TWO QUESTIONS PLEASE, MR. ELLOWS

Saidercray Today: Mr. Ellows, your decision to struggle for a coalition with the PPJ has surprised many people and has resulted into sometimes harsh criticism. What do you reply to those who reproach you with opportunism?
Ellows: I reply that good politicians must be able to react on topical situations and that unexpected events may result into unexpected reactions. I regret that a coalition with the LUSC seems to be impossible at the moment, because this was our plan A. But we aren't naive enough not to have a plan B, the coalition with the PPJ. After all, our main aim is still within reach, the SPS's expulsion from our nation's government. What they call opportunism is nothing less than prudence, caution and the prove of our ability to react.
Saidercray Today: Mr. Ellows, four years ago you strongly suuported the idea to change the VCA's name into VCCA, "Virtuous Christian Conservative Alliance" - an idea that has failed within a hair's breadth. Does Christianity still have the same importance for your life?
Ellows: It does. I have absolutely no doubt about the unlimited truth of the Bible and of the Lord, no matter what the zeitgeist thinks and says. Maybe that's typical for a conservative to ignore the zeitgeist and to preserve thruths, I don't know [laughs]. But back to your question: I listen to the divine service every sunday, I read a page of the Bible every evening, and I try as well as I can to take the bearings for my life and my policy from Christianity and the example of Christ.
Saidercray Today: Mr. Ellows, thank you very much.

Thus, our great pre-electoral interview is concluded. A new poll showed the following results (in brackets: change compared to the first poll / change compared to 2005's election):
- PPJ: 28% (+1 / -2)
- SPS: 24% (+0 / +3)
- VCA: 22% (-2 / -1)
- LUSC: 15% (+2 / -1)
- GDP: 7% (+0 / +2)
- MPI: 5% (+1 / +2)
- SWFP: 1% (+1 / +0)
- NEO: 0% (-1 / -2)

If we look at all likely coalitions, we see the following results:
- PPJ + SPS + GDP: 59%
- PPJ + SPS + MPI: 57%
- PPJ + VCA + GDP: 57%
- PPJ + VCA + MPI: 55%
- PPJ + SPS: 52%

Polls for the election of the president gave these results:
- Ian Woshkal: 41%
- Harry Old: 39%
- Charles Ellows: 20%

Last polls will be published on sunday. The parties will terminate their campaigns with great closing declarations on friday, august 4, and the election will be held on saturday, august 5. The new parliament's first meeting after the summer break will be on wednesday, august 16.

idunews