Radical Party (Telamon)

The Radical Party, also known as the Radical Centrist Party, was founded in 2550 by a collective of liberal intellectuals, businessmen and secularists that believed the political system of Telamon needed energising with a new party of the centre. The Radicals promote free-market economics, secularism, and a limited welfare state. They embrace libertarian market-values, with an acceptence of the permissive society and liberal social values.

Foundation
Kristian Donson, a successful businessman and philosopher from the island of Migadon, decided to enter politics after feeling there was not a powerful centrist party that appealed specifically to the middle-classes, businesses and liberal intelligentsia. Donson met with a group of liberal intellectuals, businessmen and women, and secularists in the Migadon city of Parah to discuss the formation of a new party. Amongst those assembled were libertarian economist Fieren Goldmark, human rights activist Umberto Caccini, and Migadon D.A Luanna Silverton.

After a poor showing in results from Migadon, and a growing firm supportbase in Sevescia, the Radical Party moved its headquarters to Sevescia.

Ideology
The Radical Party has evolved as a party that does not cling to one particularly consistent ideology, but instead is constantly waging an internal ideological war within the party betweem the different wings. Each leader of the party tends to highlight an ideology they wish to bring to the party, and several ideologies within the party have stood out or dominated the party for various lengths of time.

Conservative Liberalism: a fusion of social conservatism, such as an emphasis on moral issues, with a free-market liberal economy and some socially liberal ideas, such as secularism.

Social Liberalism: a left-wing ideology which believes in some state interference in the economy, to a certain degree, and social permissiveness, generally fused with a more anti-religious brand of secularism. Emphasises equality of opportunity and positive liberty. Social Liberalism within the Radical Party is broken into two strands: -Caccinism: generally more in favour of state intervention in the economy, and egalitarian ethics. -Stressemanism: free-market economy with slight regulations, an emphasis on social democracy.

Classical Liberalism: an ideology which emphasises the minimal state, with very little interference in social or economic affairs.

Left-Liberalism: A progressive centre-left ideology, which fuses left-wing activism, such as environmentalism, with a free-market and unhindered economy. Generally seen as a centre ground between Classical Liberalism and Social Liberalism.

National Liberalism: A right-wing ideology fusing nationalism, conservatism and liberalism. Although mostly socially conservative, takes an openly federalist stance on social issues, and a classical liberal view towards the economy. Generally interested in preserving security and national integrity.

New Radicalism: in an attempt to rebrand the Radical Party as a youthful and cosmopolitan party of the middle-classes, Sylvia Hirst described her political ideology as 'New Radicalism', a third-way between Classical Liberalism and Left-Liberalism. Emphasising traditional Radical values such as liberalism and secularism, she also believed that a more pragmatic, issue-based approach would present the Radical Party as intouch with today's concerns. It is therefore described as a more pragmatic, more populist approach to radicalism centred around a media-conscious leadership. In later years, two main strands of New Radical thought were identified: -Hirstism: a more populist, pragmatic and stylised invocation of the New Radical ideas, less ideological and more media-conscious. -New Radical Right: lending ideas from Conservative Liberalism and National Liberalim, the New Right is a consensus between economic libertarian and social conservatives opposed to liberal social reform and greater state intervention. Closely associated with the ideas of Emilia Ferlinghetti and Reginald Hutton.

Kristian Donson founded the Radical Party on the idea of centrism and liberalism, which he believed was lacking on the political ballot list. Due to this centrism, the Radical Party can be very flexible in its political orientation, and depends on the alignment of its allies and the alignment of its leader. Under Kristian Donson, the Radicals were marked as moderately socially conservative and economically liberal, collaborating with centre-right parties in government. Towards the end of his leadership, the party shifted more to the left, due to its co-operation with first the DCD and the LSD, and later the TACP. Donson led the Radical Party as a mostly Conservative Liberal party, with a slight centre-right tendency.

Under Umberto Caccini the party has been seen as liberal on social issues, and more economically moderate. Caccini, as a Social Radical, emphasises the necessity of a state to make provision for the poor, and this message was echoed by the first Radical President, Natalaya Petrovskaya-Guillaume. Conversely, the Radicals have strongly supported the tax and spending cuts brought in by Finance Minister Fieren Goldmark, and his reforms to the state pension and benefits system. Caccini's time as leader has been characterised as Social Liberal.

Upon coming to leadership, Fieren Goldmark shifted the party's ideology more to the right, and emphasised the party's Classical Liberal tendencies, supporting limited intervention in social and economic affairs.

Due to Goldmark's failure, his successor Luanna Silverton emphasised a new ideology called 'Left-Liberalism', emphasising left-wing issues such as social progress, environmental reform and civil liberties, while maintaining a liberal economy with little government interference in life as possible.

Under Rubenstein, he has emphasised an ideology of 'National Liberalism', fusing elements of nationalism, conservatism and liberalism, highlighting priorities such as law and order, defence, free-market economy and defence of civil liberties.

Under Stresseman, he has stressed a return to Caccini-eqsue Social Liberalism. Although not as statist as Caccinism, Stresseman outlined in his party leadership victory speech his ideology for the party to be based on "economic competency, regionalism, social liberalism and secularism".

Party Structure
The party is broken into three distinct wings:

The Market-Liberals, which strongly embrace free-market capitalism and tend to be more socially conservative. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of conservative liberalism and classical liberalism. Most Market-Liberals identify as centrist, centre-right or right-wing. The Market-Liberal wing of the party has traditionally been seen as the dominant wing of the party, with the most amount of Party Leaders and Presidents coming from this wing. Many believe this is because Party Founder Kristian Donson led the Market-Liberal wing.

The Social Radicals, who are strident advocates of a secular and permissive society, and have a tendency to envisage a wider role for government in the economy and social affairs. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of social liberalism and left-liberalism. Most Social Radicals identify as centrists, centre-left or left-wing. The Social Radicals have generally been seen as the smallest wing, due to their connection to the centre-left and greater belief in state intervention. They have only had two Party Leaders, Umberto Caccini and Jean Baptiste, and two Presidents, Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume and Yasiji Kamatama.

A third wing, the Moderates, try to strike a central path between the two groups, offering a free market economic outlook with a socially liberal agenda. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of left-liberalism and classical liberalism. Most Moderates identify as centrists, centre-right or centre-left, but some may also consider themselves left or right wing. The Moderates are traditionally seen as the power-breaker wing, and can generally work alongside either Social Radicals or Market-Liberals, as they share common beliefs with both. The second most amount of Party Leaders have come from the Moderate wing.

These wings provide the party with a degree of independence and flexibility on issues, but can also result in bickering and in-fighting. Since the party is a loose grouping of like-minded interest groups, the wings allow the party to appeal to a wider electorate.

After the dire election result of 2627, The Radical Party's worst result in their history, the party split beyond the wings, creating a clear divide down the middle of the party:

New Radicals: Based around the leadership of Sylvia Hirst, the New Radicals loosely espouse Hirst's New Radical ideology, but are mostly united by their belief in Hirst's leadership and their loyalty to her. They are seen as those politicians who are loyal to the Party Leadership, above party membership. After the initial stand-off between Hirst and Suu-Moon came to a close, the descriptive 'New Radical' came to be associated with politicians whose loyalties lay with the Party Leader above Party Chairman.

True Radicals: Led by Miyako Suu-Moon, the True Radicals challenge the leadership based around Sylvia Hirst and call for a leadership election. They do not espouse one ideology for the party, and are mainly composed of different views that seek legitimacy from a leadership contest. They are the politicians loyal to the party membership and the backbenches, above the Party Leadership. After the initial stand-off between Hirst and Suu-Moon came to a close, the descriptive 'True Radical' came to be associated with politicians whose loyalties lay with the Party Chairman above Party Leader.

Manifesto Pledges
Traditional Manifesto pledges:

- A flat income tax, aimed at minimising state taxation.

- A massive public works scheme, in order to draw people off the dole, and into employment, payed for by loans.

- Commitment to privatisation and private enterprise.

- Recognise gay marriage and abortion rights, and a liberal social agenda.

- The preservation of the right to privacy and private property.

- A fair, democratic and representative rule of the law.

Rubenstein Manifesto pledges:

- Greater support for military expansion and more punitative law and order measures.

- Devolving social affairs to the state level.

- Free-market economic policy and the gradual replacement of welfare with workfare.

- Defence of private property and business interests.

- Low taxation.

Views
Views of each wing on key issues:

Abortion Market-Liberals: Divided Social Radicals: Pro-Choice Moderates: Pro-Choice Euthanasia: Market-Liberals: Pro-choice Social Radicals: Pro-choice Moderates: Pro-choice  The Death Penalty: Market-Liberals: Against Social Radicals: Against Moderates: Against Nationalised services, industry, and media: Market-Liberals: Against Social Radicals: For Moderates: Divided Nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons use: Market-Liberals: Against Social Radicals: Against Moderates: Against Gay Marriage: Market-Liberals: Divided Social Radicals: For Moderates: For Secular society: Market-Liberals: Divided Social Radicals: For  Moderates: Divided Free Trade: Market-Liberals: For Social Radicals: Divided Moderates: For Income Tax: Market-Liberals: Against Social Radicals: For Moderates: Against

Party Leader and Deputy Party Leader
Stanley Thomas - Party Leader (2695 - present) - Acting Deputy Party Leader (2693 - 2695) - Prime Minister (2696 - present) - Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (2678 - 2695) - Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2674 - 2678) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Thomas is an atheist. - A senior diplomat before entering politics, Thomas served as an aide to the Foreign Ministry, and an Ambassador to Likatonia. - Renowed for his organisational talents, after losing his first contested seat, Thomas acted as one of the key campaign co-ordinators in the 2664 election. - Thomas was appointed to the Infrastructure ministry in order to find a solution to congestion, working closely with Caius Clydeside in the Environment ministry. - In 2676, Thomas was successful in scrapping the full subsidisation of public transport, maintaining subsidisation for those on low income. He claimed this would target the over-investment in the transport budget to be better spent on Health and Education. - In 2677, Thomas was named by "Hutton" Magazine 'Most Convincing Skeptic of 2678', due to his skeptical views on climate change. His bestselling book entitled, "The Era of a Human Guilt" highlighted to 'unecessary guilt' humans felt for natural environmental change. - In 2678, due to his history as a senior diplomat, Thomas was promoted to the powerful position of Shadow Foreign Minister. He was reportedly shocked at the swiftness of his promotion, claiming, "I didn't think I would so quickly return to foreign climes." - In 2681, Thomas was hailed by the liberal press as the hero of the hour, after he made a lauded speech in Parliament attacking the TNP's foreign policy credentials. Thomas's speech was attributed to the crushing defeat of the Lodamun Acting Bill, when he asserted that the TNP's "rash isolationism" had prompted the Lodamun Crisis. - After electoral defeat, Thomas was attacked by the conservative press as having failed, and the LAB was reauthorised. However, following its authorisation, Lodamun executed many of their hostages, and Thomas claimed he had been vindicated. He continued to attack the TNP's foreign policy record, and urged for the need for diplomacy. - Thomas was considered for the role of Deputy Party Leader in 2688, but the role eventually went to Rebecca Witherspoon, a more senior figure within the party. - In campaigning for the 2692 election, Thomas ruthlessly attacked the TNP's foreign affairs record, and appeared with presidential candidate Hans Baptiste calling on a change of face in foreign affairs. - In 2693, after Angel Everitt's sudden death, Thomas became Acting Deputy Party Leader. - In 2695 election, Thomas fared well in the national press, campaigning with incumbent President Hans Baptiste, whom he had travelled on several foreign missions with. Thomas also received support for his debate against Foreign Minister Jack Havard, which many of the press believed Thomas had won. - After Rebecca Witherspoon's leadership bid was rejected by the National Executive, they invited Thomas to the role. Although torn between his loyalty to Witherspoon and his duty to the party, Thomas accepted the posting. Witherspoon was selected as his Deputy. This signalled a resurgence of the Executive unseen since Miyako Suu-Moon's tenure as Chairman. - In describing his ideological leanings to the Libertarian Daily, Thomas described himself as a "pragmatist" and a "political moderate". He claimed he believed in "discussion, conciliation and negotiation" and that "practicality would guide my agenda". When asked which Radical Party leader made the most impact on his ideas, he replied, "Fieren Goldmark". He also went on to describe himself as a "New Radical". - In 2696, a year after becoming party leader, Thomas was appointed Prime Minister. In an opinion poll conducted by the Libertarian Daily, 58% believed that Thomas would be competent in a crisis, and 54% believed Thomas would be good for the economy. Only 39% believed Thomas was a compassionate figure, yet 78% believed Thomas was the most experienced politician on foreign policy.

Rebecca Witherspoon - Deputy Party Leader (2688 - 2693; 2695 - present) - Acting Party Leader (2693 - 2695) - Acting Deputy Party Leader (2681) - Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (2695 - present) - Shadow Justice Minister (2671 - 2695) - Shadow Finance Minister (2665 - 2671) - Member of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Witherspoon is an agnostic. - Witherspoon was a Marxist as a economics student, specialising in Luxemburgism, and then branching into libertarian Marxism. - After leaving university, she became a charity organiser, planning missions to Third World countries to deliver aid and poor relief. - A well-known figure for her charity work, Witherspoon became a regular on popular television program "Politics Live!", frequently berating fellow panelists for their "bourgeois attitudes". - One of the most openly unrepentent Marxists in popular culture, Witherspoon was satirised by the right-wing press as a fusion between an anarcho-feminist and a "Cat Lady". Her single life prompted allegations abouut her sexuality, which she denied. - Although refusing to conform, and upholding Marxist principles, Witherspoon became an active supporter of the Radical Party. Her libertarian beliefs prompted her to feel isolated from the socialist parties, although she has on several occassions been extremely critical of the Radical Party's right-wing. - In 2645, after Jean Baptiste's ascendency to leadership, Witherspoon was drafted into a team of advisors around Ingrid Baptiste, specialising as an Economics Advisor. Witherspoon and Baptiste struck up a close working relationship, and Ingrid persuaded her to stand for office in the 2649 elections. - Winning a seat by a landslide, Witherspoon was inducted into the inner circle of the Baptistes, working as an eminence grise in the background. She was reportedly influential in pushing for left-wing reforms, although she supported Ingrid Baptiste's fiscal moderation, despite her Marxist views. - In 2665, Witherspoon was offered the role of Shadow Finance Minister. She also announced her marriage to her husband, allaying rumours of lesbianism once and for all. - In 2667, the loss of 7 seats was mainly attributed to Witherspoon's openly regulatory fiscal policy, which she had pushed into the lap of Ingrid Baptiste. Derided by the party's right-wing as incompetent, she remained in her job after Baptiste defended her. - In 2671, after the election victory, Witherspoon was unexpectently moved to the Justice Ministry, and replaced by fiscal moderate Matthew Charles. Critics asserted Baptiste had conformed to right-wing criticism, and saw Witherspoon's socialist record as more of a hindrance. - Witherspoon excelled in her role of Shadow Justice Minister, becoming a high-ranking elder figure amongst the Shadow Cabinet. She became symbolic of the party's left-wing after Ingrid Baptiste's resignation, and agreed to work alongside Reginald Hutton when he came to leadership. - In 2681, Witherspoon acted briefly as Acting Deputy Party Leader, signalling her seniority in the party. She lashed out at the Social Democrats in a public statement, blaming them for the unexpected loss in the 2681 election. - In 2688, Witherspoon was appointed as Angel Everitt's Deputy Party Leader, working to rally the party's left-wing as he presented himself as a moderate centrist. Witherspoon campaigned ceaselessly, and became known for her round-the-clock rallies in regions such as Sevescia. - In 2692, Witherspoon was credited with winning the working-class vote which had abandoned the Radicals in previous elections, due to her left-wing credentials and endless campaigning. - In 2693, after Angel Everitt's sudden death, Witherspoon stepped up as Acting Party Leader. While she claimed she would organise a leadership election, a motion of confidence in her leadership was called to lead the party through to the next election. - In 2695, Witherspoon campaigned as ceaselessly as she did in 2692, making regular public appearances and taking more of an 'attack-dog' role than she had previously. Despite this, the Radical Party lost 11 seats, primarily to the new parties in government, yet despite this managed to gain the role of second largest party. - Witherspoon put herself forward for a leadership bid, but her bid was surprisingly rejected by 56% of the National Executive. Many attributed distrust of her left-wing record as the reason for her rejection. The Executive asked her Acting Deputy, the popular Stanley Thomas, to consider the role, and he accepted. Witherspoon was appointed his Deputy Party Leader. This signalled the first time the Executive had decided a leadership outcome since the days of Miyako Suu-Moon. - Witherspoon took over Thomas's place as Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister in 2695.

