Nothing he said made me even consider changing my allegiance. But it did cause me to wonder if I clung to the party of my youthful passion for reasons that have become rationally indefensible. After all, I had not even considered any of the alternatives since I had been forced to stand as Conservative candidate in the Sheffield city grammar school first-form mock election in 1945. And then, I had argued the Tory case so badly that I lost my notional deposit. So I felt a sudden urge to ask the heretical question.
Sentiment is certainly part of the explanation.
The loyalty came first and the ideology came afterwards. I felt no embarrassment about that. Families, regiments and countries hang together in difficult times because their members are united by common memories. If I had no better reason for hoping for a Labour victory on June 7, I would want Tony Blair back in Downing Street because he leads my tribe. I know the prime minister despises tribal politics even though they secure his vote among the neglected urban poor.