[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Jack The Cat

Interesting point, on the whole think you are right.

If voting behaviour is linked to how the nation is feeling, you could say phase one is the optimism of the New Century with (New Labour). Phase two was a more Environmentally aware (Green) and phase three is more feeling let down by the status quo (UKIP).

I'm struggling a bit with phase 2.

or you could compare it with the stages of life -
Phase 1 the optimism and positivity of a child
Phase 2 the sometimes silliness of a teenager
Phase 3 the grumpiness of an adult as reality sets in