Front Bench
Reginald Hutton - Party Leader (2681 - 2688) - Acting Party Leader (2678 - 2681) - Finance Minister (2696 - present) - Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2674 - 2681) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Hutton is an agnostic. - A wealthy entrepreneur, Hutton was closely associated with the right-wing of the Radical Party. - Owner of "Hutton" Magazine, his press releases reflected his libertarian beliefs. Hutton was also a retail magnate and owner of the largest forestry company in Telamon. - A firm opponent of the Baptistes, Hutton campaigned closely with Riccardo Garcia-Lopez in his bid for the party leadership. - Hutton went on to win elected office following Garcia-Lopez's defeat, and became known as one of the most rebellious backbenchers, especially over financial policy. He opposed any regulation of the economy, although did support the expulsion of Miyako Suu-Moon from the party. - In 2674, in a surprise move, Ingrid Baptiste appointed Hutton, one of her key enemies in the party, as Shadow Trade and Industry Minister. She explained, "Hutton is one of the best-connected politicians in the business world...it would be foolish to waste his talents in the backseat of government". - Upon joining the Front Bench, Hutton set about making the Radicals' fiscal policies more friendly towards businesses. He authored several bills, generally described by the press as "New Radical", such as negotiating working ours between unions and employers, as well as scrapping the use of nationalisation as a last resort. - Hutton controversially remarked in an interview with the Libertarian Daily, "Of course I want the role of Finance Minister, why else would I agree to join the Front Bench if I didn't think there was a chance for promotion? That is how good business is conducted!" - In 2678, after Matthew Charles passed on the role of Party Leader, Hutton was appointed to the role of Acting Party Leader due to his status as a rising star within the party, and the belief his fiery rhetoric was necessary to pull the party through a time of difficulty. He appointed the similarly fiery Yarrow Dunwoody as his Deputy. - Hutton was later urged by Riccardo Garcia-Lopez to seek the Leadership officially in a contest. Hutton declared his intention to bring about a "cabinet of all talents", drawing in experts from the left and right of the party. He also oversaw the appointment of former Party Leader, Ingrid Baptiste, as presidential candidate in the 2681 election. - Hutton attacked the record of TNP President John Ford, claiming "the movement of Fordism" had not translated into votes, and was nothing more than TNP propaganda. - Hutton was polled at having a 58% approval rating and frontrunner status in a hypothetical leadership election with both party members and non-affiliates. A senior Radical Party source claimed Hutton would receive a motion of confidence in his leadership after the 2681 election. - In 2681, after the Radicals fared poorer than anticipated, Hutton resigned as Acting Leader but placed a bid to become Party Leader. Despite the loss in confidence by some on the left-wing, Hutton beat his rivals by a slim margin. He promised to be a Party Leader for all wings of the party, and claimed his appointment would be 'on merit, not ideology'. He appointed his rival for the leadership, Angel Everitt, as his Deputy. - Hutton has moved the party slightly right-wards, describing his personal ideology as "New Radical". By this, he claims to put an emphasis on "meritocracy, competition, consensus and fairness". - In 2685, Hutton suffered another electoral defeat, and considered resigning as Party Leader. Urged by Everitt to continue, he received a motion of confidence from the party faithful, and vowed to step up his game. - After his second electoral defeat, Hutton attempted to portray himself as the beacon of economic competence, highlighting the public debt incurred by the TNP government and the massive government waste by the bureaucracy. He made the economy his key campaign issue. - In 2688, Hutton was once again defeated, losing a further 5 seats, and resigned as Party Leader. He was subsequently appointed as Shadow Finance Minister by Hutton, replacing the retiring Matthew Charles. Hutton received good polling figures as Shadow Finance Minister, and on the economy polled higher than incumbent Finance Minister Dan Andrews. - Hutton once again attacked the TNP's economic record while campaigning for the 2692 election, which struck a chord with the electorate dissatisfied with the TNP's high taxation. - In 2696, Hutton received the role of Finance Minister which he had desired since his first appointment to the Front Bench in 2674. Hutton vowed to "preserve the interests of business through and through - I have not abandoned the priciples with which I entered into politics" yet he also mentioned "that is not to say I do not believe in the prosperity of the human being, in personal prosperity, and public prosperity".

Warren Trewick - Acting Party Leader (2681) - Shadow Internal Affairs Minister (2688 - present) - Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2681 - 2688) - Shadow Education and Culture Minister (2661 - 2681) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Trewick is a Catholic. - Raised in a Catholic orphanage in Antepec, Trewick endured one of the poorest childhoods in Telamon. - A bright student, Trewick excelled at the Catholic school he attended, and went on to study Theology with a bursary from his Cathedral. He then went on to study Law, graduating from Law school in the top 5% of his class. - Opening up his own law firm, Trewick made a reputation as an anti-corruption crusader, famously taking on some of the most high-profile corruption cases in Telamon history. - Trewick also made himself a name as a campaign finance reform activist, seeking limits and caps, as well as public audits, to inspect for levels of corruption. - A supporter of the Rsdical Party, Trewick was one of the most right-wing members of the party. When he was elected to office in 2641, he allied himself closely with then Party Leader Emilia Ferlinghetti, sharing a bond as Catholics. - An openly confessed conservative, Trewick lists his views as "anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, pro-family, pro-Church". Often clashing with left-wing members of the party, Trewick was one of the most frequent backbench rebels whensocial policy was concerned. - In 2652, Trewick was one of several cross-party members to sit on the Committee responsible for authorising Miyako Suu-Moon's expulsion from the party. Despite Trewick's conservative record, he strongly supported Jean Baptiste's decision, and afterwards attacked Suu-Moon's reputation as Finance Minister to the press. - In 2661, Trewick was appointed to the position of Shadow Education Minister by Jean Baptiste in an attempt to pacify the right-wing of the party. This infuriated the liberal wing of the party, attacking Trewick's conservative credentials and support of Church schools as anathema to the Radical Party's traditional education policy. - Trewick was known for his violent disagreements with the Baptistes over social policy, known amongst left-wing cliques as 'The Puritan', due to his deeply religious and moral views. - Despite attempts by Ingrid Baptiste to remove Trewick, his great support amongst right-wing backbenchers made it virtually impossible without a scene. - Trewick attempted to impose a policy of no subsidisation for higher education on the party, but after a publicised disagreement with Baptiste, including the threat of deselection, Trewick backed down. - In 2681, Trewick became Acting Party Leader, appointed by Reginald Hutton. This inspired controversy itself, but his selection of noted left-winger, Rebecca Witherspoon, allayed fears of a shift to the left. After Hutton won the leadership contest, Trewick was moved to the Trade ministry following Hutton's departure. This was received with support from the left, who were pleased Trewick was away from Education policy. - In 2688, Trewick received a promotion to the role of Shadow Internal Affairs Mnister. His tough line on law and order and economic orthodoxy made him a counter-balance to the centre-left leadership of Everitt and Witherspoon. Trewick's promotion won support from conservative regions such as Antepec.

Malcolm McDeid - Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2697 - present) - Shadow Defence Minister (2688 - 2697) - Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister (2661 - 2688) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - McDeid is a Protestant. - A member of the agrarian wing of the Radical Party, McDeid was a prominent leader of the Farmer's Union. - Described as a 'militant unionist', McDeid's controversial record won him a seat in Parliament by 0.3%. He improved his margins in subsequent elections. - His appointment as Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister was seen as a big win for the agrarians in the party. - In 2688, McDeid received a large promotion when he was moved to the post of Shadow Defence Minister. Socially conservative, he had the respect of the military, and had served his National Service in the military. - Socially conservative, McDeid received spurious criticism from the left-wing press after it was uncovered he blocked his 17 year old daughter from having an abortion, and forced her to give birth to the child. McDeid defended his position as a "family, and not public, affair" and insisted "politically, I am not against abortion - I feel it is a matter of conscience". - In 2696, McDeid expressed his support for local militias, particularly his support of the unofficial Antepec Militia. This inspired fury and controversy across both the left and right of the party, and the Radical Party had strongly opposed militias since Jan Rubenstein's tenure as Internal Affairs Minister. - In 2697, following the militia fiasco, McDeid was moved out of the Defence brief, and demoted to the role of Shadow Environment Minister. This was seen as a critical blow to a long-serving member of the Front Bench, and serious censure for mistakes. It represented the cold and unforgiving way Party Leader Thomas would lead his Front Bench.

William Price - Shadow Defence Minister (2697 - present) - Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2678 - 2697) - Member of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Price is an atheist. - A respected professor of Engineering at the University of Lirona, Price was known as a popular academic with the left. - A long-time supporter of the Radical Party, Price had acted as campaign director for Lirona on several occassions. - Price infamously was arrested in 2653 for fighting in a bar with supporters of the TNP. All charges were dropped, and Price hit the headlines as "The Vigilante Professor". - Price describes his political beliefs as "Stressemanite, not Caccinist". He was a key supporter of Jean Baptiste, and went on to serve as an MP following Ingrid Baptiste's tenure as leader. - He made a name for himself as successful Chairman of the Transport Committee, winning respect from both sides. - Despite being close to the Baptistes, Price was promoted to the Front Bench by Reginald Hutton due to his invaluable insight into the transport sector. - Price positioned himself as a close ally of Angel Everitt in his rise to power, and was tipped for the Deputy Party leadership after Hutton's resignation, but was ultimately overlooked in favour of more senior Baptistist Rebecca Witherspoon. - In 2697, after a long and distinguished career as Shadow Transport Minister, Price was promoted to the Defence ministry, after Shadow Defence Minister Malcolm McDeid inspired controversy after remarking his support for local militias. Party Leader Thomas believed Price's experience and working-class record would win the support of conservative, military voters.

Sergei Yanukovych, MD. - Shadow Health and Social Services Minister (2688 - present) - Shadow Science and Technology Minister (2678 - 2688) - Member of the Moderate wing of the party. - Yanukovych is a Catholic. - A former business rival with Reginald Hutton, Yanukovych won a by-election victory in 2675 after his company was bought out by Hutton. - Yanukovych was the head of a large pharmaceutical company, and was a respected leader in medical research. Yanukovych himself was a respected graduate from the Ferescian Medical Academy, before studying business as the Sevescian Business School. - In the "cabinet of all talents", Yanukovych is seen as a key ally of Hutton. Composed of rightist Market-Liberals and leftists Social Radicals, Yanukovych is seen as a bell-weather vote, liberal on social issues and fiscally conservative. - Despite being a qualified doctor, Yanukovych rarely uses the stylish of 'Dr'. He does however use the styling 'MD'. - In 2678, after discussions with Reginald Hutton, was promoted to the Front Bench as Shadow Science Minister. - In 2688, Yanukovych was promoted to the Health Ministry following Caius Clydeside's retirement. Yanukovych considered refusing the posting, claiming his business interests in the pharmaceutical industry had made him enemies in the Health sector, but ultimately accepted the placement.

Esperanza Aguilla - Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2697 - present) - Shadow Science and Technology Minister (2688 - 2697) - Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2678 - 2688) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Aguilla is an Catholic. - A prominent backbencher known for her skeptical views on the environment, Aguilla was something of an unknown outside of Parliament before her promotion. - Aguilla is known as a supporter of abortion restrictions, opponent of taxation, and supporter of globalisation. - In 2688, Aguilla was moved away from the Environment ministry by left-leaning Party Leader Everitt, due to her controversial views on global warming. She was moved to the Science ministry, which she was reportedly unhappy with. - In 2690, Aguilla expressed her intention to write a Private Members Bill calling on further restrictions on abortion. - In 2696, Aguilla finally revolted against party policy on abortion, and put her Private Members Bill on abortion to vote. She received censure from the party leadership, and was threatened with dismissal. She later rejected her support for the bill, although claimed her views on abortion had not changed, and the bill was defeated. - Despite her rebellious behaviour over social policy, Party Leader Thomas believed her experience merited a promotion to the Shadsow Transport brief. She stated she would embrace the new position whole-heartedly, and declared herself a firm supporter of Thomas.

Frederick Hailsham - Shadow Education and Culture Minister (2681 - present) - Member of the Moderate wing of the party. - Hailsham is an agnostic. - Hailsham, a respected writer and critic for the Libertarian Daily, the newspaper closely associated with the Radical Party, became a member of the Radical Party National Executive Committee in 2675. - A libertarian through and through, Hailsham was often at odds with the Baptiste's over economic policy. He aligned himself with Reginald Hutton's monetarist wing of the party. - In 2681, Hailsham agreed to stand for election. He won his seat, and was instantly appointed to the role of Shadow Education Minister. Hailsham kept up his regular columns in the Libertarian Daily, mostly used to voice his opinions on various sections of the Radical Party, particularly his distaste for the social democratic left-wing. - Despite his preference for right-wing economics, Hailsham is an active member of the Moderate wing. Openly bisexual, Hailsham married his domestic partner in a civil partnership in 2675, and is an outspoken advocate of gay rights in Telamon.

David Harding - Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2688 - present) - Member of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Harding is an agnostic. - A member of the Telamon Trade Commission and 'Guidepost', a left-leaning trade thinktank, before entering public office, Harding was a convinced supporter of Ingrid Baptiste during her tenure as Party Leader, and made up a core faction of support promoting a moderate centre-left policy approach. - Harding earned the respect of Rebecca Witherspoon for his bold economic vision, and was regularly seen as the third most competent economist in the party, following Witherspoon and Reginald Hutton. While Witherspoon's economics lay firmly to the left, and Hutton's firmly to the right, Harding was seen as a more moderate centrist and New Radical. - In 2688, Harding was promoted to the role of Shadow Trade Minister, and called for a centrist and pragmatic trade policy. This met with approval from Everitt, who was espousing a centrist and nonpartisan leadership approach.

Sarah Wevill - Shadow Science and Technology Minister (2697 - present) - Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister (2688 - 2697) - Member of the Moderate wing of the party. - Wevill is an atheist. - A member of an influential business lobby before entering politics, Wevill gained prominence as an influential figure in the backrooms of politics. - A personal ally and confidant of Angel Everitt, Wevill was promoted to the Front Bench in 2688. - Wevill's choice as Shadow Agriculture Minister was criticised by the agrarian lobby, citing her lack of experience in agrarian and rural affairs. Malcolm McDeid, former Shadow Agriculture Minister, also criticised her choice, claiming she was an poor choice as his replacement. - Wevill similarly expressed concern over her lack of preparedness for the role of Shadow Minister, and was reportedly considering resignation in 2690 after she failed to answer a question correctly when addressing a policy forum on Agriculture. Everitt convinced her to continue in her role. - In 2697, after an unpopular tenure as Shadow Agriculture Minister, Wevill was movd to the Shadow Science brief, where her experience of business and technology were put to better use.

Mia Aslington - Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister (2697 - present) - Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2688 - 2697) - Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Aslington is an Protestant. - Formerly a backbench MP for the TNP, Aslington defected to the Radical Party in 2681 due to her respect for Reginald Hutton. - Aslington denied harbouring segregationist views, claiming her membership to the TNP was more a career move than an ideological affiliation. - In 2688, Aslington was promoted to the role of Shadow Environment Minister by Everitt. This inspired controversy due to her status in the TNP, and accusations she was a right-wing entrist. Social democrats within the party attacked her voting record during her time as a TNP backbencher, claiming she towed the party line on issues such as abortion and capital punishment. Aslington struck back, claiming she was under a strict whipping system, and was a progressive at heart. - In 2690, Aslington called on the Radical Party to take tackling climate change more seriously, arguing that the party's policy failed to take into consideration all evidence of climate change available. Many saw this as a move by Aslington to prove her progressive credentials, and received little support from the traditional environmentalist-left of the party. - In 2697, Aslington's conservative record was put to good use as she was moved to the Agriculture brief, where her supposed conservative leanings would work alongside the conservative attitutudes of agrarians voters.

