Breathlessly we await the white smoke from Cowley Street
JUST six days to go before we know the outcome of the Liberal Democrats leadership election. Isn't the excitement unbearable?
It may be too cold for street parties, but champagne supper will be the order of the day from Rattlesden to Frating to celebrate the crowning of the victor. Sainsbury's are knocking out a wine promotion so stock up now for the big night.
Labour and the Tories pretend it doesn't matter who leads the "no-hopper" third party, but don't let them kid you. Labour fears Simon Hughes while the Tories would jump for joy if the left of centre home affairs spokesman were to triumph.
Sir Ming Campbell would probably be a neutral leader, neither attracting new party members nor losing any. Chris Huhne is an unknown quantity, but he could possibly claw back some of those Lib Dems who have flirted with David Cameron's born again Tories. So if the enigmatic Chris ends up triumphing, expect all manner of smelly things to be flung about.
As for me. Well, I merely say I lament Charles Kennedy's downfall - but I miss Paddy Ashdown a whole lot more.
If only Shirley Williams was still an MP . . she'd have got my vote if I had had one.