Yes and No to AV

It is a curious thing to discover that I live in a tiny enclave which has voted Yes to the Alternative Vote whilst there has been an almost universal rejection of it elsewhere. I didn’t think it would pass and it did indeed turn out to be the compromise that no-one wanted. A year ago, we got a Westminster election which produced a result that was indicisive. The result was not something that translated into much of a mandate for anyone.

This year it is very different. Decisions have been made by the electorate which have a stunning clarity. As a long day of listening to results come in draws to a close, my thoughts are with all those who stood, those who work with them and those now who have been elected and have responsibility for taking decisions on behalf of others at a time when decisions are going to be least easy to take. And I’m thankful as the night comes that though decisions have been made which I did not back and do not favour, the streets are peaceful and the land is at much at peace as it was yesterday.

And working in an international congregation where some come from places where that has not always been so on election night, that is something never to be taken for granted.

For the elected, good will
For those not elected, good wishes
For peace on the streets, gratitude. Amen.

Right, here’s the plan!

Friends, Glaswegians, Fellow Countrymen, the voters of Glasgow Kelvin have spoken.

To the astonishment of almost all the rest of the country, Glasgow Kelvin has voted a resounding YES to the Alternative Vote referendum. Today is the day for decisive action  to build on the electoral courage, strength and self determination shown by the Kelvin People. Our course is clear. Glasgow Kelvin must immediately make a Unilateral Declaration of Independence.

Here’s the Plan! Barracades all around the boundaries of the Constituency by dawn tomorrow. Declaration of the new Liberal People’s Republic of Glasgow Kelvin at noon from the steps of Kelvingrove Art Gallery Parliament Building.

The following policies to be enacted forthwith:

  • All elections to be conducted by our revolutionary Alternative Vote system.
  • The establishment of a Glorious Mass of Liberation to be Celebrated Annually if a suitable Cathedral can be chosen using the same Alternative Vote system.
  • All Tenement Factors to be subject to Alternative Vote election monthly.

The search is now on for a Glorious Leader. Nominations are now open for the post of Emperor Democratically Elected Leader of the Liberal People’s Republic of Glasgow Kelvin.

Now, who would be most suitable for a post with such a title?