Jacob Stock - Shadow Justice Minister (2695 - present) - Member of the Moderate wing of the party. - Stock is an atheist. - A former judge and Professor of Legal Practice at the University of Migadon, Stock was a prominent figure in legal practice and a noted liberal reformer. - A constitutional activist, Stock petitioned for a Bill of Rights and a firm constitution, as well as a more federal system of government, and originally ran for elected as an independent candidate for the 'Federal Party', his own devolution party. - Stock defected to the Radical Party in 2686, and was instantly courted by the liberal centre, such as Angel Everitt. - Failing to make the final cut for the Everitt reshuffle, Stock was appointed to the vacant Justice ministry by Rebecca Witherspoon, a close friend of his. - Stock initially rejected the National Executive's decision to reject Witherspoon's bid for leader, but ultimately supported Stanley Thomas's designation as party leader, maintaining his role as Shadow Justice Minister.

Former Ministers and Shadow Ministers
See Former Ministers and Shadow Ministers of the Radical Party

Former Leaders
Kristian Donson: -Founder and Leader of the Party (2550 - 2560) -Also leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party, the largest wing, centre-right. -Former businessman and philosopher from Migadon. -Promoted an ideology of 'responsible liberty', stressing economic freedom and a moderately conservative social policy. -Despite founding the Radical Party, Donson faced rebellion from the Social Radical wing of the party, led by Umberto Caccini, due to his right-wing tendencies on social policy. Donson maintained his support due to a loyal Market-Liberal wing, and support from the Moderates led by Luanna Silverton. -Donson held onto the leadership for ten years, and while successfully launching the party, made few electoral successes. His right-wing beliefs, coupled with his dubious social life, held back the party from making landslide gains. -Retired from politics after the landslide Radical defeat of 2560, losing 21 crucial seats and pushing the Radicals into the second last position. He refused to name a successor, although he did comment that, "Fieren Goldmark has proved himself more a Leader for this party than I have!" -Enjoys whisky, opera, horse-riding and women. Is known to have had numerous affairs, and to have divorced 4 wives. -After retirement, Donson campaigned for the Radicals, backing Thomas Kettering's presidential bid. -Donson has announced his intention to stand the Radical presidential candidate in the October 2584 election, going on to win four terms as President. -Died aged 91 (2523 - 2614).

Umberto Caccini: -Party Leader (2561 - 2576) -Foreign Minister (2555 - 2558) -Former human rights activist and academic. -Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party, second largest wing, centre-left. -Caccini was constantly in a battle against party founder Kristian Donson over social policy, and became a dividing figure amongst the left and right of the party. Ultimately, Donson retained his hold onto the party due to Luanna Silverton's leadership of the Moderate wing, as the Moderates worked closely with the Market-Liberals and kept Donson in power. -Held alot of sway amongst the liberal intelligentsia of the party. -Came out as bisexual in 2552, which received rebukes from the right wing of the party. -Won the party leadership election of 2561, after Kristian Donson's retirement, promising to continue Donson's successes and no major change of direction of the party, except the further embracing of Radicalism. - After an uncertain start as party leader, due to the presumption that Fieren Goldmark would win the contest, Caccini was able to rebrand the Radicals without radically changing their ideology. He emphasised their economic competency and ideological flexibility. His policies later became known as Caccini-esque Social Liberalism, as a more statist and left-wing approach than Donson. - In the November 2565 electiom, his first election as Party Leader, the Radicals shot up from the second smallest party to the second largest, guaranteeing Caccini's continuing role as Leader. - After the electoral victory, Caccini announced Fieren Goldmark, his main competitor and rival within the party, as his new Deputy Leader. Many believed that Nora Paxman, who acted as interrim Leader, would be assured the place, but Caccini felt that the right-wing needed to be pacified with one of their own. - While supporting Thomas Kettering's presidency bid, Caccini made it obvious that the President and the majority of the Party were headed in different directions. Caccini attempted to maintain his liberal and minorly-statist credentials, while Kettering envisaged wide-spread privatisation. - In the snap election of Novemember 2568, the Radicals lost 13 seats, but Caccini vowed to remain leader - he blamed Kettering's weak presidency for the Radicals' defeat, and not his party leadership. - Despite worries that his electability and competence may have been dipping, Umberto Caccini was able to turn around his previous defeat in the election of October 2572 and win 21.56% of the electorate, along with a Presidential election, the largest Radical victory in their history. - In October 2573, Caccini scored a 54% approval rating from members of the Radical Party, in contrast to his Deputy who received 79%. His scored higher with non-Radicals at 68%, but Goldmark still maintained a 1% lead with an approval rating for 69%. - In November 2574, Caccini announced that he would resign his position as Party Leader after the next legislative election. He claimed, "it is...apparent that my own personal political views are no longer in line with the majority of party members...I feel it time to pass over the mantle of party leadership after the next election". - In October 2576, after the loss of 25 seats, Caccini announced his resignation as party leader, and handed the title over to Fieren Goldmark, his Deputy. His only remarks were, "I now fear for the liberty of Telamon and its people." - His daughter went on to become President of Telamon, with her father's support. He returned to politics campaigning on her behalf and acting as her closest advisor. - Caccini died in 2615, aged 92 (2523 - 2615). He left behind him a legacy as a left-wing reformer and progressive, and reviving the fortunes of the Radical Party. History has been kinder to Caccini than his party were at the time, and his role in liberalising Telamon's politics is seen just as criticially as Kristian Donson's initiation of a new era of liberalism and Fieren Goldmark's legacy as an economic liberaliser.



Fieren Goldmark: -Party Leader (2576 - 2586) -Deputy Party Leader (2565 - 2576) -Prime Minister (2582 - 2588) -Finance Minister (2555 - 2569; 2572 - 2580) -Nicknamed 'The Saviour of Private Enterprise' and 'The Socialist Slayer', due to his unrelenting devotion to privatisation, and his great distrust of socialism and the statist left-wing. -After Kristian Donson's retirement, Goldmark ascended to leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the Party. -Respected libertarian economist, and old friend of Donson. -Considered 'the brains' behind the Radicals' economic policies. -Despite his emphasis on free-market economics, is a social liberal, and sits between the Market-Liberal and Moderate camp. - He has won the respect of Parliament, and has received praise from allies and opposition alike, for his innovative fiscal policy and uncompromising commitment to accuracy. - He was appointed Deputy Party Leader by Umberto Caccini in 2565 in a surprise attempt to unite the right and left of the party. This coincided with President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume's "Fair Deal", aimed at de-polarising politics. - Goldmark served the longest term as Finance Minister in Telamonese history, serving in the role for over 14 years. His term as Finance Minister was marked by high growth and impressive economic strength, as well as an increase in personal purchasing power, but also an increase in wealth disparity and unemployment. - Goldmark once again returned to the Finance ministry at the insistence of President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume. She remarked, "Fieren Goldmark is the only man in whom I have absolute faith in managing our economy successfully." - In October 2576, Umberto Caccini handed the party leadership to Fieren Goldmark without calling a Leadership election. Caccini said this was to avoid a lengthy period of indecision marked by an interrim leader. Goldmark promised to promote economic liberty and a shift back to the radical centre. - In October 2580, his first election since becoming leader of the Radical Party, Goldmark won 20 seats, leading the Radical Party to be the largest party in Parliament for the first time. At the same time, coinciding with Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume's stepping down from the presidency, he resigned from the Finace Ministry once again, having served as Finance Minister for 22 years - the longest in Telamon history. - Two years later, in 2582, due to the ineffectual presidency of the TNP President Roy Cropper, and the mass Radical cabinet walkout that left the country without several key ministries for two years, an emergency election was called. As Goldmark's second electoral challege, he maintained the Radical dominance of Parliament, winning a further 8 seats, and a presidential election. - Goldmark was appointed Prime Minister by President Donson in 2582, making him the first Radical Prime Minister. Many believe this is the position he has sought most. - In June 2586, Goldmark took a significant blow to his reputation with the largest defeat in Radical history in a legislative election, losing 35 seats. He immediately resigned from his position as Party Leader, but vowed to stay on as Prime Minister until he is asked to step down. He has asked his Deputy to stay on as Interrim Leader, until a leadership election is called. - In 2588, after handing over the premiership to Luanna Silverton, Goldmark resigned from politics. - Died age 91 (2528 - 2619). He would be remembered as the greatest economist of the 2500s, and his impact on economics would be felt even after his death. His impact on the Radical Party's economic views would be as important as Kristian Donson's foundation of the party and Caccini's progressive impact on the party.

Luanna Silverton: - Prime Minister (2588 - 2601) - Party Leader (2587 - 2601) - District Attorney of Migadon (2545 - 2550) - Justice Minister (2561 - 2562; 2572 - 2580) -Leader of the Moderate Wing of the party, smallest wing, centrist (although accused of centre-left sympathy by the right-wing of the party) -Silverton believes in appeasing all wings of the party, but supported the leadership of Kristian Donson when the Social Radicals under Umberto Caccini refused to. -The most prominent black member of the Radical Party. -She ran for the Party Leadership in 2560, but came second to Umberto Caccini. -She also declared an interest in the role of Deputy Leader of the Party, but this role was apppointed to Fieren Goldmark. -As of October 2580, she still holds hope of leading the Radical Party. -A staunch Catholic, Silverton is adamantly pro-life, which goes against the grain of the majority of the party. -Silverton, during her first brief term as Justice Minister, influentially brought about the first laws recognising gay marriage. -In 2586, Silverton once again ran for Party Leadership, and was successful, winning 51.3% of the vote. She appointed her closest rival, the left-winger Winston Travers who was expelled from the party's fore under Goldmark, as her Deputy Party Leader, signalling a shift to the left. -Silverton became the first female leader of the Radical Party. -Quickly into her term as Party Leader, Silverton led the Radicals into an early election. While making no outstanding gains, the Radicals won back one seat, and won the Regional Governments of Migadon and Antepec. Silverton proudly announced, "This is only the beginning." -In 2588, she was appointed Prime Minister by President Donson, working in a cabinet alongside members of the Socialist Party, the DCD and the TMP. -In September 2591, Luanna Silverton, won her first main electoral challenge, securing the largest Radical victory in history winning 29.7% of the vote, even besting the efforts of Fieren Goldmark in his heyday. Silverton remarked, "I promised I would deliver, and I shall continue to do so." -Accused of flip-flopping over economic issues, overriding statements made by her Deputy, damaging both her own and his reputation. She was also accused of undermining Internal Affairs Minister Jan Rubenstein with a lacklustre support for his controversial law banning paramilitaries, which led her leadership to be rebuked by Defence Minister Henry Appleton. - The press printed several articles accusing Silverton of indecision, pettiness and causing infighting within the cabinet. She was believed to isolated members of the party on both the left and the right, which contradicts her record of appeasing all wings of the party. - In the 2595 election, the Radicals lost 14 seats, yet despite a souring press and divided cabinet, Silverton vowed to stay on as Party Leader and Prime Minister. - With continuing isolation in the cabinet, vociferous media attacks and outperformance by the Right-wing Ministers she employed, Silverton lost the 2599 election. Despite vowing to stay on, she eventually resigned in 2601 after calls of a coup within her party. - Silverton died in 2610, aged 95 (2515 - 2610). While remembered as a poor Prime Minister, whose tenure was marked by infighting and plots, within the Radical Party she would be remembered as an important progressive and would deliver the greatest heights of the Radical Party's legislative success.

Jan Rubenstein - Party Leader (2602 - 2614) - Defence Minister (2562-2569; 2572 - 2580) - Internal Affairs Minister (2592 - 2602) - Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - A strong ally of Kristian Donson's "responsible liberty" ideology and Thomas Kettering's conservative social policy. - A member of the 'Gang of Three' (Goldmark, Rubenstein, Snowdon), major figures on the right-wing of the Radical Party associated with first Kristian Donson and now Fieren Goldmark. - As Defence Minister, Rubenstein personally oversaw the investigation to discover the identity of "Telamonian Eco-Warriors" and bring them to justice. Despite a lack of support within the party, Rubenstein won popular approval from the public when he brought to trial 18 of the 20 eco-terrorists in 2577, including their leader Max Umbridge. - In 2586 ran for Party Leadership, representing the conservative wing of the party, but failed, coming third with 12.5% of the vote. Many show this as a turning point that the long-time belief that Goldmark's way was the best for the Radicals' is over. - Under Silverton, despite his unpopularity amongst the left-wing members of the party, was appointed Shadow Internal Affairs Minister in 2587 due to his tough approach, which many believe makes up for the perceived weakness of the Radicals' pacifist stance. - After Goldmark's resignation, Rubenstein became leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - He was made Internal Affairs Minister in 2592. - Despite a lack of support from Prime Minister Luanna Silverton, and considerable risk to his reputation, Jan Rubenstein was successful in passing legislation banning paramilitaries with the support of the DCD and RRP. - With great support from within the party, unopposed Rubenstein was welcomed as the the 5th leader of the Radical Party, promising a shift to the Right. - Upon becoming Party Leader, Rubenstein quickly began a process of change within the party. Rubenstein sacked Shadow Ministers that he believed had failed to 'outperform the opposition' - although many say that these were political removals aimed at removing left-wing cabinet members. - Rubenstein also quickly reaffirmed his stance on law and order and national security, where he had made his name, promising to support military expansion and crime control measures. - While the Radical Party traditionally suppported unitarism, Rubenstein vowed to leave social affairs to the states and devolve decisions to lower levels of government. He vowed, "Finance and Security are Federal concerns - all others belong to the people." - In the 2607 election, Rubenstein won 4 seats - hardly a great victory, but enough to renew the party's faith in his move to the right. - Despite violent criticism from the opposition in the run-up to the election, claiming that the government had failed and had to resign, Rubenstein's rebranding of the party as a centre-right one was successful, returning them to the position as principal party and a historic Presidential election victory. Rubenstein's emphasis for the party (defence, security, prosperity) played to disenchanted voters from across Telamon, especially those in Ferene and Antepec frightened of spreading violence. Rubenstein declared, "This is proof the people believe in this government!" - Rubenstein lost the 2614 election, many believing that his mandate for greater security was no longer necessary. While a competent leader in a crisis, his reputation for whipping up a media frenzy played against him in the end. He resigned after the election results were released, without naming a preferred successor. - After politics, Rubenstein led a quiet life, writing his memoirs. When published in 2615, they were met by the critics with mixed reception. - Died in 2616, aged 77 (2639 - 2616). He would leave behind him a controversial legacy, which would divide opinion within the party. Heralded by the right-wing of the party as a maverick and independent, his authoritarianism and conservatism were later rebuked by those who followed him.

Rodfram Stresseman - Party Leader (2614 - 2621) - Acting Deputy Party Leader (2586 - 2587) - Trade and Industry Minister (2572 - 2580) - Shadow Internal Affairs Minister (2580 - 2587) - Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (2587 - 2614) - Member of the Moderate wing of the party (former Leader but stepped down after his resignation as Party Leader) - Mmeber of the New Radical faction. - Stresseman championed the privatisation of National Parks and Historical sites, and attempted to privatise the Space Exploration industry. - During Goldmark's cabinet reshuffle of 2580, Stresseman was appointed Shadow Internal Affairs Minister, due to his commitment to Goldmark's privatisation reforms, a remarkable promotion. - After Goldmark's resignation, Stresseman was appointed Acting Deputy Leader for his loyalty to Goldmark and Snowdon, and his moderate and centrist opinions. - Despite his closeness to Goldmark, Stresseman's loyalty and ablility to negotiate won the respect of Silverton, and she promoted him to Foreign Affairs spokesman in 2587. - After Luanna Silverton's resignation, Stresseman became leader of the Moderate wing of the party. - Although not a prominent force, he was well-known in the backrooms of government, and was often turned to as an advisor by both the left and right of the party. - Stresseman ran for the Party Leadership in 2614. Losing the first round to Appleton, Stresseman made a surprising victory in the second round. Seen as a calm and peaceful leader, ready to listen and learn, and move away from the Radical Party's perception as a flamboyant and showy party. - Stresseman, upon taking leadership, attempted to cast a new face for the Radical Party, no longer bound to the 'Old Guard' of Donson, Goldmark, Silverton and Caccini. He organised a popular cabinet reshuffle of the Front Bench, and supported the candidacy of Dominic Armitage, a fresh face in the party hierarchy, for President. - Stresseman's reputation preceded him, and he successfully restored the Radical Party to second place in terms of seats in Parliament in the 2618 election, and delivered the eleventh consecutive Presidential victory and fourth Radical President since 2582. He also endorsed Armitage's proposal to form an RP, TMP, RAPE and DCD coalition. - Although initially a soothing influence on the party, Stresseman's leadership was characterised as hands-off, without distinguishing the Radical Party from the opposition. His moderation and lack of initiative did not appeal to the electorate, and his appointment of Miyako Suu-Moon led to internal criticisim within the party as to his judgement. - Stresseman was also perceived as too passive when Suu-Moon criticised leadership and the Radical Party openly, which while endearing her eccentricity to the press, made Stresseman appear spineless and unable to control his MPs. - After dire pollings in the 2621 election, Stresseman instantly resigned, claiming her would return to the cabinet. He returned as Shadow Trade and Industry Minister. He also stepped down as Leader of the Moderate wing of the Party. - In 2627, Stresseman declared his continued support for his successor as leader, realising that his own resignation only delayed the Radical Party's gradual collapse. - Stresseman died in 2628, aged 83 (2545 - 2628). His legacy would be remembered as a loyal and competent elder statesman, but a poor leader, marked by long periods of indecision and over-trust in his subordinates, unfit to lead the party. His advisory role in supporting Sylvia Hirst redeemed his reputation to many.

