The Liberal Democrats were out in force today in Chalfont St Giles as Cleggmania swept Britain. They were giving out balloons and leaflets, and encouraging people to come to the village hustings on Friday 30 April. All the candidates for the Chesham and Amersham constituency will be taking part. 

The Lib Dem woman who talked to me was very nice but did show how political people are very different from the rest of us. I explained that we wouldn't be able to come to the hustings as it's too early for me to get home from work and put Owen to bed. She cleary didn't think this was much of an excuse. "My husband got home from London, went out leafleting and then went to a 10pm political meeting!" I suspect she was being friendly, but I did feel like I was scolded for being a wimp! 

Next time she talks to a voter she'd do well to remember that most people aren't at all political. We've got lives to live and children to look after. If people find the time of a public debate isn't convenient, it might be an idea to change the time rather than chide the voter for not being able to make it!

PS: I decided not to take a Liberal Democrat balloon for Owen. I decided that at 21 months he was too young to support a political party!