I do agree Malcolm we are in 21 century and as you say not a lots changed we still have poverty, hospital waiting lists etc and we are in a mess because of these political parties. Was it not Cromwell that changed the system and we are still living in that system although we get a vote and your right they do have short lists for constituencies. My local MP is a lady and Labor had a lady only shortlist for the area, I am not against women MP's but what happened to best person for the job. My local MP was the one that put forward the amendment for the smoking ban, a complete ban in pubs and clubs and working mens clubs, I do not see working mens clubs as public places but my local working mens club soon will be, it will be fill of demolition workers as the smoking ban has almost killed it and why? because someone who probably has never been in a working mens club made a decision for the membership and I very much doubt if she has a CIA membership card, bring on the ballot box. It is good to see Ken Clark getting involved again as I do have the greatest respect for him as an MP. I felt ha was a good chancellor of the Exchequer when the Conservatives were in government. Cable well your right he will never become a minister and no chance of forming a government. My problem with that party is they would sit on the fence to much before making a decision. Was it Blair that appointed ministers outside of the Labor party when he was Prime Minister or have I got that wrong? Just spotted this on the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7877218.stm Perhaps Gordon ought to read it, ops I forgot he didn't mean what he said he meant something else