Sylvia Hirst - Party Leader (2622 - 2634) - Justice Minister (2618 - 2623) - Education and Culture Minister (2604 - 2618) - Leader of the Moderate wing of the party. - Leader of the New Radical faction. - A oil heiress and socialite, Hirst became known as a glamour model and celebrity before turning her attention towards education reform and campaigning for the cosmopolitan Radical Party. - At the age of 25, Hirst is the youngest Shadow Cabinet member in Parliament. - Hirst emphasises the importance of integrating schools with private initiatives, and actively supports PFI. - Hirst personally champions her own arts award, the "Sylvia Hirst Independent Art Medal". - In 2607, Hirst was successful in ensuring a national policy on Charter Schools, her personal choice for public education, but failed in her attempts to privatise the education system and abolish state tuition for university fees. - Due to her successful tenure as Education and Culture Minister, Stresseman promised Hirst the job as Shadow Justice Minister after her ministership ended. - After years of hard battle, Hirst was successful in scrapping full state tuition fees for university and implementing a means-tested loans system. This was considered a great achievement in Hirst's career. - In 2618, Hirst finally left the Ministry of Education, and received her promotion as Justice Minister. This secured Hirst's place in the seniority of the party - Hirst collaborated with Patrick Ellson and Jean Baptiste on the 'Justice and Safety Act' of 2620. Hirst was adamant on ensuring the inviobility of letters; she is known as a privacy activist. - Hist put herself forward for Party Leadership for the second time in 2621, and received the endorsement of former President Amália Caccini. - Hirst polled second in the first round with 25.2% of the vote. She won a very narrow victory in the second round with 35.2%, but secured a landslide victory in the third round with 67.3% of the vote. She named Emilia Ferlinghetti as her Deputy, citing that she carried significant cabinet experience, as well as qualifying as 'young and fresh' to help Hirst in her task of modernising the Radical Party. - At the age of 45 when becoming Party Leader, this makes Hirst the youngest leader of the Radical Party since Kristian Donson. She also became Leader of the Moderate wing of the Party, as Rodfram Stresseman reliquished the title. - Hirst stepped down as Justice Minister in 2623 to focus on her commitments as Party Leader. - Sylvia Hirst faced an early election in 2624, and although unsure whether the party was ready, she was able to win 18 seats and return the Radicals to fourth place, from second last. Although not a desirable position, she claimed, "it allows us to prove we are not finished yet!" - Hirst negotiated an alliance with the Independent Labour Party, but held out on supporting their propostion of a rotating Presidency, instead advising caution. - Hirst also committed the Radicals to devolution more than any previous party leader. - In the 2627 election, Hirst led the Radicals into the most crippling election result in the party history, polling only 4.51% of the vote in the legislative election and losing the Presidential election for the first time. The Radicals were reduced to something of a rump party, and many called that their days as a major party were over. Hirst herself refused to stand down, claiming that "the chopping and changing of leaders after any set back sends an inconsistent message to the electorate - I will stand down when I need to stand down". - Hirst's decision to stay on as leader allowed rising tensions within the party, which had been present since the resignation of Jan Rubenstein as leader, to finally erupt. The party was split in two, between the New Radicals, Hirst's supporters, and the True Radicals, those that opposed her. Underneath their the question of Hirst's leadership, the two factions represent a dispute about the direction of the Radical Party and the role the leader has to play in that direction. - In 2628, after a year of internal bickering and infighting, Hirst proposed a planned conference wher the two factions could meet and find a common direction to unite the party. It is believed that if the conference is a success, Hirst could continue as leader, but if it fails, she will likely resign. - Hirst's conference in 2629 was believed by many to be a success, and Hirst's continued leadership seemed assured, athlough many suspected she would have to sacrifice some of her authority and power as Leader to compromise with her detractors. - After a secret meeting between Hirst and Suu-Moon, the latter backed down and called a cease fire in return for her appointment as the first Chairman of the Radical Party. While Hirst maintained her position as Party Leadership, the Chairman is now responsible for ensuring the accountability of the leader, and several of the Party Leader's powers, including the right to call a leadership election, has been passed to the Chairman. - After the Radical Party finally unified under Hirst's leadership, they staged an intense 'fight back' in the run-up to the 2631 election. Hirst's leadership and reputation were redeemed when the Radicals' fought from last place to third and regained the Presidency in 2631. - Hirst oversaw the Radicals return to the cabinet in early 2634, and led the campaign for the 2634 election. - In 2634, the Radicals lost 7 seats and the Presidential election, but maintained third place. While urged to continue on as leader, Hirst announced her resignation as Party Leader and passed the title to her Deputy, Emilia Ferlinghetti. - Hirst's reputation as Party Leader received a mixed reception. Although praised for leading the party through a very difficult period and rejuvenating the party's fortunes against adversity, she was criticised for surrendering some of the authority of the role of Party Leader and making it increasingly difficult for her succesor to hold onto the party. - Hirst died in 2660, aged 83.



Emilia Ferlinghetti - Party Leader (2634 - 2645) - Deputy Party Leader (2622 - 2634) - Defence Minister (2618 - 2628) - Food and Agriculture Minister (2602 - 2604; 2609 - 2618) - Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party. - Member of the New Radical faction. - Ferlinghetti is a Catholic. - Ferlinghetti, as Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister, has promised to combat rising food prices by engaging in greater food trade agreements, utilising free trade agreements to cut costs. - Ferlinghetti also leads the pressure group within the Radical Party to put limitations on abortion. She has at several time throughout her career let her Catholicism be known, although she describes herself as a 'compassionate Catholic' and has said, "I would not desire the abolition of abortion rights...merely restrictions on irresponsible freedoms." - In recognition of her work as the Food and Agriculture Minister, Stresseman promised her the job as Shadow Defence Minister once her ministership comes to a close. - In 2618, Ferlinghetti received her promotion, and was made Defence Minister, the first time a female member of the Radical Party has held this post. She promised to maintain the status quo of the military, despite the Radical Party leadership's tendency towards pacificism. This commitment to the status quo was reiterated by Party Leader Stresseman. - In 2619, Ferlinghetti founded the Bright Star Foundation, a conservative thinktank and communities project aimed at finding free-market solutions to low-income housing and instilling values in local communities. - Ferlinghetti is often placed as the most conservative member of the Radical Front Bench. - After Maria Snowdon's retirement, Ferlighetti received leadership of the Market Liberal faction. - Ferlinghetti put herself forward for Party Leaderhip in 2621, and received the endorsement of Maria Snowdon. - She secured first place in the first round, with 27.5% of the vote, but dropped to third place in the second round with 29.8%. She was eliminated from the contest, yet was named as Sylvia Hirst's Deputy on Hirst securing victory. - As Defence Minister, Ferlinghetti accompanied President Armitage in meeting with Migadon defence forces in the early days of the disagreements with Likatonia. She rejected calls to increase the budget, believing the current budget was satisfactory to repel an invasion. - In a Telamon Daily poll, Ferlinghetti was placed as the 2nd most popular Defence Minister with the Armed Forces, only beaten by Jan Rubenstein in his first term as Defence Minister (2562 - 2569). - After the 2627 election, Ferlinghetti immediately joked by shouting to the press, "Vote Radical next time, guys!". She has publicly expresssed her support for the continued leadership of Sylvia Hirst and her New Radical ideology. - Ferlinghetti helped plan the unity of the party in 2628, and reached out to True Radicals who also belonged to the Market-Liberals. Ferlinghetti also campaigned in 2631 on behalf of Presidential candidate Yasiji Kamatama. - In 2634, after the slight loss for the Radical Party, Ferlinghetti was handed the position of Party Leader. She appointed John Giles, Finance Minister, to the post of Deputy. - Ferlinghetti championed a 2635 early election after the departure of the National Union Party from Parliament. While the Liberal Coalition endorsed the DCD candidate Daunte Woodson for President, they failed to defeat the TNP incumbent. Ferlinghetti did win the Radical Party 7 seats, securing the Radical Party's reputation as the solid 'third party'. - In 2637, Ferlinghetti insisted that massive budget cuts were the only way to return Telamon to the strong economy of the Goldmark era, and insisted a "Bombard the Headquarters" mentality was necessary to destroy a new bureaucratic class which she described as a "cancer on the government...deeply entrenched to the very core of our government administration". - In the 2639 election, the Radicals lost 2 seats, but due to the rise of several new parties this was to be expected. Ferlinghetti remained unchallenged for the leadership, and vowed to continue her plans for cut backs, adopting the slogan "Bombard the Headquarters" as a new party motto. - In the 2641 early election, the Radical Party lost a further 5 seats under Ferlinghetti. Despite talk from the left-wing of the party Ferlinghetti's "Bombard the Headquarters" policy had alienated left-wing voters, Ferlinghetti insisted that she could turn the party's fortunes around with time. She received the endorsement of Party Chairman Suu-Moon, and was permitted to continue as leader without a leadership competition. She vowed to re-connect with centre-left voters and abandon her "Bombard the Headquarters" strategy. - In 2642, Ferlinghetti allowed her Catholicism to have a greater influence over her policy decisions, and supported devolution of social matters to local government. Although not calling on a bill for abortion restrictions, from fear of the repercussions from the left-wing of the party, she did say, "I would support one if it came to it". Her move towards social conservatism has been interpreted as an act of defiance to the supposed plotting of left-wing Shadow Ministers and backbenchers. - After the 2645 election, when the Radical Party lost a further 9 seats, Ferlinghetti resigned as Party Leader immediately. Party Chairman Miyako Suu-Moon appointed Birgit Pfeiffer to the position of Acting Party Leader for the duration of a leadership contest. - Ferlinghetti's legacy as Party Leader is a mixed one. Many saw potential for her in the early stages of her leadership, citing her initiative and strong track-record as tools she could have utilised to her benefit. The latter half of her leadership has received the most criticism, with her shift to the right blamed for the party's decline. Her refusal to step down after two bad election results has also received heated criticism, atlthough many blame her predecessor, Sylvia Hirst, for weaking the power of the Party Leader which many felt was responsible for the plotting in the latter days of Ferlinghetti's term as leader. - Ferlinghetti died in 2657, aged 78.

Jean Baptiste - Party Leader (2645 - 2665) - Deputy Party Leader (2639 - 2645) - Prime Minister (2662 - 2678) - Trade and Industry Minister (2634 - 2642) - Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2618 - 2628) - Acting Party Leader (2621 - 2622) - Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Member of the True Radical faction. - Baptiste is an atheist. - A former architect and town planner, Baptiste was drafted into the cabinet as Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister. - Committed to preserving the competetive nature of the transport industry, while ensuring a good service is provided. - In 2615, Baptiste became one in a long line of Radicals who attempted to grant greater power to local government, most importantly in regards to the reform of regional courts. - In 2618, Baptise became Infrastructure and Transport Minister, promising to enact the reforms he proposed and championing state rights. - Baptiste worked alongside Patrick Ellson and Sylvia Hirst on the 'Justice and Safety Act' of 2620. Baptiste authored the section on judicial devolution, while Ellson was more passionate about security force privatisation and ending capital punishment, and Hirst was more adamant on ensuring privacy. A well-respected member of the Front Bench, noted for his practical and realistic ideas, led Baptiste to receive the position of Acting Party Leader. He was known to be a close friend of both Patrick Ellson and Sylvia Hirst, and refused to endorse either. Baptiste laid out his energy plans in 2624, which included a New Radical approach to energy policy, generally a fusion of market interest with limited government regulation. It emphasised public and private power stations, private ownership of the National Grid, and encouragement of nuclear energy through subsidies and tax relief. - A former ally of Sylvia Hirst, in 2627, Baptiste unexpectantly joined the True Radicals in criticising Hirst's leadership and calling for an election. In 2631, Hirst promoted Baptiste to the post of Shadow Trade and Industry Minister. Many see this as attempting to pacify some of her key detractors and continue the detente between the two factions. - In 2634, after Patrick Ellson's retirement, Baptiste was named his successor as Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party. - In 2639, following John Giles' retirement, Baptiste was selected to succeed him as Deputy Party Leader. He is believed to present a 'friendlier' face to the austerity of Ferlinghetti's leadership. As Trade and Industry Minister, he has promised greater support for longtime industry workers, and a review of lowering tax for the worst off. - In 2639, Baptiste's younger sister, Ingrid, joined the Front Bench as Shadow Justice Minister. His youngest brother, Hans, is also a backbench MP for Migadon. In 2640, Baptiste lent his endorsement to Miyako Suu-Moon's new 5% flat tax, declaring that it reduced the tax burden on Telamon's worst off. In 2641, Baptiste was called on by rebel left-wing backbenchers to urge his sister, Ingrid Baptiste, to mount a leadership challenge to Party Leader Ferlingetti. Both Baptistes denied any involvement in the plotting of left-wing MPs, and individually offered their support to Party Leader Ferlinghetti. - After the 2645 election, Jean Baptiste resigned as Deputy Party Leader to concentrate his efforts on his bid for the Party Leadership, with the support of his popular sister Ingrid Baptiste. Baptiste won the final vote for leadership with 52.8%, with most of his support stemming from the left and centre. He emphasised, "The return to the days of Caccini and Silverton, a truly liberal party, a truly understanding party, a truly Radical Party!" His repositioning of the party is symbolised in his distance from the term 'New Radical', and instead referring to it as 'Caccinism'. - After winning the leadership, Baptiste organised a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle, removing many of the rightist elements of Ferlinghetti's cabinet, and promoting key left-wing members of the party. He also appointed his sister, Ingrid, to the role of Deputy Party Leader and Shadow Finance Minister. He promised a more "bold leadership" with "a rejuvenation of the role of the party leader". Some have interpreted this as moves to regain some of the powers of leadership lost under Sylvia Hirst to the Party Chairman. - Adopting a risky strategy, in 2646, only a year into gaining leadership of the party, Baptiste planned on capitalising from the disunity in the government to call for an early election. Baptiste insisted to his party that significant changes had been made to the party's ideology, and an early test of mandate for the ideology would decide the future progression of the party. - After the delayed 2649 elections, Baptiste was able to fight back against the Radical Party's previous decline in seats, and win back 10 seats. This reversed the effects of Ferlinghetti's previous defeat, and Baptiste claimed, "This will continue." It also returned the Radical Party to fourth place. Baptiste moved the Radicals even further to the left, embracing a more regulator-orientated economic policy than previously. The Radicals also strongly opposed the social conservatism promoted by the government's legislation. At the insistence of left-wing Shadow Ministers, led by Ezekiel Palin, Baptiste shifted the Radicals' economic policy to the left, favouring greater regulation. This was in direct opposition to Ingrid Baptiste's moderate economic policy he previously supported. - After the 2652 election, the Radicals lost 7 seats. Many backbenchers claimed it was Baptiste's shift to the left that produced such a result, and called for his replacement. Baptiste responded by sacking Chairman Miyako Suu-Moon, and implementing the Party Leader's "emergency powers" to abolish the position. When Suu-Moon rebelled and claimed the emergency powers did not grant him this authority, he expelled her from the party. He insisted he would not step down. - Despite the controversy within the party surrounding Suu-Moon expulsion, Baptiste survived the skirmish unscathed. Many attribute this to the unpopularity Suu-Moon had garnered during her failed tenure as Finance Minister, embittering many working-class voters towards her. In the early election of 2653 one year later, Baptiste successfully won back 3 seats previously lost, fielding anti-Suu-Moon candidates. - In 2657, Baptiste was successful in winning a further 5 seats, the first time the Radicals had consistently risen in seats over two elections since 2611. This coincided with a massive victory in the presidential election, winning the Presidency for the first time since Yasiji Kamatama's term in office which ended in 2634. - In 2658, Baptiste was attacked by President Straub for holding a "dictatorial" hold over the party. Straub encouraged Baptiste to call a cabinet reshuffle, allowing more right-wing ministers onto the Front Bench. - In 2659, Straub's criticisms of Baptiste intensified, claiming that Baptiste was "neglecting the fruit of the party's right-wing in favour of substandard left-wing Ministers", even going to far as to claim ""the next election could be lost by Baptiste's unabashed left-wing partisanship". Privately, Baptiste referred to Straub as "the old coot". - In 2660, despite predictions internal bickerings may lose both men support, Baptiste was successful in winning 2 seats for the Radical Party as well as aiding in Straub's presidential re-election victory. Baptiste conceded that he would call a cabinet reshuffle in the next term. - In 2662, Baptiste was made Prime Minister in President Straub's Liberal-Conservative Coalition Government. This made Baptiste the first Radical Prime Minister in over 60 years. - In 2663, Baptiste announced his intentions to step down as Party Leader after the next general election, citing his old age as his reason. Pundits believe his younger sister Ingrid, Finance Minister, will succeed him. - In 2664, Baptiste delivered a surprise boost to the party in the general election, winning 22 seats and pushing the Radical Party into the position of the second largest party. While some critics believe Baptiste's cabinet reshuffle appealed to right-wing supporters who had previously stayed at home, others believed it was actually Baptiste's announcement of his own retirement which prompted supporters of Ingrid Baptiste to 'get out the vote'. - In 2665, Baptiste retired from the position of Party Leader, passing it to his younger sister, Ingrid Baptiste. He vowed to stay on as Prime Minister under his term expires. - His legacy as Party Leader saw him salvage the reputation of the party, and restore its fortunes after a consecutive dwindligng in support. He restored the party's ethical credentials, drawing together a coalition of liberals, social democrats and free-market supporters in a broadly left-wing agenda. He was called by the Telamon Independent after the 2664 election, "the most successful Radical Leader in 50 years". Baptiste was also the longest-serving Party Leader, serving for 20 years, and the only Party Leader to retire after a successful general election. His reputation however was tarnished by his controlling tendencies and his dictatorial hold over the party. He was seen as a thorn in the side of the party's right-wing, and his success often led his more bellicose attributes to be overlooked. - Due to legislative deadlock, with no political party strong enough to push through a new cabinet, Baptiste was forced to continue in the role of Prime Minister long past the end of his tenure as Party Leader. Due to his dwindling health and old age, Baptiste passed many of the duties to his sister, Ingrid Baptiste, who as Finance Minister also took on the role of de facto Prime Minister. - In 2678, Baptiste's term as Prime Minister ended, making him the longest-serving Radical Prime Minister in history. Towards the end of his tenure his old age had prevented him from taking an active role. - Baptiste died in 2678, aged 92.

