http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6227550.stm'Gordon Brown has been accused of "dirty tricks" by Lib Dems angry at his attempt to recruit their ex-leader Paddy Ashdown to his first Cabinet.
Lord Ashdown rejected an approach by the prime minister-in-waiting to serve as Northern Ireland Secretary.'
Hrmm. On the 'negative side', it doesn't help an incoming PM, crowned without election, implementing a programme not endorsed by the electorate in any general election to bring a party, that people didn't want in power
into a position of power. On the positive it may accelarate the wane of the Liberal Democrats. Had he accepted and had the leadership been supportive or even indifferent I would have expected some 'Orange Book' defections to the Conservatives. Ah well