Living in the Social Commonwealth

[Prydania]

"Continuing on with politics, Marry and Benet Fowler of Inglewood were arrested today after their twelve year old son Jason Fowler informed police that his parents were planning on involving themselves in a campaign of terror meant to destabilize the newly elected government. A police raid, authorized as a result of the boy's testimony, discovered a small library's worth of what is being deemed 'radical Syndicalist literature,' including texts that specify violent uprising as a means of social change. Two hunting rifles and a shotgun were also found. While Benet Fowler was licenced to own such firearms that licence has been expired for two years. Police have yet to comment on whether or not the firearms were tied to the Fowlers' radical plans, but they admit it is a possibility.
Syndicalist Party leader Jeremy Gill had this to say..."

*cuts to an image of Jeremy Gill, very much looking like the working man's politician, wearing a windbreaker emblazoned with the NMU emblem and a loose fitting tie*

"We have a situation where the public frenzy of Social Commonwealth support has led to the arrest of an innocent mother and father on the basis of their political beliefs. I trust that our new Prime Minister and his government do their part in calming that frenzy and righting this wrong."

*cuts back to the anchor*

"Prime Minister Crofts replied outside his office in Parliament this morning..."

*cuts to Stephen Crofts within the halls of Parliament*

"I'm proud that we have young people who are able to recognize evil, yes evil, when they see it, even when it radiates from close family members. Regardless of political beliefs we as a society cannot tolerated the espousal of doctrines dedicated to bringing down peace, order, and the elected government. As far as I'm concerned Jason Fowler is a hero to this nation."

*cuts back to the anchor*

"The Prime Minister then added that he would not make an appeal for the boy's parents, claiming he wouldn't involve Parliament in what he deemed a 'local police matter.'"

[Prydania]

Tory Party Leadership Convention, Castriam southeast Prydainia

Daniel Auburn took the podium as the convention room erupted in applause. He'd just been elected the new leader of the Tory Party following the resignation of Alexander Chatham. His election was, in many ways, a foregone conclusion. His only notable challenger had been Chatham's long time lieutenant Andrew Xavier. Even he was running more as a token opposition candidate then as a true challenger to the young up and coming politician from Kernow. He was from a minor aristocratic family, but that seemed like a breath of fresh air compared to the older Tory leaders, all from the most prestigious of noble houses.
His youth, energy, and charisma had catapulted him to the head of a party that had, for the longest time, stood for none of those things.

"The Syndicalists currently sit at His Majesty's loyal opposition. Jeremy Gill and his Union backers stand up on their soapboxes to tell anyone who will listen that they're 'keeping an eye' on Stephen Crofts. That they're reigning in the Social Commonwealth majority. That they represent the people of this country who haven't been taking in by the cries of 'Victory that, Victory this.'
Well I'll as you. Do the Syndicalists the NMU represent you?"

The crowd erupted in a loud "NO!"

"No they don't! And I suspect that holds for the majority of people who aren't blacklisted into voting for them either. Mr. Gill, you aren't the answer to Stephen Crofts. You're not the cure for Social Commonwealthism. You're the other side of the coin. No, you're part of the problem here. To many Prydainians it might seem like the election of the Social Commonwealth government and the ascension of the Syndicalists to the opposition means this country's becoming more radical. Well I don't believe it. I believe this country is looking for answers, and I bet we're the lot who's willing to give them a sensible alternative to all the yelling, marching, and slogans!"
Mr. Gill, your party may control His Majesty's Loyal Opposition but we, the Tories, are His Majesty's Sensible Opposition. Whether it's your radical leftist rabble or Crofts' militaristic irresponsible populism run amok we will stand in opposition, and we will take back this country in five years for every Prydainian with a good head on his or her shoulders!"

The crowd erupted once more. For the first time in a long time the Tory Party seemed like it could capture the hearts and minds of Prydainian voters.

[Prydania]

"Welcome to Crossfire. My name is Charles Turner. With me is Cameron Verdun, PBC's chief political analyst. Mr. Verdun, always a pleasure."
"Likewise Charles."
"So let's talk about Daniel Auburn and the Tories for a moment. His election to position to Leader of the Tory Party has shot that party to a point within the Syndicalists in our latest opinion poll, with Social Commonwealth still holding a healthy lead. Is this an aberration spurred on by the excitement around Auburn's election, or are we seeing a real shakeup of the political landscape so soon after a general election?"

"Well Charles, I think Jeremy Gill hopes it's an aberration."

Both share a friendly laugh.

"Though Charles, I think Mr. Gill will be disappointed. Gill's readiness to support NMU strikes in the past has certainly painted the picture of him as a radical. Auburn needed to be able to convince your average Pyrdainian of three things. The first is that the Tory Party is a party that can represent them and their interests. The second is that sensible, moderate politics still have a place in this country, and finally that the Tory Party can be the organization to carry that banner. He's done all three in his sort time as party leader."
"Is there any chance he can catch Crofts and overtake him?"

"Well you have to understand that we're still fresh off a general election. Everyone who bought into the Social Commonwealth hype is still waiting to see if they can deliver what they said they could. That's why their numbers are still high. They haven't had time to disappoint anyone yet. The fact is that the Social Commonwealth Party is primarily run by political novices, and their core base of support is a demographic that seems more angry then actually informed. Governing will prove to be much harder then Crofts and his party thought it would be. They have until 1989 to prove to us that they're up to the challenge, but I suspect the Tories will be in prime position to test them come the next election."

"Thank you Cameron. We'll be right back after these messages."