Ingrid Baptiste - Party Leader (2665 - 2678) - Deputy Party Leader (2645 - 2665) - Finance Minister (2662 - 2678) - Shadow Justice Minister (2639 - 2645) - Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Member of the New Radical faction. - Baptiste is an agnostic. - A trade union lawyer and feminist writer before becoming an MP, Baptiste was promoted to the Front Bench in 2639. - The sister of Deputy Party Leader Jean Baptiste, Ingrid is also a member of the Social Radical wing, and the second-oldest Baptiste sibling who is an MP for the Radical Party. Hans Baptiste, their younger brother, is a backbench MP for Migadon. - She describes herself as a 'social liberal' and expresses admiration for Luanna Silverton, who she claims was a large influence on her own political ideals as a centre-left politician. While her brother Jean Baptiste holds more admiration for the leftism of Umberto Caccini, Ingrid's fiscal moderation imitate the success of Silverton. - She supported Sylvia Hirst throughout the whole conflict between the New Radicals and the True Radicals, and mustered support for the party leader with trade unions. - Baptiste is also passionate about art, and is a notable art collector. In 2635 she bought her own gallery 'The Kitchen' in Ferescia, displaying abstract and installation art. - As a teenager, Baptiste was a model, and is often described as the most attractive senior politician. - In 2641, Baptiste made an inspirational speech following the early election defeat. Baptiste called for a new burst of hope and commitment to reform from all wings of the party, as well as a certain amount of self-criticism and accountability to the party and the electorate. She orated, "A party does not lose support by doing things right - somewhere we have let people down, in expectations or performance, and until we correct this we do not deserve to form a government". - Following Baptiste's speech, several left-wing MPs called for Baptiste to mount a leadership challenge to Party Leader Ferlinghetti, and called on her brother, Deputy Party Leader Jean Baptiste to support her bid. - After several days of silence on the issue, Baptiste denied any plans to pose a leadership challenge to Ferlinghetti, and offered her support to both Ferlinghetti and her brother Jean as a "more than competent leadership team". She did however concede, "we must ensure that we are working towards the aims and expectations of the people...which may not always mean our own natural motivations". - In 2645, following Ferlinghetti's resignation, despite the earlier calls for Ingrid to mount a leadership challenge to Ferlinghetti, she ruled herself out of the contest and endorsed her brother, Jean Baptiste. She claimed she did not have the ministerial experience necessary to lead the party effectively, but she did say she would "gladly assist her brother in managing of the party, should he be elected as leader". Many have interpreted this as a hint she would seek the role of Deputy Party Leader. - Following her brother's victory to the role of Party Leader, Ingrid was promoted to the role of Deputy Party Leader. This move was surrounded with controversy, due to their relationship, which many saw as a monopoly on the power of the ledadership. Ingrid was also promoted to the role of Shadow Finance Minister, replacing the vastly unpopular Miyako Suu-Moon. Ingrid promised financial policies more suitable to those of the lowest of incomes. - Following the 2649 election, Baptiste laid out the majority of her economic policy, aimed at preventing the free-market from damaging those on lowest income, but also cultivating economic growth. Despite this, her views were overridden by a general consensus amongst left-wing members of the Front Bench that the Radicals' should embrace greater regulation. Baptiste, a fiscal moderate, disagreed with this course of action, but was unheard. - After the 2652 election, Baptiste's prediction that a fiscal policy which was too regulatory would isolate middle-class voters was proved correct, and she regained control of fiscal policy. She began putting in place a free-market policy which prevented damage to those on the lowest incomes, which still allowing for the growth of the middle classes. - Muttering reached the newspapers during the 2650s that the two Baptistes were not a totally unified front. Reported disagreements over the direction of the party accompanied rumours that the siblings were in an argument over the succession of the party. Ingrid was presumed to be the heir to the party, when her older brother eventually stepped down, but rumours that Jean did not trust his sister's judgement hit the headlines. - After rumours of disagreements, in 2657 the two Baptistes appeared together at a campaign rally for Peter Straub. They publically appeared friendly and close, embracing several times. Baptiste Sr. commented, "I look forward to the day when my sister can continue in my footsteps". Many saw this as an endorsement for her future leadership of the party. - In 2662, Baptiste became Finance Minister. This was her first cabinet post, and positioned many pundits to believe she would be the successor to the party leadership when her aging steps down. - In 2664, after a great success for the Radical Party, many political commentators believed that Baptiste's personal popularity and her known status as the successor to the party after the election was a key factor in the outcome. Analysts referred to it as "The Ingrid Effect". - In 2665, Baptiste became Party Leader after 20 years as Deputy Leader. She appointed Matthew Charles, Shadow Justice Minister, to the position of Deputy. She cited her aims as, "a continuation of the progressive aims accomplished in the past 20 years". - In 2667, the Radical Party lost 7 seats, yet few pointed the finger at Baptiste. Many blamed her Shadow Finance Minister, Rebecca Witherspoon, and her open affiliation with Marxism. Baptiste vowed to regain control of fiscal policy. - In 2668, Baptiste reaffirmed her position as Finance Minister by balancing the budget, slashing the Defence budget and bolstering funding to education and health. This won support from the left-wing, but criticism from the right. In 2669, Baptiste attempted to pass a new tax reform, aimed at providing a 3% tax cut to those on lowest income, while increasing tax by 5% to the wealthiest. Although garnering support, it did not amass enough votes to succeed. In 2670, Baptiste proposed an even more Radical tax plan, slashing tax by 3% for the working poor, 1% for the lower working-class, and creating a new 45% tax bracket on the super-rich. - In 2671, Baptiste won 20 seats for the Radical Party and a presidential election, besting her brother's final election by 13 seats. Upon receiving the news, Baptiste called a snap small-scale cabinet change, moving Maxist Shadow Finance Minister Rebecca Witherspoon to the Justice Ministry, and replacing her with moderate Deputy Party Leader Matthew Charles. - In 2674, Baptiste won a further 7 seats, pushing the Radical Party's seat share to over 100, the first time in 80 years, since the days of Luanna Silverton, one of Baptiste's political idols. This also coincided with the re-election of Michelle Bustamante, the first Radical President to improve their majority since Dominic Armitage in 2624. - In 2678, after the election result in which the Radicals lost 6 seats they had gained from the last election, and lost the presidential election due to the defection of the Social Democratic Party, Baptiste gave a teary public resignation as Party Leader. - The legacy Baptiste left behind was of a great innovator of the party, committed to a moderate centre-left agenda with an ethical fibre. Working alongside rightists and leftists within the party, Baptiste won the respect of many for undeniably rejuvenating the fortunes of the Radical Party. - In 2679, Baptiste came out of her brief retirement to be named Radical Party presidential candidate for the next election. Baptiste was subsequently defeated, winning only 41.06% of the vote, effectively ending her political career forever.

Angel Everitt - Party Leader (2688 - 2693) - Deputy Party Leader (2681 - 2688) - Shadow Defence Minister (2678 - 2688) - Shadow Science and Energy Minister (2661 - 2678) - Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2645 - 2661) - Member of the Social Radical wing of the party. - Member of the New Radical faction. - Everitt is a Unitarian. - A former pupil of former Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister Florence Luiz, Everitt was educated in Environmental Science at the University of Lirona. - Everitt belongs to a family of Radical Party supporters, raised in one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Lirona. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Everitt spent much of his childhood working with the very poor, as his family were devoted to charity work. - Everitt came to prominence within the party as a popular leader of the Young Radicals, and was elected President of the Young Radical Student Union while at university. After spending some time working as an environmental researcher, Everitt began work for the Radical Party. - As a politician Everitt became closely associated with the centre-left of the party. He supported calls for Ingrid Baptiste to pose a leadership challenge to Emilia Ferlinghetti, and also worked closely with Shika Matsumura in her presidential election campaign. - Everitt campaigned for Jean Baptiste in the 2645 leadership election, and was rewarded with a cabinet place on his victory. - As Shadow Environment Minister, Everitt maintained a broadly skeptical position towards environmental reform. Labelling himself a humanist, Everitt explained that while environmental reform may be important, social progression and egalitarianism are of greater concerns. - In 2658, Everritt attempted to make the passport system for streamlineed for foreoign travel and make availability easier. His act was struck down in Parliament. - In 2661, Everitt was moved to the Science ministry. Reportedly unhappy with the move, he was given the title of Energy Minister also, in order to continue his environmental pursuits. - Everitt attacked the institution of a public media section, likening it to a 'communist dictatorship'. He later called on Parliament to privatise all TV and radio, to 'defend liberty of the press'. - In 2678, Everitt was moved to the Defence ministry, his first major promotion. Despite lacking any military experience, Hutton believed Everitt's moral countenance would lend ethics to the Radicals' defence policies. - In 2681, Everitt launched his bid for the party leadership, claiming Hutton and Dunwoody were 'extremists' within the party. He came a narrow second to Hutton in the second round, and was announced as Hutton's Deputy Party Leader. - During his time as Deputy Party Leader, Everitt served as a backroom figure, gaining the respect of the party's left-wing and centre for his competency and knowledge of various fields. He allowed Hutton the limelight, which also served to help him evade blame for Hutton's mistakes. - After the 2685 election, Everitt acted to console Hutton and urged him to continue as leader unchallenged. He spoke to the party, asking them to rally behind Hutton once more, claiming, "This man may be our only chance." - After the 2688 election, and Hutton's third electoral defeat and subsequent election, Everitt stood for party leadership unchallenged. He appointed Rebecca Witherspoon, his close friend and left-wing ally, as his Deputy Party Leader. - As leader, Everitt played to his moderate centrist image, distancing himself from the leftism of his past. He presented himself as a liberal, concerned with freedom and ethics in government. - In 2692, Everitt won 9 seats, the first time the Radicals had gained seats since the 2674 election. The Radicals were also successful in seizing back the Presidency. Everitt was assured of his continuation as leader. - In 2693, Everitt died unexpectedly at the age of 78.

Presidential Candidates
Dr. Eric Armand, Ph.D Election: July 2560 Age: 62, died aged 90 (2498 - 2588) Birthplace: Telapolis, Migadon Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Liberal Social: Liberal Endorsements: Umberto Caccini, Luanna Silverton, Nora Paxman Profession: Civil Servant, Army Captain, Lecturer Religious Beliefs: Unitarian

Born into an affluent family -his father a Unitarian preacher and mother a private school Dean- was a bright child and an eager learner. He went on to study Economics at the University of Migadon, and then received his doctorate in Philosophy. He worked for many years in the Foreign Service, before joining the Armed Forces to seek a more 'practical vocation'. When leaving the Army, Armand returned to the University of Migadon to teach Philosophy.

He was an active member of the Radical Party since its birth, considered a member of the 'Migadon Clique', a group of wealthy liberal intellectuals that were mostly responsible for the funding of the party in its earliest days. While fostering close relations with party leader Kristian Donson, Armand is an active proponent of social liberalisation, and has sits in the Moderate camp of the party.

Armand has supported the financial reforms of Radical Finance Minister Fieren Goldmark, and supports a limited welfare state, which he calls 'an investment in the public good'. He supports free-market economics, but understands the need for limited state intervention. He espouses a policy of 'ordoliberalism', and seeks the creation of a 'social market'.

After his defeat in the 2560 presidential election, Armand joined the Radical Shadow Cabinet, replacing Umberto Caccini as Foreign Affairs spokesman, and served as the longest-serving Foreign Affairs spokesman without ever taking office.

He died in 2588, aged 90 (2498 - 2588).

DEFEATED: 14,306,798 votes - 12.69% - 5th place

Shika Matsumura Election: January 2645 Age: 42 Birthplace: Kamatama City, Juhon Party Wing: Social Radical Fiscal: Moderate Social: Liberal Endorsements: Yasiji Kamatama, Jean Baptiste, Ingrid Baptiste, Ezekiel Palin Profession: Environmentalist Religious Beliefs: Atheist

Matsumura was born in 2603 as a citizen of the Socialist Republic of Juhon, and spent all of her childhood there. Her parents were bureaucrats in the ruling Socialist People's Party, and Matsumura was educated at the People's Academy of Juhon in Environmental Science. Beginning her career as an environmentalist working for the state-run agricultural corps, Matsumura's family became embroiled in a public financing scandal, and were forced to flee the country. Initially fleeing to Likatonia, Matsumura left her family behind to start a new life in Telamon at the age of 26.

At the age of 32, while working for an environmental research group based in Telamon, Matsumura became a naturalised Telamonian, and developed an interest in politics. Raised under the socialist propaganda of Juhon, Matsumura had a natural belief in the righteousness of collective action, but also was taken by the ideas of liberalism and freedom. She joined at the Radical Party at the age of 36, and became active as a researcher into environmental policy. Recognised by the team of Yasiji Kamatama, due to her Juhonese heritage, Matsumura was promoted to Chief Policy Director on the Environment at Kamatama's instruction. Working under Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister, Roger O'Reilly, Matsumura came to the attention of a clique of left-wing Ministers and backbench MPs, including the Baptistes, Yasiji Kamatama, and Ezekiel Palin.

