Set the agenda.

I have always voted Labour in general elections. But not anymore...this time will be different. The pattern of change began in local elections because the local labour councillors are invisible, whereas the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats actually act to benefit the local community as a whole.

I always voted labour in general elections because I believe in social equity and responsibility. I believe in the power of co-ordinated action, but also in the power and responsibility of the individual. I grew-up while the Tories under Margaret Thatcher laid waste to the manufacturing base of the UK and the northern cities that had made this country rich in times past. The Tories, through some deliberate actions and other ommission of actions failed the vast majority of the population of this country in many respects.

For me, one of the major reasons why the Tories lost out to New Labour under Tony Blair was their arrogance. I believe the voting public saw this, and saw Labour under Blair as electable and as the only route to change.

Now we have Gordon Brown, who tried to oust Tony Blair on a few occasions, based on an agreement they had. GB tried to enforce the agreement on a few occasions by getting his backers to try and outsmart Blair and force his resignation. This did not work, Blair went in his own time, but Gordon backed away saying 'I had nothing to do with it' when each attempt failed.

Gordon Brown wanted the position, power and prestige of the office of Prime Minister without facing an election. I think this is because it is an easier option for him, but also because he lacks the charisma and personality that is required to carry a party and an election. You may disagree with this.... but clearly, when he backed Blair and the 'agreement' was reached about the succession Gordon was acknowledging this.

Gordon Brown has had some success in the economy, but character is tested during storms such as we have now. Gordon will borrow and loan his way out of this crisis if he can, and we will pay for it.

The real problem is that the system is broke and Labour and Conservative helped to make it and break it.  We all have our part to play in this crisis, it is not just the responsibility of the Government and the banks...we are where we are because we ask, they lend and both the public and the Labour government have been borrowing an awful lot.

Gordon is not the prudent purse carrying Chancellor/ Prime Minister he would have us believe. The Tories can only come up with what it thinks we want to hear...and both parties talk of tax cuts...giving some of the money back to us that they took in the first place. I know the best way to support my family...but Gordon thinks he knows my priorities and how best to support my family.

Also, PM Brown wants us all to believe he has all the answers, and so does Cameron. Neither of them actually have all the answers, and we should not expect them to.

But more importantly...what agenda are we going to set for the next election? What questions are we going to ask of these two parties? These parties have managed, over many years to convince most voters that it is a choice between themselves only. That is arrogant and untrue.

It is now, more than ever, that we need the Liberal Democrats to tell us what they are about, instead of hoping for the odd by-election, council or general election gain.

I sincerley hope after the next general election that we are saying 'Gordon who?'

Government by popular outrage and adoption of 'Daily Mailism' by both of the leading parties is just not good enough. In their arrogance the two biggest parties believe they know what is best for us, they set their own agenda and we follow it.

We should let them know we know, and we should set the agenda...theirs do not work.