UKIP and the mystery of the wasted vote

The Eastleigh elections are over and as everyone predicted the LibDems held the seat, the much more interesting part of the results was how well UKIP did and well done to them for it. The part I found really the most fascinating about it all was the reactions of so many politicians and political commentators (of which I suppose I’m technically one, and if anyone wants to pay for this drivel…). There was so much talk of UKIP taking away the Tory vote, and the right wing vote being split as if the major political parties are somehow owed our … Continue reading

Liberty Forum London

Thanks to a post over at SamizData my attention was brought to the upcoming Liberty League Freedom Forum in London. the line up of speakers and talks looks good and being close enough to not need accommodation at £25 quid it’d be daft not to. Given my recent fun and games with Drinkaury I’m really quite looking forward to these talks: Chris Snowdon, Director of the Lifestyle Economics Unit at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and author of “Sock Puppets: How the government lobbies itself and why”, on “Are you paying for Prohibition?” Wolf von Laer, chairman of European Students … Continue reading

Politics, navel gazing and Edith Cavell

Just in case the title of this post wasn’t enough warning, I must warn you that this post is rather navel gazing in content and may even tend towards being a bit hippy in places. I do apologize and I shall try not to make a habit of it. As with many other people I get a tad thoughtful around this time of year, partly it is of course the end of a calendar year so seems a good time to review but also it’s quieter at this time of year so I have time to pause and think. It’s … Continue reading