International Relations takes Centre Stage at North Norfolk & Great Yarmouth Liberal Democrats Annual Dinner

12.00.00am GMT Fri 7th Nov 2008

Ming Campbell Delivers the Guest Speech

It was only appropriate that after a monumental week in the United States, global affairs were the subject of choice at the North Norfolk & Great Yarmouth Annual Dinner. The event which was held at Pinewood Leisure Park in Sheringham and attended by over 100 people was highlighted by a guest speech from former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

He reflected on the political rise of Barack Obama, and the heavy burden that expectation will place on him as leader of the United States. Sir Menzies drew on his own experiences of leadership, and his recent experience in the United States with the Obama campaign, to highlight the potential pitfalls for a President who comes into office amidst a climate of unpredictable economic turmoil and unprecedented global expectation. Sir Menzies spoke of the nature in which Obama's election could surpass the election of John F. Kennedy in importance in recent US history, "Never has a President come into power with the gaze and the hopes of the public so firmly entrenched upon him".

Sir Menzies Campbell Spoke of the Rise of Barack Obama and the Change in the American Political Spectrum

With regards to Britain, Sir Menzies did warn that the United States may now slightly withdraw from global affairs and revert to a stance of economic protectionism and political isolation. He quoted their recent track record in international conflicts as a basis for this move. His speech, which included questions from the floor, began to draw to a close with the prospect that the next four years may alter the landscape of international politics. In his concluding remarks Sir Menzies stressed his hope that that if the American people can manage their emotions and temper their expectations Obama may be able to bring about the change he has so eloquently encapsulated during his run for the Presidency.

Sir Menzies was introduced to the crowd by his former chief of staff and local MP, Norman Lamb who put the elections in America in a more local context. He focused upon the importance of responsible representation and the manner in which elected public representatives, no matter their party allegiances, have a responsibility to act in the best interests of all their constituents.

The event which is an annual fixture in the North Norfolk political calendar also gave Norman the opportunity to recognize the stellar work of local supporters John Pike and Simon Wright and to take special time out to thank his wife and family and the people of Norfolk for all their support in his work as their MP.