Sir Menzies Campbell at PMQs
Photograph: PA
Ming Campbell must feel very upbeat today. His campaign is progressing well. Today sees the official launch of his campaign and to cap it all he has some very exciting post to look forward to, writes Jody Dunn.
Not from a new supporter, but from a certain Mr T Blair himself. Just a week ago Ming had to face the somewhat embarrassing ordeal of Tony grinning and smirking at him during prime minister's question time.
Tony's tactics were quite clear: if you don't like the question just resort to ridicule. The idea being that if you laugh long enough the press will also sidestep the original question and write about the laughter instead. What a clever way to run the country!
Yesterday, however, Tony didn't appear to be quite so jocular. Even he realised that inviting the house to join him in a giggling fit might not be wholly appropriate given that the topic was sex offenders in schools.
Not forgetting, of course, that the issue is one, which matters hugely to a large section of the electorate, namely every parent in the country.
The Bichard report contains 31 recommendations aimed at tackling the issues raised following the Soham murders. Ming asked how many had so far been implemented. Tony appeared somewhat nervous.
"I can't tell him precisely how many ... err ... have been implemented since Michael Bichard produced his report...."
So Ming turned instead to one of the most pressing recommendations; the computer system designed to share intelligence between police forces.
Ming: "Could he tell us why the Impact computer system is now reported to be three years behind schedule? And can he tell us when he expects it to be fully functional?"
Given the events of this week you might think this a particularly pertinent question.
Tony had only a split second to make up his mind. Laugh at Ming; always a risky strategy given the serious nature of the topic, or admit that he didn't know the answer? Looking distinctly uncomfortable he took the latter option.
Tony: "I can't give him that reason off, off the cuff but I will, I will, I will write to him and tell him."
So all in all a good day for the Ming campaign. Renewed respect from the house, positive television coverage over a hugely important issue, and an impending visit from the postman.
At this early stage in the campaign what more could Ming ask for? Answers on a postcard please...
* Jody Dunn was the Liberal Democrat candidate for Hartlepool at last year's general election. Read her blogposts from Tuesday and Monday.
