It’s over – I could be referring to a Roy Orbison hit – but no I mean the party conference season. Though I come across people who watch the proceedings from beginning to end I recognise that most people catch a fleeting glimpse of the main speech of the day on the TV news and even then, according to the pollsters, they can’t recall what it was they heard.
So is it all a waste of time? Well no. The carefully choreographed speeches in the main hall are designed both to appeal to the party faithful and send a message to the voters at large. Circumstances will determine whether the speaker concentrate on addressing the Conference or the outside world. This applies especially to the party leaders.
Ed Miliband needed to shore up his position in the Party; the ghost of brother David still lurking. So he strutted the stage and tried to suggest he was ‘one of us.’ The media lapped it up; some could be described as ecstatic, suggesting it moved him to a new level. It was certainly well-delivered but didn’t speak to the electorate and he will have to work hard to have any serious impression on them.
If a Labour government were to come to power in 2015 they would find life even harder than the present coalition. Labour governments are spending governments; that’s why they exist. Would they be able to take the difficult decisions? The polls show that the public doesn’t think so.
Like Ed Miliband Nick Clegg had to reassure his party that he was the man to lead them whether it be into the abyss or just conceivably, a brighter upland. He succeeded and his party appeared to be satisfied. They are beginning to appreciate how difficult government is and realising that to be re-elected they must prove to the voters that they can govern, take difficult decisions and withstand the pressure to see them through.
For the Prime Minister the task was one of making clear the challenges that face the country alongside the opportunities. His address was statesmanlike and showed clearly that he and the Government has a grasp of what is needed. Unlike the Opposition leader a Prime Minister must be mindful of the interpretation put on his words by the world markets and any loss of confidence will cost us all if interest rates were to rise.
Back in the constituency on Thursday it was a pleasure to, once again, attend the Immingham Awards night. These events serve as a constant reminder of how we depend on the ‘Big Society’ – volunteers who make such a difference to our communities. A big part of the evening concentrated on the successes in the ‘In Bloom’ competition. The Town and Borough Councils played a major part in the success but it could never have been achieved without the many volunteers.
On Thursday I also had the opportunity of attending a presentation by the Tribune Trust. This is a partnership between the Police and the present and former holders of the office of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
Its work helps and supports individuals and organisations throughout the county. The lasting memory of the event was provided by a young man who in a difficult upbringing had been cared for by no fewer than thirteen sets of foster parents. The youngster himself was there to tell the tale. His rehabilitation began not with large amounts of money and resources being allocated but with a camping expedition organised by the Trust. He now works as a volunteer with a local group supporting the disabled.
An example of the power to transform lives, something I witness time and again thanks to the tireless efforts of so many. So often they are volunteers, they deserve our thanks and appreciation.