Leverage
A couple of commenters took exception to my statement that Sinn Fein don't have much leverage. Of course it would be absurd, given their negotiating prowess during the peace process, to suggest republicans don't have power and influence. However I was talking about close votes in the House of Commons, where "ipso facto" abstentionists don't have the same clout as those who vote.
Listening to the bewilderment of London commentators about midnight talks, secret meetings, side deals and unlikely coalitions was quite amusing. Hasn't that been our meat and drink for years? Although there's no way Sinn Fein will reconsider their abstentionism in order to get involved, I wonder what's going through their heads - here we have a classic hothouse talks scenario and the past masters of hardball negotiating aren't involved. Maybe they could accompany the 13 MPs in a freelance consultancy capacity.
If we could be heading for electoral reform, the question also arises as to how that might impact on the local scene. My election night colleague, Nicholas Whyte, has contributed this
Of course if the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats resolve their differences then all this talk of the fantastic 13 may fade away. Let's see which way the pendulum swings today.
I'm 
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