Democracy rules OK

We in common with many other countries in the World supposedly live in a democracy. The problem is that no nation state can operate a perfect democratic system. Of late there have been many assaults on our 'rights' as citizens of this country. So the historical events of the last day or two I find particularly heartening.

Yesterday the result was announced of the referendum in Ireland regarding the Lisbon Treaty. Thank you, thank you you Irish folk for your 'no' vote. Like I suspect the majority I don't understand the ins and outs of the European Constitution (and this is what we are talking about here) but my gut instinct is that we have already gone too far down the integration route. The thing is that the different countries making up the European Union are vastly different in the way they run their affairs, for instance some are monarchies, some are republics. You could never get a superstate in a format agreeable to everyone. Not in a million years. The very fact that Ireland alone has had to have a referendum just illustrates the differences that exist between the different states in Europe. One thing is for sure and that is I wouldn't trust our politicians for a moment regarding Europe, let's not forget Labour reneging on their promise for a referendum.

Regarding the David Davis resignation I have to say I admire his stance. He made some very interesting comments when interviewed on the 'Today' programme. One of these was the fact that the matter he is particularly concerned about i.e. the erosion of our rights in this country is one that is not getting the in depth attention that it merits. His critics are saying the democratic process has been enacted regarding the 42 days thing and that he should just accept the vote. Like heck he should! At the moment we are being confronted with such a plethora of issues that we are failing to see just how are liberties are being eaten away. Davis is absolutely right to point out that the spotlight has to be turned onto the whole business of our individual liberty and he feels that the only way he can do this is by resigning as an MP and forcing a by-election. He admits to having an ego but points out that all MPs have one to a greater or lesser extent. To those who attack his stance I would merely point out that he is risking (a very low risk admittedly) his position as an MP and also the possibility or even probability of becoming the Home Secretary in the next administration. It's fascinating to note that whereas many in the mainstream media are pouring cold water on his decision he is getting a lot of support from people out in the real world. At the moment it looks as if the former editor of 'The Sun', Kelvin MacKenzie,will be the main opposition to Davis in the by-election, certainly if Gordon Brown lacks the courage to get Labour to challenge for the seat. We know which side 'The Sun' is on but who will the rest of the Press support?

One thing for sure is that I now know in which county the constituency of 'Haltemprice and Howden' lies!

Gordon Brown, 42 days - and David Davis

Yesterday saw Gordon Brown get his crucial vote through the House of Commons on the 42 days detention for suspected terrorists by the slim margin of nine votes. This was only achieved by getting the 9 DUP members from Northern Ireland into the 'Yes' lobby. Rumour has it that these MPs were bought off with financial inducements for the benefit of the Province, suggestions that of course both sides strenuously deny (of course they would hardly do anything else would they!). Allegedly help would be forthcoming to assist with the water bills over there. Should this happen then folk in Devon and Cornwall would be extremely resentful bearing in mind that we have the highest water bills in the country.

We all know that politics is a very grubby business and, although I take an interest standing on the sidelines, the deceit and double dealing that takes place would be something I couldn't stomach if I was an activist. The issue of '42 days' I have to say is different from most of the others in that we dealing with personal liberties here and the matter of bestowing favours to various backbenchers in return for their vote is an absolute disgrace. It was noticeable though that Brown wasn't able to turn the majority of the rebels in his direction so good for those who stuck to their principles.

Talking of principles mention must be made of the extraordinary decision by shadow home secretary David Davis to resign his (safe) seat and force a by-election which he would fight on the 42 days and other anti-liberty legislation. Nick Clegg has announced that the LibDems would not oppose Davis but would of course have a candidate in the next General Election. Of course Labour could also say they wouldn't contest any such by-election which would make the whole exercise a little pointless I feel. But if Labour didn't put up a candidate they could be accused of running scared.

This resignation of David Davis (he made his impassioned speech at lunchtime today, you can watch it on the BBC news website) has thrown commentators and bloggers into a spin. A huge diversity of opinion can be read and heard, is David Davis a man of principle or is he guilty of unnecessary grandstanding? One good outcome so far as I am concerned is that he is keeping people's attention on issues such as the 42 days detention and ID cards. I think we are guaranteed plenty of chatter about him on tonight's BBC 'Question Time' programme.