tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post1498965161080761531..comments2023-10-07T12:15:50.446+01:00Comments on The Centre Left: Shadow cabinets - and this oneRob Marchanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-75693312866138137462010-10-19T22:10:21.298+01:002010-10-19T22:10:21.298+01:00I wasn't suggesting party members decide on th...I wasn't suggesting party members decide on the composition of the shadow cabinet. As you point out, there's a gap in knowledge there.<br /><br />It's right that the PLP elects the shadow cabinet - and if this process had taken place when we were in government, it would have given conclusive results to internal debates within the PLP.<br /><br />Consider how elections for the shadow cabinet ensure that a new leader cannot exclude defeated opponents and their supporters.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11443724356434212172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-32926813153044151772010-10-19T20:59:23.127+01:002010-10-19T20:59:23.127+01:00Hmmm, I'm not against the democracy (and haven...Hmmm, I'm not against the democracy (and haven't shot anyone recently, so that's a good start). But who knows better about the talent in the PLP and what they're best at: party members who give it a bit of thought once a year (or every 13 years if we happen to be in government)? Or someone (e.g. the Party Leader) who works alongside them in Parliament over a period of years?<br /><br />Democracy is right and good and healthy for the Party. But once you've elected people, stop interfering and let them get on with it - that's my motto. Don't back-seat drive, which is essentially what these elections is all about.<br /><br />PS James, I owe you an apology - have just discovered a few comments of yours from a few weeks ago which got stuck in the moderation filter. I will come back on these shortly (can't let these outrageous statements go unchallenged!)Rob Marchanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-29622499000531654002010-10-15T07:20:49.180+01:002010-10-15T07:20:49.180+01:00I don't think that democratic organisation is ...I don't think that democratic organisation is such a wacky idea, Rob. Yes, it's quaint and byzantine - but it's more legitimate than dictatorship. And not as many people get shot!<br /><br />It's obviously a matter for the PLP, but I think cabinet elections would have prevented a lot of infighting when the party was in government.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11443724356434212172noreply@blogger.com