recognise that they are not the choice of everyone and that they have a responsibility to make decisions for everyone, not just their supporters. The losers have to recognise that they weren’t the popular choice this time but may get a chance next. They should work (within reason) with the winners to provide benefit to all. A Ruby Analogy is five friends deciding whether to go the McDonalds or KFC (obviously this is a fictional example – I have no idea why anyone would want to go to either establishment). Three want McD; two want Unlucky Fried Kitten. So McD is chosen. The three winners don’t gloat, and the two losers don’t throw their toys out of the pram. They all recognise that it is a majority, not unanimous, decision, and all make sure everyone has a good time. Each knows that they might be in the minority on the next group decision (bowling or cinema). Have you ever wondered why UK elections are held on a Thursday? There is no law about it – it’s just convention. One theory is that it means that the result is known on Friday, and the new government has the weekend to sort itself out ready to start work on the Monday morning. Another is that Thursday is as far as possible from the influence of publicans (Friday and Saturday) and clergyman (Sunday). There are also certain months when elections tend not to be held. December – Christmas; January – too dark and cold; July and August – holidays. Maybe a few other too.
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