George Galloway wins in Bethnal Green.
Guido | 07.05.2005 12:14 | Analysis | London
He could have quite easily led a comfortable retirement with the 1/4 million he has been awarded in compensation for the media hate campaign run against him during the war. His integrity would have stayed intact.
Instead he has spent his time and libel damages on giving Tony Blair the kick in the ballots he so richly deserves. It's true that just one MP will not change much but there is now a voice in parliament that will not be silenced by party whips. A voice that supports the Palestinians, the Iraqi resistance and condemns the 'War on Terror' and the erosion of our civil liberties. That will really, really piss off New Labour.
It also has to be said that Oona King was one of the more repulsive characters served up by Blair and his mates so good riddance to her.
Launch rally Liverpool st.
On the campaign trail, Columbia road.
Cable Street veterans add their support.
The Respect army arrive for the final weekend of canvassing.
The word on the street.
News reaches Bethnal Green that Oona has demanded a recount.
The final result is announced.
George returns to Brick lane to thank his supporters.
Of course with enough work all these results can be translated into council seats. However if Respect are going to gain meaningful credibility they will have to concentrate on a lot more than just elections. One thing that was comforting is that their average vote was much higher than that of the BNP and the various leftist electoral failures that have plagued England and Wales over the last few years. For an organisation thats less than 1 year old thats not a bad start. What happens now the election is out of the way will probably define how much they really have to offer.
Guido
e-mail:
guidoreports@riseup.net
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