Labour v Conservative 2010

In the middle of the Labour party's annual conference in Bournemouth, earlier this year, The Sun newspaper announced their support for the Conservatives at next general election (widely tipped to be in May or June of next year).

Although not painted from with the same brush as Tony Blair over Iraq the current British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has proven to have had a calamitous time at number ten. As his government are set for a walloping at the polls, Gordon Brown has become more and more unpopular with voters.

Indeed the opinion polls are showing historically low ratings for the government and many are wondering if there will even be a Labour party in 12 months time? Tony Blair communicated in a much more effective way than his Scottish colleague and undoubtedly this has caused Brown to lose momentum with the public.

The newspapers continue speculating on Brown's style of leadership and the conjecture has not been halted. A number of resignations, most sensationally James Purnell's, have contributed to the gloom affecting the Labour party and many feel that Brown is not the right man to lead. Brown's saving grace is the refusal of anyone to stand against him.

The problem for Labour is that they have now been in power for over 12 years and they have become steadily less popular. Depreciation has come about and,like anything that depreciates in quality over time, it is bound for the bin. There is little or nothing that can be done to change this reality.

In just a few months time the Conservatives could be back in office and Labour will be consigned to opposition for what could be a long spell. However The Conservatives are the ones that need examination. As an Irish citizen I want to see a new incoming British government deciding how to co-operate in Europe.

Observing British politics, I sense that Labour and the Conservatives have come closer together on economic matters. Both are now committed to a low tax base and the main difference seems to be that Labour will borrow to invest in public services. The Conservatives are keen to reduce spending and they undoubtedly will try to resume the privatisation policies that characterised the Thatcher/Major years in the 1980s and 1990s.

However no matter how large a majority David Cameron gets at the next election, his party will be forced to pay attention to public services and the vulnerable in British society.

Labour has failed and, whilst not an admirer of the Conservatives,I would be happier with this new brand of Conservatism.Cameron knows that an uncaring, neglectful government, will not get support. That will help determine how successful his government will fare in office.

An exciting year ahead in British politics. It'll be interesting to see how things pan out.