Independent but not a loon
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009The funny thing about standing as an independent is that people either see you as jolly brave or a bit of a nutter.
Whilst it would be easy to suggest that current examples of nutty behaviour are best exhibited by organised groups – football hooligans, Chelsea players, the labour party… I would argue that the true loons of our time have indeed been individuals and some notably less jolly than others.
Boris Johnson for example, is an affable loon, whose exceptional brain power and exuberant personality in a dull political landscape have made him altogether like-able. Bendy buses or no bendy buses. On the other hand someone like Mugabe is a sinister nutter able to bring down a nation and most of his dissenters in the process.
In truth, whilst more actual damage is done by groups – mobs, gangs, tribes – it is undoubtedly fairer to say that the potential damage a single individual can cause is far greater.
As an independent MEP I may cause more damage in Europe than any of my fully signed up party colleagues. I may subvert, contra-flow and put spanner in works. I may speak when I am not supposed to, ask questions when I am required to nod and remind individuals that the reason they are seated where they are sat is because someone took trouble to vote for them. Not because they are special. And frankly, I can’t wait.
Standing as an independent MEP candidate I am