In early 2644, Matsumura filed a surprise entry to the race for the Presidential candidacy, spurred on by the encouragement of endorsements from high profile left-wingers. Facing off against long-time Shadow Minister Callan Ardrant, the preferred choice of right-wing Ministers including Party Leader Ferlinghetti, Matsumura won a narrow victory for the nomination by winning Lirona and Sevescia and drawing with Ardrant in Ferene. Many see Matsumura's selection as a candidate merely part of the alleged plotting of left-wing Ministers to oust Party Leader Ferlinghetti from power, and bolster the power of the left-wing within the party.

DEFEATED: 57,902,665 votes - 45.45% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation

Florence Luiz Election: June 2649, December 2652 Age: 62 Birthplace: Telapolis, Migadon Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Moderate Social: Liberal Endorsements: Yasiji Kamatama, Jean Baptiste, Ingrid Baptiste, Ezekiel Palin, Roger O'Reilly, Morton Macallister Profession: Lecturer Religious Beliefs: Atheist

Born into a family of middle-class professionals, Luiz was raised in an environment of cosmopolitan and liberal attitudes. Her father a painter and mother a lawyer, she developed a passion for learning and culture from a young age. Recognised by her teachers as a competent student, she became known for her feisty attitude and independence. Despite the liberal attitudes of her parents, against their wishes Luiz persuaded them to send her to boarding school. She believed that at boarding school she could hone her independence and learn the skills of self-survival.

An excellent pupil, Luiz attended the University of Ferene on the mainland, studying Politics and Environmental Science. While at university, Luiz became involved in student politics, and joined the Radical Party. Luiz campaigned with Amália Caccini in the crucial 2603 election. An outspoken member of the student body, Luiz refused to tow the party line, and openly challenged Radical Party policy and the leadership of the student organisations. She became sympathetic to the left-wing of the party, but due to her middle-class background, felt uncomfortable in the Social Radical wing of the party, instead feeling more at easy amongst the left-leaning Moderates who idolised Luanna Silverton.

Graduating summa cum laude in her degree, Luiz pursued a career as a lecturer at the University of Ferene, eventually becoming one of the leading experts on global warming. Leaving teaching at the age of 30, Luiz won her seat as an MP in the 2614 election with a seat back in Migadon. She received a speedy promotion by Rodfram Stresseman to the position of Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister, due to her recognition in the field of global warming. She held this position for 14 years.

Despite serving on the Front Bench, Luiz maintained her reputation as a bolshy character, and openly questioned the decisions of both Stresseman and his successor, Sylvia Hirst. Luiz infamously clashed with Hirst in their first cabinet meeting, and this feud continued throughout Hirst's tenure as leader. After the disastrous 2627 election, Luiz became one of the loudest voices calling for Hirst's resignation, and one of the closest supporters of Miyako Suu-Moon's schism. Gaining support from the left-wing backbenchers, Luiz and several other backbenchers, such as Yarrow Dunwoody, spearheaded a scheme to lead the left-wing of the party to break away from the Radicals and found a new party under the name of the "Social Radical Party". When this idea fell through, Luiz threatened to resign from the Radical Party if Hirst did not step down. After Hirst's refusal to step down, Luiz resigned from both the cabinet and the Radical Party, serving until the next election as an independent. After Hirst's revival in 2631, Luiz lost her seat to the DCD candidate, and briefly returned to lecturing.

After Hirst's resignation as Party Leader in 2634, Luiz returned to the Radical Party, and stood as a candidate for office as a Radical once again in 2635, which she won. Although keeping a low profile, Luiz joined with other left-wing backbenchers in a plot to remove Ferlinghetti, and called for the popular Ingrid Baptiste to mount a leadership challenge. Upon Jean Baptiste coming to the leadership, Luiz once again returned to prominence within the party, and although not a meber of the Front Bench returned to the inner circle. In 2646, Baptiste selected Luiz as his candidate for the next presidential election, owing to her opposition to Ferlinghetti and her charismatic bolshyness. Despite protests from Luiz's former-ally Suu-Moon, Baptiste suspended the primaries, and personally selected Luiz as the only candidate.

After Luiz's defeat, Jean Baptiste insisted that she should be given another chance to in the Presidency. He suspended any further candidacy selection competitions, nominating Luiz for the presidential candidate undisputed for the second time.

After Luizs second failed presidency bid, Jean Baptiste offered her a return to the Front Bench in 2652 after he expelled Miyako Suu-Moon from the party. Luiz returned to the cabinet as Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister.

DEFEATED: 65,160,465 votes - 46.39% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party and the Rightful Radical Party

DEFEATED: 53,866,628 votes - 40.10% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party and the Rightful Radical Party

Juan Castiglioni Election: August 2667 Age: 62 Birthplace: Tehachapi, Sevescia Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Liberal Social: Liberal Endorsements: Riccardo Garcia-Lopez, Peter Straub, Ingrid Baptiste, Roger O'Reilly Profession: Psychologist, Crimonologist, Self-Help Author Religious Beliefs: Agnostic

Born into an upper middle-class family of liberal intellectuals, Castiglioni attended some of the finest schools in Telamon. A keen sports player, throughout his teenage years his key ambition was to become an Olympic athlete, but an accident at the age of 17 damaged his mobility, and crushed any chance of fulfilling his dream. The son of psychiatrists, Castiglioni went on to study Psychology at the University of Sevescia, before studying for his Masters in Crimonology. During his time as a student, he was not political, but an active member of the universty's Secular Society. His thesis in his final years focussed on the effects of religion on crime, proposing that religious beliefs incited crime, and did not combat it.

After a brief stint as a lecturer at the University of Lirona, Castiglioni left academics to write a series of self-help books, primarily around the issue of religion. His first book to gain a critical reception offered to cure people of 'the illness known as religion'. The controversy surrounding the book led to it topping the best sellers chart. He went on to become one of the best selling authors of self-help books.

Contacted by Radical Party Leader Rodfram Stresseman, Castiglioni was offered a job as as an advisor for the Radical Party on crime prevention. His success in the task led him to become Chief Policy Director for Internal Affairs, working closely with Internal Affairs Minister Patrick Ellson. Castiglioni's next book came out in support of the Radical Party, attacking the TNP for courting the Chrstian Right and playing on racial stereotypes and prejudices.

2627, Castiglioni stood for office, but was unsuccessful in becoming elected. He became greatly involved with Yasiji Kamatama's second election campaign, acting as Deputy Campaign Manager. He also co-ordinated his own second election campaign. His next election was a greater success, winning a seat in Parliament in 2631. He declared himself a centrist at this point, although slightly to the right of centre.

In 2634, after Patrick Ellson's retirement, Sylvia Hirst offered Castiglioni the job of Shadow Internal Affairs Minister. He proved to garner some respect in the role, and was believed to be offered a place in government, but was ultimately overlooked by DCD President Daunte Woodson. During this time Castiglioni allied himself with the centre-right of the party, rallying to the support of conservative Party Leader Emilia Ferlinghetti amid rumours of a left-wing plot to oust her. Castiglioni endorsed Riccardo Garcia-Lopez for Party Leader, which was the undoing of his political career, as he was sacked from the cabinet after Garcia-Lopez was unsucessful.

Dwelling in the backbenches, Castiglioni moved his positions back to the centre, emphasising his record as a progressive on crime and an expert in the field. He also flaunted his electioneering talents and spin capabilities in waging a negative campaign against Miyako Suu-Moon after he announced his candidacy for President.

Castiglioni ultimately lost the election, despite the endorsements of the majority of parties. Bitter towards the defeat Castiglioni issued a controversial press statement to his supporters, attacking his opponent's sexuality. These comments received derision from across the party, and Castiglioni was suspended from the party by Ingrid Baptiste.

DEFEATED: 65,886,842 votes - 46.24% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party, Freedom Party and Liberal Party of Telamon

Presidents
Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume Election: November 2561, October 2572, October 2576 Age: 41 (60 when she left office), died age 95 (2520 - 2615) Birthplace: Ferescia, Ferene Party Wing: Social Radical Fiscal: Moderate Social: Liberal Endorsements: Umberto Caccini, Nora Paxman, Winston Travers, Democratic Capitalist Party, Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party Profession: Professional tennis player, Philanthropist Religious Beliefs: Agnostic

Natalya Petrovskaya was born into a family of working-class immigrants, the youngest daughter of the Petrovski family. Growing up with 5 siblings, Natalya found solace in tennis, and was recognised at a young age as something of a tennis protege.

Natalya never achieved a university education, instead honing her skills as a professional tennis player, first of national standing, and then at an international level. At the age of 25, Natalya was recognised as the Women's World Tennis Champion, and was endorsed for a number of products, becoming a household name. While tennis was her passion, Natalya was a keen philanthropist, and was deeply concerned with the working-classes and immigrant minorities that she had once been a part of. She famously mentioned her political activism in her acceptence speech for the World Tennis Trophy, cauing controversy when accused of politicising the sport.

She joined the Radical Party at its formation, belonging to the Left-Liberal wing of the Party, closely aligned with Umberto Caccini. In her presidential candidacy speech, she mentioned her key concerns as: economic progress, social justice, environmental reform and civil rights bolstering. She criticses the Conservative opposition for its unfeeling position towards immigrants and the working-classes, but scorns the socialist left-wing for its concentration of power in the state. Natalya believes that citizens, particularly the under-represented, should be 'stakeholders in democracy'.

Upon receiving the Presidency (first Radical Party's candidate to do so) she pledged her commitment to a fair system of government, which she calls the 'Fair Deal'. Her top priorities are the fusion of market and public interests, environmental reconciliation and immigration reform.

Natalya won the biggest presidential landslide since Mitt Romney in the July 2554 Presidential election seven years before. She is the first woman President to serve in 70 years, since Karen Debs won the Presidential election in December 2491.

She decided not to stand for re-election, and received a standing ovation from Parliament for her Closing Speech to the House. She endorsed Radical Party candidate, Thomas Kettering, in the 2565 election.

After Thomas Kettering's refusal to stand for re-election, the RRP ascended to the Presidency. At the insistence of Party Leader Umberto Caccini, Natalya agreed to put herself forward as a United Liberal candidate in order to end the Conservative coalition.

She was once again successful, coinciding with a massive Radical victory in the legislative elections, and on winning the presidency for the second time emphasised her new term would promote social justice, economic strength and moderation. She claims that she will embody all three wings of the Radical Party in her Presidency, to create a truly Radical Telamon.

Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume stood for re-election in 2576, with the support of the DCD and TMP, and secured her largest electoral victory yet. In her inauguration speech, she decried the polarisation of politics and the rise of the extreme right, with the electoral success of far-right Telamon National Party.

Natalya declared early into her presidency that she would not be seeking re-election for a fourth term in office, due to her belief that change is necessary, and also the uncontrollable drift of the electorate to the right. Her final term has been characterised by the liberal factions taking the defencive, attempting to retain the policies they have put in place.

After her retirement from politics, Natalya campaigned for various sporting charities, and was inducted into the International Society of Female World Leaders, along with various women from the academic, political, scientific and business fields. She has recently campaigned for the Radical Party, and led party fundraisers, but largely remains outside of politics.

She died in 2615, aged 95 (2520 - 2615). Before she died, she declared she did not wish for a State Funeral. She had become very reclusive in her final years, and shyed away from media attention.. She had however endorsed Sylvia Hirst for party leadership in 2614.

VICTORIOUS: 60,010,332 votes - 58.17% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party

VICTORIOUS: 63,207,772 votes - 54.49% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party

VICTORIOUS: 69,868,126 votes - 58.46% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

Thomas Kettering Election: November 2565 Age: 49 (52 when he left office), died age 84 (2516 - 2600) Birthplace: Parrah, Migadon Party Wing: Market-Liberal Fiscal: Libertarian Social: Conservative Endorsements: Fieren Goldmark, Kristian Donson, Maria Snowdon, Jan Rubenstein, Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume Profession: Barrister, CEO of Kettering Gold Mining Religious Beliefs: Catholic

Thomas Kettering was born into a middle-class family, the son of a Director of Goldmining Company and a High School Teacher, with two siblings. His family were active in their local Church community, and Kettering excelled at school, receiving education at two of the most prestigious private schools in Telamon. He went on to study Law at the Academie Normale Superieur, an exclusive Catholic private university, where he received First Class Honours.

Kettering trained as a Barrister, and served in the Lirona State Justice System for ten years. He proved himself as something of a judicial conservative, emphasising the necessity for a tougher stance on crime and longer punishments. He ran for the post of District Attorney, but was unsuccessful in his bid.

With the death of his father, Kettering inherited Kettering Gold Mining, and the position of CEO. Under Kettering, the company grew by a considerable margin, and expanded internationally. Many believed that Kettering's diret management style, and belief in devolution of power was critical to the company's success.

Kettering mixed in the same social circles as Kristian Donson, and was an early supporter of the Radical Party, Kettering Gold Mining fast becoming a major donator to party funds. After incumbent Petrovskaya-Guillaume announced she would not be running for President again, the right-wing of the party quickly championed Kettering for the position.

Kettering is a fiscal libertarian, and believes in limiting the role of the state in economic affairs. He describes himself as a 'minarchist', and has been cited as saying 'the private sector has 40% effiency on the state in 90% of affairs'. He is also a social moderate, and believes in sensible restrictions in notable excesses. He says, "While we should all be free to live our own lives, I find it a terrifying prospect that the state should have no say in the moral practice of the nation...morality is perhaps the only role the State has a right to interfere in".

Kettering won the Presidential election, and in his Inauguration speech emphasised fiscal neutrality, co-operation and an emphasis on prosperity as his key concerns.

After following the success of his predecessor Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume attempted to capitalise on her gain and push through several privatisation measures, while maintaining Petrovskaya-Guillaume's policy of co-operation between left and right. Kettering was unsuccessful in proposing three new cabinets, blocked by the TACP's majority share in the coalition vote, and this spelled the weakness of his presidency.

While vainly working alongside Finance Minister Fieren Goldmark to gather support for his privatisation reforms, he was unable to prevent the calling of an early election. Infuriated by the weakness of his position and the polarisation of politics, Thomas Kettering refused to stand for re-election. Umberto Caccini, Leader of the Radical Party, did not field a replacement, and instead supported the TACP's bid for presidency. Kettering returned to business, and resigned from the Radical Party.

He later became a supporter of the Telamon National Party. He attempted to secure the candidacy for TNP Presidential candidate, but failed. He died in 2600, age 84 (2516 - 2600).

VICTORIOUS: 54,562,684 votes - 57.05% - 1st place, endorsed by the United Socialist Peoples Party Kristian Donson Election: June 2582, June 2586, September 2587, September 2591 Age: 59 (72 when he left office), died age 91 (2523 - 2614) Birthplace: Parrah, Migadon Party Wing: Market-Liberal Fiscal: Liberal Social: Conservative Endorsements: Fieren Goldmark, Maria Snowdon, Luanna Silverton, Telamon Minarchist Party Profession: Property Tycoon, Philosopher Religious Beliefs: Atheist

Born into a lower middle-class family of civil servants, Donson rebellled against his workaholic parents with a vibrance and attitude for innovation. By the age of 24, Donson was one of Migadon's youngest entrepreneurs, and something of a playboy in the local society.

Belatedly regretting not taking a university education, Donson went to university at the age of 30 to study Philosophy. His education inspired him to write the Migadon Times bestseller, "Conservative Freedoms", which layed out his ideology of 'responsible liberty'.

Acknowledging the lack of middle-class centrist parties with a secular bent, Donson invited several key figures associated with the centre of politics to a convention in Migadon that went on to found the Radical Party. At odds with the majority of his fellow party members idelogically, it was Donson's vibrance and energy that won him the place of party leader, despite his concession to the conservative right on many issues. Despite a rebellious left wing of the party, Donson managed to maintain control of the party for 10 years, with the support of Luanna Silverton. He was noted to be sceptical and distrustful of others and their intentions, hence never appointing a deputy leader.

