Get Flash Player

進入英語學(xué)習(xí)論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區(qū)一展身手

Their ideas include proposals like 99-pence coins for use in shoe shops. Their candidates have daft names like R.U. Seerious.

In London, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party is the only non-mainstream party to be fondly regarded by all voters. They are fielding 45 candidates across Britain in today’s election.

Their manifesto was launched in a pub in east London this week. It calls for buildings to be fitted with air conditioning units facing outwards to combat global warming. They are also demanding that all politicians be permanently painted the color of the party they represent.

The party is particularly proud of its new transport policy. At its hub is a plan to encourage floating bicycles to be driven across the Thames River to reduce traffic congestion.

The odd campaign platform was announced by Nigel Knapp, who calls himself the Loonies' Shadow Minister for Big Fibs and Blatant Lies.

"The Monster Raving Loony Party exists because we're not politicians at all, we're just loonies,” Knapp said. “We're people like you who go to the pub and drink beer and have a bit of a laugh.”

And yes, this political party also calls for free ice cream all around.

去聽寫專區(qū)一展身手

（中國日報網(wǎng)英語點津 Julie 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Renee Haines is an editor and broadcaster at China Daily. Renee has more than 15 years of experience as a newspaper editor, radio station anchor and news director, news-wire service reporter and bureau chief, magazine writer, book editor and website consultant. She came to China from the United States.