More than three months ago, in the midst of the expenses crisis, I took a self-denying ordnance not to comment on matters pertaining to the Party President or to internal Party committees. At the time, I was seriously irritated and, having taken some flak, decided that I saw no reason why I should continue to do so.
The summer has passed, and I have for the most part kept to my word, and I am minded to continue doing so. However, I have been giving the question of how the various Federal and State committees report back some thought...
Oh wouldn't it be nice...
If only we could find out what the Federal Executive were discussing, or could communicate with members of the English Candidates Committee? Many of us in the blogosphere are interested in knowing what might happen, what might be discussed. We conjecture about policy, criticise our leaders, opine about strategy. It would be great if we could have a voice around the table.
Naturally, as a Party which talks a good game in terms of openness and transparency, the idea that reports should be published is a laudable one. And, of course, the internet is free, immediate and simple to use. There is a forum, in the shape of Liberal Democrat Voice, which exists as a place where such debates can occur. In the Members' Forum, it can even be done behind closed doors.
Besides, we're members, we're entitled to know what's being done behind closed doors, aren't we?
Next, I'll look at the history of 'committee blogging' from a personal perspective...
oo, very good.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're up on this after the set-to between Agent Orange and Duncan Borrowman (among others). Practical developments are so much better than slanging matches.
Sometimes it's difficult to be patient when it feels like an opportunity is slipping away, but at the same time it is also important that any measures are thought through properly and not hastily implemented... a strategic balancing act!