Liberal Democrats plan to win support - by cold calling

I don't know about you, but one of my bugbears is being called in the evening by people trying to sell something.

You pick up the phone, and then the technology kicks in, and there's a mysterious long pause.

This is because in the age of computerised phone systems, companies think it's more efficient (ie they can employ fewer people) to have microchips organise their calls - and if someone answers, they put it through to a human being to speak to you - assuming someone's available to do so.

So the Liberal Democrats are planning to win support by cold-calling 250,000 people on Wednesday night.

Nick Clegg has recorded a message which will be automatically played down the phone line to 'raise awareness' of the party.

And it's hi-tech - those taking the calls will be able to press their phone keyboard to choose which LibDem policy - on crime, education and so on - they want to hear more details about.

Just imagine - you're sitting there, spending a bit of time with your family after a hard day at work. The phone goes and it's Nick Clegg, saying 'press 5 to hear about Liberal Democrat education policy'.

Only the Lib Dems would try and gain support through a medium which is one of the most annoying - cold calling. Well done guys! Just sit back and wait for your position to rocket in the opinion polls.