Whilst the constitution is vaugue and gerneralist the partys policies provide some indication of what it means to be a Lib Dem.

Proportional Representation is a key policy designed to ensure that democratic representation is as democratically accurate as possible.

I also think that the harm principle of no government should forcibly prevent people from exercising their civil liberties, except only where those actions harm others excellently underpins the partys policies on civil liberties and is a much better way of saying it than in the constitutions preamble.

Other policies around tax reform and international affairs are also pretty unique to the Liberal Democrats so, on one hand, it is easy to define ones self as a Liberal Democrat by the policies that we adpot. But what underpins those policies - perhaps the better question is to ask what does it mean to be a Liberal?

I think that this is one of the more important questions facing the Lib Dems in the UK. This is especially the case as some in the party feel we should move to the ‘right’ and others believe we should move to or stay on the ‘left’.

As with many things, this issue is much more complex. Where is the line between reflecting public needs and concerns (populism) versus trying to communicate our ideals and beliefs (principles)? Looking at the preamble of the Lib Dem constitution -

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity

doesn’t actually offer any solution to the question. What is a fair, free and open society? Many Daily Mail readers would argue that this means 42 days before charge. Who actually argues againts liberty, equality and community? Labour argues that ID cards are the perfect mechanism to ensure this. And as much as I dislike the other parties, I am sure that none are for slavery & ignorance. Except perhaps the BNP? As for conformity - social rightwingers and Catholics would argue that their principled conformity on the the Embryology Bill was the utterly right thing to do. And Labour Unionists demand conformity as a matter of principle.

This preamble is to vague to answer the question What does it meant to be a Liberal Democrat?

Wendy has resigned, which on one hand is actually a shame but on the other not unexpected. I have to listen to our MSPs at Holyrood as part of my job and of the 4 main party leaders in the Scottish Parliament, she was the only one that really failed to communicate well.

The Scottish Labour Party has yet to come to terms with being in Oppoisition and seem to think that complaining enough about something is the same as having a policy. What do the SLP actually stand for (as opposed to what they stand against)?

That said, I agree that she has been put in this position by a shabby use of parliamentary tactics. If the Scottish Parliament finds something wrong in the actions of Alex Salmond over the Trump Golf Course do you think he will resign? I doubt it.

Just starting - first blog