So I think we have to mentally keep the Lib Dems in reserve, as "a last hope in case all else fails", but with the intention of never having to fall back on it.

Any particular reason? When the devil you know is crapping on you and yours from a great height, the angel-or-devil you don't know is worth a go, surely?

What scares me is that too many people may be institutionalised like this. The attitude is "the last two incumbents have utterly screwed us, but we don't want anyone else because at least we know *how* we're going to get shafted with these two".

Don is right that the Lib Dems need to state their policies more clearly. However, the very fact that they need to consult with their party, as to what their policies should be, has to be a good thing. The last 20 years have shown quite clearly what happens to a party in power when the party leader can arbitrarily impose his own policies over the will of his party.

Graham.