This week has seen the Liberal Democrat Conference in Harrogate. Party politico's generally fall into two categories, those who are 'Conference Junkies' and those who attend more out of a sense of duty and a desire to meet with friends from all parts of the country.
I fall very much into the latter category and do not fill each minute with a frantic round of fringe meetings, speaking enga-gements and receptions.
That is not to say I have not had some very interesting and informative meetings, many conference debates were of an excellent standard and I enjoyed corporate hospitality all in a measured way.
Of course Paddy Ashdown gave his farewell speech which was thoughtful and inevitably emotional. The standing ovation was heartfelt by a packed conference Hall who recognised that this was the end of a very successful eleven years for both Paddy and the Party.
It has not always been easy; in fact leading the Liberal Democrats is like trying to herd cats. But this is part of the distinctiveness of the Liberal Democrats, they will not be dragooned or ordered or even cajoled into anything which they do not wish to support.
We shall miss Paddy and I suspect he will continue as a major figure in politics.
As I write this I have not heard the opening speech of Charles Kennedy's leadership, I doubt there will be much of any new policy ideas but it will be important to stamp his personal authority and demonstrate his considerable skills in a way which will inspire and motivate the Party activists.
Most Liberal Demo-crats MPs are anxiously awaiting news of their jobs and then look forward to a new Parliam-entary session.