Presidential polling

By the founding editor | Fri 8th September 2006 - 1:04 pm

It was always my intention to launch Lib Dem Voice towards the end of August (so I’m running a bit late!), and with a poll on the Presidency.

It wouldn’t be right to do that without pointing out that a few weeks ago I was pipped to the post by Stephen Tall, who launched a poll on just this topic. I did consider scrapping the Voice poll, but on reflection, I’m proceeding – but offering a slightly different choice of names.

One name conspicuous by its absense on Stephen’s poll is that of Charles Kennedy, who has received much attention in the press recently.

There is a dispute over whether Charles is entitled to stand, under the constitutional rule regarding a two term limit. I’m assuming that any obstacles could be overcome should he wish to run, and therefore including his name in the poll.

I’m also offering a ‘none of the above’, which is your box to tick particularly if you don’t want an MP or peer. You can vote from any page, the poll is on the right-hand side.

2 Comments

willhowells 10th Sep '06 - 11:25am

The constitution says that “the President shall be eligible for re-election once only”. Re-election in my book means being elected again, and doesn’t require consecutiveness to apply. A messy argument about whether a former leader is trying to get round the wording of the rule or just its spirit isn’t in anyone’s interest. Nor is a debate about whether Charles has sufficiently dealt with his alcohol problem to be returned to such a position of responsibility.
Gavin Whenman 10th Sep '06 - 11:28am

Surprising level of support for Lynne Featherstone there – I’ve put her down too. Has her blog raised her profile just amongst regular Lib Dem bloggers, or amongst the wider party too?