When The Knives Are Out, So Are You

I DON'T normally mention the Lib Dems on this blog, mostly because they're a complete irrelevance when it comes to West Lancs District Council.

However, I am starting to feel sorry for their leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, who over the last few weeks has had to put up with some of rudest and most personal insults we've seen for some time, and they mostly concern his age.

I know some people have a dim view of politicians, but really there's no excuse for the shabby way he's being treated by the media and by some of his own party.

Attack policies, that's fine, but personal insults have no place in political debate.
You can't even say that his advancing years is hindering his performance... I think that boils down to the fact that, nice bloke he is, the truth is he just isn't leadership material.

And yet, everyone seeks to blame his age for his dismal showing in popularity polls. It's almost as if ageism is OK, which it clearly isn't. If anything, it's just as poisonous as racism or sexism, as it's something you cannot do anything about. You are who you are.

But unfortunately for Sir Menzies, when your enemies have already got the knives out for you, it's only a matter of time until they get their man, ageism or no ageism.

• Post to:
•  del.icio.us
•  Digg
•  Newsvine
•  Nowpublic
•  Reddit