After his massive defeat in the 2560 election, Donson resigned and returned to business, although still played a central role in the periphery of the party, considered something of a hero by the party's right-wing. As the Radicals under Goldmark shift closer to the right, Donson declared his intention to stand as their candidate in the next presidential election.

In June 2582, Donson won a massive landslide victory, easily defeating the incumbent TNP president Roy Cropper to over 50% of the vote without a need for a run-off election. Donson promised to embrace the classical liberal policies promoted by Radical Party leader Fieren Goldmark, while maintaining his maverick and controversial individualism as well.

During his term, Donson aggravated Parliament with his expected difficult leadership style and his affable egotism. His attempts to formalise the office of President, while successful, were not appreciated by the House. He also took an active part in foreign affairs, calling for an isolationist stance towards the Hutori Civil War. He was accused of mingling with fugitives when he offered to keep on the Hutori Royal Family as his special guests at the Presidential Palace.

Despite this, he stood for re-election, hoping that he could rely on his old eccentric charm in order to win him a second term. His result was outstanding, easily defeating his rival Susan Smith in the second round, and particularly shone in the debates centred around race.

In September 2587, Donson was forced to stand again for early election, by many considered a time to seek mandate after calls from the extreme right-wing about his mandate to govern. Donson won the largest presidential electoral victory in the history of the Radical Party, reinforcing his popularity amongst the people of Telamon, recorded at around 76% approval rating.

Standing for his fourth and final term in office in 2591, Donson again won a massive majority, securing well-over he 50% threshold in the first round, avoiding the need of a run-off election. In November 2591, a school shooting in Antepec took place, killing 15 people and injuring 27 more. Kristian Donson travelled to Antepec to attend the funeral of the victims, and spoke out against the pressure placed on children, calling for a new way of approaching frustrated teenagers. Donson's natural and stark response to the tragedy won universal praise, and dismissed accusations of being unfeeling and distant.

Donson retired from politics after his fourth term as President, ending in September 2595, serving in the role for 13 years.

He died in 2614 of a stroke, and was buried with a State Funeral for his status as one of Telamon's longest-serving democratically-elected Presidents.

VICTORIOUS: 63,834,862 votes - 51.28% - endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party, the Telamon Minarchist Party and the Humanic Republicanist Party

VICTORIOUS: 68,805,091 votes - 62.57% - endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party, the Telamon Minarchist Party and the Humanic Republicanist Party

VICTORIOUS: 72,960,801 votes - 65.09% - endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

VICTORIOUS: 65,405,134 votes - 54.97% - endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

Amália Caccini Election: September 2595, September 2599, September 2603 Age: 37 (49 when she left office), died aged 86 (2558 - 2644) Birthplace: Sidonia, Sevescia Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Liberal Social: Liberal Endorsements: Umberto Caccini, Luanna Silverton, Nora Paxman, Kristian Donson, Democratic Capitalist Delegation Profession: Corporate and Political Interpreter Religious Beliefs: Atheist

The daughter of former Party Leader Umberto Caccini, Amália Caccini has been in the public light since her father's induction, first as his devoted daughter and supporter, and then since 2587 as a politician in her own right. Studying at the Imperial Sevescia Academy as an interpreter, Caccini built up business experience as a corporate interpreter, working for multi-nationals in Dolgaria and Lodamun. Political at heart, she enlisted for a job as a Political Interpreter, accompanying politicians to foreign countries and aiding in negotiations, offering her expertise in foreign languages.

She served as political interpreter to DCD Foreign Minister Kirk Morrison for seven years, before leaving his office to pursue a career in politics on her own. Initially failing to receive a billing on the electoral register, due to Goldmark-era prejudices against the 'leftism' of the Caccini name, when Luanna Silverton became Party Leader in 2587, Caccini received Silverton's personal support, and a safe seat in Sevescia.

The decision to run as President represents the new enthusiasm of the Radicals' for a youthful persona, and connect with a younger electorate. Caccini boasts foreign affairs as her area of expertise, but her grasp of economic theory is also seen as competent due to her corporate background. As the daughter of one of the Radical Party's most successful and divisive figures, his daughter has both the benefits and hindrances of his legacy at her disposal.

Caccini was elected as President in September 2595, vowing to protect the liberty of the people of Telamon, crack down on rebellion, reinforce the sovreignty of Parliament, and broker relations with other nations on behalf of Telamon.

Despite an uneventful first term in office, Caccini's popularity stood the test against Silverton's unpopularity, and secured a successful first round victory.

In one of the closest re-elections in Radical history, Caccini secured a third term after extensive campaigning to emphasise her 'common touch', including a nationwide tour of Telamon and a well-received appearance on 'The Morning Show' on which she was praised for her honesty in discussing her teenage annorexia and sometimes tense relations with her father.

After she left office, serving as President for 12 years, Amália Caccini became Goodwill Ambassador for the Annorexia-Bulimia Medical Group, a charity promoting eating disorder awareness and treatment. A keen fan of the opera, she also became Patron of the Silescia Opera Society in Antepec.

Caccini endorsed Sylvia Hirst in 2622 for party leadership, which she eventually won. Both Radical female Presidents, Petrovskaya-Guillaume and Caccini, have endorsed Hirst at least once in her bids for party leadership.

She died in 2644, aged 86 (2558 - 2644)

VICTORIOUS: 65,409,802 votes - 54.25% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Telamon Minarchist Party 

VICTORIOUS: 66,723,182 votes - 51.33% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Telamon Minarchist Party 

VICTORIOUS: 54,929,862 votes - 50.43% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Telamon Minarchist Party, Democratic Socialist Alternative and the Rightful Radical Party

Fieren Goldmark Election: September 2607, March 2611, September 2614 Age: 79 (90 when he left office), died age 91 (2528 - 2619) Birthplace: Calexico, Ferene Party Wing: Market-Liberal Fiscal: Libertarian Social: Moderate Endorsements: Jan Rubenstein, Henry Appleton, Maria Snowdon, Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Rightful Radical Party, Telamon Minarchist Party Profession: Economist Religious Beliefs: Agnostic

Born into a middle-class family of bankers, Goldmark was raised with finance and investment. At an early age he displayed a remarkable aptitude for numbers and political affairs, and studied early at the Ferene School of Economics and Business. By the age of 20, he was already respected amongst the economic community.

One of the initial founders of the Radical Party, Goldmark supported Kristian Donson through the early years of the party with his lightning reflexes in number crunching. Already a respected academic in the field of Libertarian Economics, Goldmark advocated widespread economic reform, and championed the slow and painful privatisation of several of Telamon's ailing big industries.

Leaving politics in 2588, after reliquishing the position of Prime Minister, Goldmark published his political memoirs and a new economic theory for the turn of the century, emphasising a re-commitment to the free-market policies he pioneered that were ignored by successors.

In touring for the office of President, Goldmark has presented himself as a political moderate and Champion of the Centre, hoping to capture the vote of supporters of the Liberal-Conservative Union. He stresses his economic clout, social liberalism, and ability to make unpopular decisions and carry them out as his key assets.

After a popular election campaign, demonising the statist Telamon National Party as 'bolshevistic' and 'oligarchic', Goldmark won the Presidential election with renewed faith for the Radical Party. Winning the first round with an 15% lead over his main rival, Goldmark secured a safe victory in the 2nd round. He promised to empower Parliament with the authority to 'make unpopular but necessary decisions' and 'act in the best interest of the taxpayer and the common man'. He also swore 'business interests are my interests', but in contrast to his previously ultra-capitalistic overtones, he noted, 'but the protection of the worker are the most important asset in the amassing of national wealth'.

Goldmark's first term was marked by violence and tensions with the opposition in Lirona, Sevescia and Migadon. The TNP opposition claimed that the government had failed to condemn the violence, particularly Fieren Goldmark, when he released a statement through his press office and not personally. It was later discovered President Goldmark was on a diplomatic mission abroad. President Goldmark attempted to call a State of Emergency, but it was defeated in Parliament (although Goldmark had the power to call one anyway), but he withstood an attempted Vote of No Confidence led by the right-wing opposition. Goldmark's popularity soared when he faced off against the opposition vote, and made an impassioned speech to the public deploring the violence, and emphasising the sucesses the government had experienced. His re-elecion campaign was based on his ability to stand up to the opposition and fight for the 'common Telamonian', as well as playing on Henry Appleton's record as a competent Internal Affairs Minister. He was swept back into power without a major opponent, facing protest-candidate from the Objectivist party RAPE inb the second round.

Despite growing dissatisfaction with the Radical Party, Goldmark played on his past popularity and image as a wel-known and trusted politician to win a third and final term in office, promising a quiet, calm and ration rule. During his final term his health deteriorated rapidly, and only made one public address during this term. Many believe his health was actually worse than was reported. Two months after his retirement from office, he was reported to have entered a coma-like state.

He died at the age of 91 (2528 - 2619) in a coma-like state, surrounded by his family. He was the last of the 'Founding Four' to die.

VICTORIOUS: 71,384,528 votes - 56.76% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, the Rightful Radical Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

VICTORIOUS: 73,083,224 votes - 66.21% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, the Rightful Radical Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

VICTORIOUS: 67,425,855 votes - 56.06% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, the Rightful Radical Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party

Dominic Armitage Election: March 2618, September 2621, March 2624 Age: 47 (56 when he left office) Birthplace: Kiribati, Lirona Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Liberal Social: Liberal Endorsements: Nora Paxman, Fieren Goldmark, Rodfram Stresseman, Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Telamon Minarchist Party Profession: Pianist, Professor, former Chancellor of the University of Ferescia Religious Beliefs: Unitarian

Born the son of a butcher and a house wife, with a family of four siblings, Armitage grew up with humble beginnings in Lirona. Talented at school, he was a keen pianist, and took lessons at his local Unitarian church. Recognised with a gift for music, he was able to win a Music scholarship to an exclusive private school where he excelled in school. Although unable to pay for university, Armitage won another Music scholarship to the Academy of Music in Ferescia. He went on to study Musicology, and made a career as a concert pianist.

He became interested in politics in his early 20s, and was initially a member of the Democratic Capitalist Delegation. He lated converted to the Radical Party when he went to watch a speech by then-President Amália Caccini on her plans for an equal society based on mutual prosperity. He returned to university in his late 20s, now with enough money to finance his History degree, and went on to teach History at the University of Kiribibati in Lirona and the University of Ferescia in Ferene.

He left academia in his late 30s, and entered politics. He was one of only a few Radical MPs to win a seat in Lirona, and became involved with several important Radical Party groups, including the Radical Party Housing Commission and the Radical Party Peace Lobby. A passionate anti-war campaigner and outspoken critic of Telamon's nuclear weapons programme, he made his name as something of a leftist on ethical issues. He also was a member of the Religious Radicals Committee, a party organisation for non-secular members of the Radical Party.

Although not occupying a cabinet post, Armitage became involved in a group of centrists opposed to the radical extremes of the left and right of the party. He became closely connected with Rodfram Stresseman, and helped plan his leadership bid. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Ferescia for three years, between 2610-2613.

As a presidential candidate, he has emphasised his aims being a more ethical foreign policy, economic prosperity and protection for those who cannot protect themselves, and a renewal of liberal values and ethics.

Armitage easily won the first round of the election with a 17% lead, but surprisingly faced the Telamonese Communist Party candidate in the second round. He scored a landslide victory in the second round, and in his inauguration speech promised a change in government, more accountability, and a new era for Radical politics.

Armitage spent much of his first term detached from the infighting and bickering of the Radical Party. While Stresseman's popularity as leader dipped and his leadership of the party was undermined, Armitage attempted to remain neutral and hope that the party's floundering would not affect his Presidency. Focussing on progressive aims, he worked closely with the Radical Party's ally-organisation The Anti-Segregaton League, as well as embarking on several foreign policy missions. When re-election arrived, his popularity and promises to alter the face of politics seemed empty, and although securing victory, lost much of his landslide popularity.

In his second term, while making a speech in the Lironese city of Valeria, Armitage was shot at from the crowd and injured. While the bullet pierced his chest, he was not severely injured, and was rushed to Valeria State Hospital. Armitage was unable to take an active party in politics for a considerable length of time. Shocked physically and mentally by his close-to-death encounter, Armitage deferred his duties onto his aides and advisors, and shyed away from public life. He was inactive for most of the term, returning to public life only a few months before the early election in 2624, seemingly re-energised and eager to win. While many believed he was finished, he led a tireless campaign across the country, meeting with voters and spreading a meessage of forgiveness and security. In the election he faced George Clark of the TNP in the second round, and returned to victory with a greater mandate than the previous election.

Armitage's final term as President was marked with rising tensions with an aggressive Likatonia, claiming ownership of Migadon. Armitage and Defence Minister Emilia Ferlinghetti flew to Migadon to promise a military response to any incursion into Telamonian waters.

He ruled himself out of the possibility of seeking a fourth term, instead endorsing Dr. Yasiji Kamatama in his bid for the candidacy.

VICTORIOUS: 72,845,662 votes - 64.69% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Telamon Minarchist Party

VICTORIOUS: 58,185,339 votes - 54.80% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Telamon Minarchist Party

VICTORIOUS: 76,640,520 votes - 56.07% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Telamon Minarchist Party

Dr. Yasiji Kamatama, Ph.D Election: September 2627, March 2631, September 2634 Age: 50 (53 when he left office) Birthplace: Silescia, Antepec Party Wing: Social Radical Fiscal: Moderate Social: Moderate Endorsements: Dominic Armitage, Sylvia Hirst, Patrick Ellson, Miyako Suu-Moon Profession: Businessman, Television Personality, Philanthropist Religious Beliefs: Atheist

Born into a wealthy family of political asylum seekers, the Kamatama family were offered refuge by then-President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume, and from then on were involved in a close circle of Radical Party elites. Yasiji was born in the Kamatama Estate just outside of Silescia in Antepec, and was raised in luxury. His parents were both Radical politicians, and were important members of the far-left of Social Radical wing of the party. As a child, Yasiki was home-schooled, and was constantly surrounded by political figures. His father was close friends with Winston Travers and Nora Paxman, and this greatly impacted on the young Yasiji, who took a keen interest in politics from a young age. At the age of 12, he made his first speech in front of the Young Radical Conference, and at the age of 17 was elected President of the Young Radicals. He studied Economics and Business Law at the University of Antepec, where he received his Ph.D in Economics.

His family suffered hard times when his parents were implicated in a corruption scandal which involved seven major Social Radicals, and his mother fled the country rather than face trial. Yasiji's father was proven innocent, but his mother never returned to Telamon. Yasiji's father faced further scandal when he was again brought to trial, this time for allegedly using his personal wealth to fund guerrilla activity in his native country, which led to his expelling from the Radical Party. The young Yasiji publicly denounced the activities of his parents, but allegedly was behind his father's escape from Telamon before facing his final trial. His father went on to become President of their native country through a coup d'etat.

Yasiji made his name as a successful businessman and television personality, acting as Economics Editor for Telamon News, before acting as an interviewer on 'Politics Live'. He was known for his direct and often cold interviewing technique, and his long, silent stares. As a multi-millionaire, Yasiji was a keen philanthropist, and left-wing spokesperson. While he moderated his views as his career progressed, he was still a keen supporter of the left wing of the Social Radicals. It is estimated his has donated up to £3 million of his own personal wealth to the Radical Party.

He announced his intention to seek the Radical Presidential nomination in 2624, shortly after Dominc Armitage announced he would not be seeking a fourth term. Yasiji faced a challenge from Pretoria Khan, former Shadow Justice Minister, but Yasiji won the primaries in Antepec, Lirona and Sevescia.

He outlined his platform as "realistic, compassionate and wide-ranging", declaring himself a "moderate on alot of issues, with a dash of true radicalism for good measure". He described his as a reformed Centrist, but with left-wing leanings, and "not too extreme either economically or socially". He aimed to provide a true Radical candidate, in the mould of his idols Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume and Kristian Donson.

He has declared he will be spending up to £2 million of his own personal wealth to help fund his election campaign.

Despite an elaborate and showy campaign, and endorsements from the DCD, TMP and ILP, Kamatama failed to seize the Presidential role. The TNP ran a racist scare-campaign, playing on Kamatama's racial heritage and his father's role in a foreign coup d'etat. After his defeat, Kamatama claimed he would run again.

