Sir, – Fixed-term parliaments (October 10th) have been a recent development on the British political landscape and general elections must now be held every five years – unless two-thirds of the House of Commons seek one, or the prime minister fails to maintain the confidence of the Commons. This must not be confused with the political status of the prime minister himself, who can, if elected and re-elected, remain at No 10 for a lifetime. The decision of David Cameron not to seek a third term has no constitutional significance. What it has done is bring home the real possibility of fixed terms of office for government leaders, as they have in France and the US.
As the endgame of his time in office approaches, the British prime minister will become a lame-duck incumbent with his influence and authority beginning to wane. This creates an air of uncertainty, not only among the electorate, but also among Mr Cameron’s parliamentary colleagues .
Even with almost five years to go, we have here in the UK the ludicrous situation of future contenders for the post of prime minister jockeying for position. The Irish electorate should consider themselves fortunate in not having to witness George Osborne and Boris Johnson, aided and abetted by Theresa May, fight it out. It ain’t going to be pretty. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GREANEY,
Formby,
Liverpool.