Blair will play it cool on electoral reform

Article Abstract:

UK Labour party leader Tony Blair has certainly begun considering the issue of electoral reform, but this does not mean that he will necessarily make a firm commitment on this issue before the next general election, as the Liberal Democrats are demanding. Indeed, some observers believe that it is most likely that Blair will once again emphasise that he is not convinced of the arguments in favour of a move towards proportional representation. Above all, he is determined not to suffer the embarrassment on this issue which faced former party leader Neil Kinnock before the 1992 election.

Proportional representation

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If the Unionists say no, Mr Blair should call another referendum

Article Abstract:

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will face a very difficult situation if the Unionists in Northern Ireland reject the new decommissioning proposals, in spite of changes to comply with some of their concerns. Possibly his only option in such circumstances would be to hold a referendum, although this would be a very risky strategy. It is possible that Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party, or even the Ulster Unionist Party, would boycott a referendum. In order to be significant, a referendum would have to have a majority of the Unionist segment of the population of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland

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There's a nasty surprise for Mr Blair when he comes home

Article Abstract:

The political situation in the UK appears to be stable at present, with Prime Minister Tony Blair enjoying a poll rating of above 50%. However, Blair will face challenges when he returns from his Aug 1999 holiday. It is clear that he cannot rely on the support of party activists, especially as there are limits to how far he will go to please them. Blair now realizes that he must stand for the future, rather than trying to maintain Labour traditions of the past.

United Kingdom

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