Warbs. Though we come from opposite sides the so-called political spectrum, I continue to be entertained and educated through your posts.
When Blair came to power, I had spent my entire memorable life under the Tories. I thought that I had become disillusioned with everything that they stood for. I too stood in an election hall cheering every big name to fall (though I am ashamed now of having canvassed for the Lib-Dems at the time).
In fact what I had become was disillusioned of was politics. I hadn't realised it at the time, but most electable politicians are the same. The Labour Party as I knew for most of my life, was all about Kinnock, union power and CND - all of which were, in my opinion, unrealistic. Smith came along like a breath of fresh air, but was gone all to quickly - I often wonder what kind of PM he would have made.
I was very a pro-European (and still am in as much as I think it makes for a strong trading force), I put myself in the Lib-Dem camp as a voter and when they came knocking at my door I signed up on that one policy alone.
All Blair (and to a large extent the proliferation of EU bureaucracy) has really done for me and I'd guess a large part of the population is turn me off politics as much as the Tory sleaze that is associated with the end of their tenure. He was meant to be so different but turned out to be just another self-interested, media-driven, professional politician that makes me yearn for a straight man with principals, whom I'd probably despise like Dennis Skinner, though he'd probably sell out too eventually. Even Kinnock has in his role on the EU gravy train.
Rant over. Thanks. :rant:
PS: If the Tories don't sort themselves out, next time I'm gonna vote Green.