In March 2631, Kamatama ran as the only liberal candidate with the endorsement of the DCD. Despite the TNP receiving the backing of 4 parties in the second round, Kamatama secured a safe victory with 53.27%, retunring the Radicals to the Presidency and emphasising the now-united Radical Party's 'fight back' against conservatism.

Kamatama devoted much of his term in office concentrating on foreign affairs, especially his promotion of democracy in his father's dictatorship of Juhon. Although winning kudos from liberals and progressive, Kamatama's idealism disenfranchised conservatives, and his popularity dipped. His connections to his father once again caused problems for him, and his financial endeavours in Juhon played against him. In his re-election campain, he failed to recapture the support of the cynical right-wing, distrusting his socialistic crednetials that had been splashed across the papers, and he failed in his re-election bid.

After the election, Kamatama vowed to stay on in the Radical Party, and accepted the post of Shadow Defence Minister.

DEFEATED: 63,770,011 votes - 49.82% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Independent Labour Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party 

VICTORIOUS: 65,209,628 votes - 53.27% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation 

DEFEATED: 61,375,266 votes - 47.67% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Libertarian Labour Party, Telamon Tourism Industry Employees Union and the Democratic Humanitarian Party

Sgt. Peter Straub Election: August 2653, February 2657, August 2660, February 2664 Age: 69 (76 when he left office) Birthplace: Valtimo, Antepec Party Wing: Market-Liberal Fiscal: Libertarian Social: Moderate Endorsements: Miyako Suu-Moon, Emilia Ferlinghetti, Riccardo Garcia-Lopez, Juan Castiglioni, Sylvia Hirst Profession: Naval engineer, former District Attorney for Valtimo Religious Beliefs: Protestant

Born into a poor farming family near Valtimo, Antepec, Straub grew up in tough surroundings. His mother died when Straub was 5 giving birth to his third brother, Straub was raised by his alcoholic father. A lazy farmer who had inherited the plantation from his parents, the farm fell into disrepair and Straub lived on very little from a young age. Mocked at school for his clothes, despite this Straub excelled at school, and proved to have a sharp mind. When his father died, Straub was only 16, and was unable to pursue a college education. Instead he joined the Navy, serving as a naval engineer until he was 28. During his time in the Navy, Straub was part of the Migadon Defence Force, as well as embarking on several peace-keeping missions.

At the age of 28, Straub left the Navy and returned to the mainland. A hardened and bright man, now with enough money to study Straub read Law at the University of Antepec. Graduating in the top 3% of his class, Straub entered into a successful career as a lawyer. By the age of 48, Straub had become District Attorney for Valtimo, serving for two years before leaving law to pursue a career in politics. Already an active contributor to the Radical Party's right-wing, Straub backed Riccardo Garcia-Lopez for Party Leader in the 2639 leadrship election. Although Garcia-Lopez lost to Jean Baptiste, Straub became an MP in the 2639 legislative election several months previously. Opposed to the left-wing policies of Baptiste, particularly on the military, Straub remained in the background of Radical Party politics. Despite this, he won a support for himself amongst the party's exiled right-wing, associating himself with heavyweights such as Riccardo Garcia-Lopez and Juan Castiglioni.

After Florence Luiz's crushing defeat in the 2652 presidential election, Straub was championed by the party's right-wing as the next presidential candidate. A military man and social moderate, Straub represented the antithesis to Baptiste's brand of candidate. After Baptiste allowed for a candidate contest, Straub became the prostest candidate of the right-wing and centre against Baptiste's increasing autocratic rule of the pary and his drift to the left economically. Facing against a successful businesswoman and left-wing spokeswoman Cynthia Abel, Straub campaigned as a war hero and political independent, presenting a platform for those disenfranchised by the party's drift leftwards. Winning a spectacular victory in the primaries, Straub won every state except Sevescia, winning Antepec with 79% of the vote.

Straub stood for early election in 2653, and gained a massive increase over Luiz's performance. Despite losing the competition, Baptiste insisted his candidacy had been valid for an election with a 3 year preparation time, and would therefore be eligible to stand again without contest.

After campaiging for 3 years, in the forefront of national politics after being in relative obscurity, Straub led in the national polls as the TNP and CWU were unable to decide on which party would field a candidate. When Margaret Jones from the TNP was eventually chosen, Straub began to trail in the polls, but staged a successful fight-back targeting her own errors as President previously. Straub regained the the momentum and met a tie with the former President. Although losing the first round of the election, Straub's appeal to independent voters was obious, and he won a landslide election victory with a 10.76% lead. This makes him the first Radical President in over 20 years.

Straub's first term in office was marked by tensions over the Greater Likatonia Crisis. Straub visited Migadon numerous times to survey the situation, and pledged a greater number of on-the-ground troops to the region. Straub also strongly opposed nationalisation programmes enacted by the TNP-led government, and suppported private finance initiatives in areas of state control. Straub also famously clashed with Party Leader Jean Baptiste, in 2658 criticising Baptiste's "dictatorial" hold over the party. In 2659, Straub again attacked Baptiste, this time for his "neglect of the fruits of the party's right-wing in favour of substandard left-wing Ministers". Straub continued to say that, "the next election could be lost by Baptiste's unabashed left-wing partisanship".

In preparing for his re-election in 2660, pundits attacked Straub's bickering with Baptiste, and claimed that his lack of loyalty to his party head could cost him the election. Despite losing the first round of the election, Straub secured a safe re-election victory, with many voters citing his defiance towards Baptiste as one of their reasons for voting.

In a hard-fought election campaign, despite the endorsement of five major party, Straub's age and flagging stamina were accentuated against John Ford's youth and dynamism. Condeding defeat, Straub described "a changing of the guard", and officially retired from politics. He did offer his support to the new President, who he claimed "has won my respect".

DEFEATED: 65,671,937 votes - 48.34% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party and the Freedom Party

VICTORIOUS: 74,721,906 votes - 55.25% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and the Freedom Party

VICTORIOUS: 73,145,122 votes - 51.23% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, the Freedom Party and the Social Democratic Party

DEFEATED: 61,907,429 votes - 45.60% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Party of Telamon and the Freedom Party

Michelle Bustamante Election: February 2671, August 2674, February 2678 Age: 56 Birthplace: Hruba, Ferene Party Wing: Social Radical Fiscal: Moderate Social: Liberal Endorsements: Ingrid Baptiste, Ezekiel Palin, Matthew Charles, Florence Luiz Profession: Doctor, former Director of the Telamon Health Alliance Religious Beliefs: Unitarian

Born into a lower-class family, Bustamante was a conscientious student, recognised by her teachers for her caring and sensitive nature. Although expecting a career as a nurse, her impressive grades qualified her to study medicine at Hruba University. She graduated from medical school before taking a year to travel. While travelling with friends, she was exposed to some of the poorest conditions in the world, opening her eyes to the suffering of others.

She returned to Telamon, accepting a placement as a rural doctor in the region of Antepec. Appalled by the poor conditions in the rural hospitals, Bustamante took part in a march to Ferescia, demanding better conditions for rustic areas. Worried that the conditions in poorer nations would be worse, Bustamate organised excurisions during her holidays to third world countries to offer medical services pro bono. After progressing to the role of Head Doctor at her hospital, Bustamante was able to begin organising larger excursions collaborating with similar schemes across the world. Winning critical praise from other charities and the press, Bustamante left the health service to found the Telamon Health Trust, working there full time.

As the scheme grew, combining several large charitable health trusts from across the globe, Bustamante renamed the group the Telamon Health Alliance, becoming named its World Director. Courted by the media for her good work, the shy and calm Bustamante kept a low profile. In 2669, as a friend of Radical Party leader Ingrid Baptiste, Bustamante was convinced to run for the presidential candidacy. Resigning her place as Director, Bustamante explained that her opposition to the TNP's healthcare schemes forced her to seek the office in order to oppose the policies of John Ford. Facing a little threat in the primaries, Bustamante won every primary, winning 66% of the vote in Antepec, where her name with the rural population is deified.

After fighting a positive campaign, centred around Bustamante's record for charity and hard-work, as well as her own brand of quiet tolerance, she won an unexpected victory against two-term incumbent and first gay President John Ford. Bustamante made a quiet victory speech, in which she stressed, "tomorrow is not soon enough for change to begin".

VICTORIOUS: 76,265,818 votes - 53.77% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party and Liberal Party of Telamon

VICTORIOUS: 74,439,428 votes - 54.45% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation and Social Democratic Party

DEFEATED: 62,582,058 votes - 43.17% - 2nd place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation

Hans Baptiste Election: February 2692, August 2695 Age: 58 Birthplace: Parrah, Migadon Party Wing: Moderate Fiscal: Liberal Social: Liberal Endorsements: Angel Everitt, Stanley Thomas, David Harding, Ingrid Baptiste, Reginald Hutton Profession: Economist Religious Beliefs: Agnostic

Born into a liberal middle-class family from Migadon, Hans was the younger brother of Jean abd Ingrid Baptiste, who both served as Leader of the Radical Party. Often living in the shadow of his brother and sister, even throughout childhood, Hans was a sickly child who was homeschooled. A detached figure during his childhood, he did not receive the saem attention or praise lavished on his siblings, yet proved to be a gifted mathematician and competent orator. When his health improved during his teens, he was sent to a prestigious boarding school in Ferescia, where he harboured political ambitions similar to his brother and sister. While they pursued successful careers in politics, Hans made his name as an economist, becoming a senior lecturer at the University of Ferescia. Active in the Radical Party, his politics differed from his siblings. An admirer of Fieren Goldmark, Hans identified with the liberal centre of the party, opposing the big-state initiatives supported by both Jean and Ingrid.

Standing for office in Migadon, Hans served in the background of government as a backbench MP, mostly ignored in influence but respected by the party's right-wing for his opposition to the left-wing policies espoused by his siblings. Hans often was called upon by the party's right to moderate his siblings opinions, and act as a speaker on their behalf. Hans even became close friends with Reginald Hutton, the key critic and opponent of his siblings within the party. It was Hutton who persuaded Baptiste to run for the presidential candidacy; combining fiscally liberal opinions with the prestige of the Baptiste name, Hutton believed Hans stood a good chance in finally ending John Ford's winning spree.

In a close campaign, where Baptiste attempted to distance himself from the leftism of Baptiste name, Hans was able to win a narrow victory over the incumbent. Baptiste highlighted his key issues as judicial fairness, economic competency and a return to a smaller government.

Throughout his temr in office, Baptiste campaigned ceaselessly abroad, attempting to repair the damage done to Telamon's international reputation by the Ford administration. He lectured on the benefits of a small state, and gave his personal seal of approval to the NUP's tax-cutting plans.

In his re-election campaign, Baptiste once again faced John Ford, butthis time had clear frontrunner status. Unable to muster up a message different to his previous anti-immigration, protectionist spiel, Ford appeared outdated and old in comparison to the youthful and energetic Baptiste. Baptiste won both rounds of the ballot, with a 5% lead over Ford in the first round, and a clear 9% lead in the second round.

VICTORIOUS: 78,391,607 votes - 50.39% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Social Democratic Party, Poet Revoluation Party and Telamonese Islamic Unity Party

VICTORIOUS: 84,301,937 votes - 54.39% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Delegation, Poet Revoluation Party and Telamonese Islamic Unity Party

Notable Speeches
Excerpt from the inauguration speech of Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume as President of the Republic of Telamon:

"My friends, the people of Telamon,

''As your next president, I will endeavour to uphold the beliefs that I hold most dear. I am not an educated woman, but politics is something that comes natural to me; it is in my blood. I was not born into lofty surroundings - my family were immigrants that came to Telamon for its fairplay attitude and great opportunities. In this vein, I wish to make this my key priority: a fair system of government, a fair treatment for all, a fair deal for everyone. This is no socialistic New Deal, this is no conservative Tough Deal: this is a Radical Fair Deal!''

''I wish to open my hands to my friends and my enemies; there is nothing to hide from me. I will view it with all my wisdom and my diligence; if it is for the good of this nation, if it is fair, then I will work with you, strive with you, hope with you. In my hands, you can trust.''"

List of Leaders, Deputy Leaders and Chairmen
1st Leadership 

Party Leader: Kristian Donson  2550 - 2560 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: None

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Nora Paxman 2560-2561 (Social Radical)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Derek Swanson 2560-2561 (Moderate)

2nd Leadership 

Party Leader: Umberto Caccini 2561- 2576 (Social Radical)

Deputy Leader: Fieren Goldmark 2565- 2576 (Market-Liberal)

3rd Leadership 

Party Leader: Fieren Goldmark 2576 - 2586 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: Maria Snowdon 2576 - 2587 (Market-Liberal)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Maria Snowdon 2586 - 2587 (Market-Liberal)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Rodfram Stresseman 2586 - 2587 (Moderate)

4th Leadership 

Party Leader: Luanna Silverton 2587 - 2601 (Moderate)

Deputy Leader: Winston Travers 2587 - 2602 (Social Radical)

5th Leadership 

Party Leader: Jan Rubenstein  2602 - 2614 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: Henry Appleton 2602 - 2614 (Market-Liberal)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Maria Snowdon 2614 (Market-Liberal)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Georges Immanuel 2614 (Social Radical)

6th Leadership 

Party Leader: Rodfram Stresseman 2614 - 2621 (Moderate)

Deputy Leader: Georges Immanuel 2614 - 2621 (Social Radical)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Jean Baptiste 2621 - 2622 (Social Radical)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Birgit Pfeiffer 2621 - 2622 (Moderate)

7th Leadership 

Party Leader: Sylvia Hirst 2622 - 2634 (Moderate)

Deputy Leader: Emilia Ferlinghetti 2622 - 2634 (Market-Liberal)

Chairman: Miyako Suu-Moon 2629 - 2652 (Market-Liberal)

8th Leadership 

Party Leader: Emilia Ferlinghetti 2634 - 2645 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: John Giles 2634 - 2639 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: Jean Baptiste 2639 - 2645 (Social Radical)

Chairman: Miyako Suu-Moon 2629 - 2652 (Market-Liberal)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Birgit Pfeiffer 2645 (Moderate)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Yasiji Kamatama 2645 (Social Radical)

Chairman: Miyako Suu-Moon 2629 - 2652 (Market-Liberal)

9th Leadership 

Party Leader: Jean Baptiste 2645 - 2665 (Social Radical)

Deputy Leader: Ingrid Baptiste 2645 - 2665 (Social Radical)

Chairman: Miyako Suu-Moon 2629 - 2652 (Market-Liberal)

10th Leadership 

Party Leader: Ingrid Baptiste 2665 - 2678 (Social Radical)

Deputy Leader: Matthew Charles 2665 - 2678 (Moderate)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Reginald Hutton 2678 - 2681 (Market-Liberal)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Yarrow Dunwoody 2678 - 2681 (Social Radical)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Warren Trewick 2681 (Market-Liberal)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Rebecca Witherspoon 2681 (Social Radical)

11th Leadership 

Party Leader: Reginald Hutton 2681 - 2688 (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: Angel Everitt 2681 - 2688 (Social Radical)

12th Leadership 

Party Leader: Angel Everitt 2688 - 2693 (Social Radical)

Deputy Leader: Rebecca Witherspoon 2688 - 2693 (Social Radical)

Interrim Leadership

Acting-Party Leader: Rebecca Witherspoon 2693 - present (Social Radical)

Acting-Deputy Leader: Stanley Thomas 2693 - present (Market-Liberal)

13th Leadership 

Party Leader: Stanley Thomas 2695 - present (Market-Liberal)

Deputy Leader: Rebecca Witherspoon 2695 - present (Social Radical)

List of Presidents
Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume (2561-2565; 2572 - 2580) (Social Radical)

Thomas Kettering ( 2565 - 2568) (Market-Liberal)

Kristian Donson (2582 - 2595) (Market-Liberal)

Amália Caccini (2595 - 2607) (Moderate)

Fieren Goldmark (2607 - 2618) (Market-Liberal)

Dominic Armitage (2618 - 2627) (Moderate)

Yasiji Kamatama (2631 - 2634) (Social Radical))

Peter Straub (2657 - 2664) (Market-Liberal))

Michelle Bustamante (2671 - 2678) (Social Radical))

Hans Baptiste (2692 - present) (Moderate))