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Written by Dr Madsen Pirie
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Wednesday, 31 October 2007 |
Of the two contenders for Liberal-Democrat leader, Nick Clegg is
presented as the more libertarian. In today's party it would be
remarkable to find many libertarian principles, in that the membership
and the MPs seem committed to the state as problem solver rather than
as problem causer. More than that, most seem actually opposed to
outgrowths of liberalism such as free trade and globalization.
If Mr Clegg wishes to hark back to his party's libertarian roots, he
could usefully issue a manifesto setting out the principles that
motivate and move him. One thing, though. There's a widespread
impression that he'd sell his granny's skin for lampshades if he
thought it would get us closer into a political union with the EU.
Perhaps he should also take the opportunity to repudiate this, saying
he intends to resist the encroachments on our freedoms which originate
in the EU, and to win back some of those lost. He'd win huge support if
he said that UK citizens should have a say before more of their powers
are signed away.
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