The party does seem to be trying to diversify: Ms. Creasy was elected from an all-women short list, one offering voters in certain constituencies a choice of only female candidates, in order to increase the proportion of female lawmakers.
But what seems to hold the city back is the lack of realization on the part of certain constituencies, such as city worker unions and residents themselves, that the city is no longer an ATM machine for uncompetitive wages and benefits and has to be re-sized to deal with the current population.
Rumours are flying around constantly that particular parties are pulling their teams out of certain constituencies in order to concentrate on areas where they feel they have a better chance.
The DUP and the UUP are talking about a potential pact in certain constituencies, but despite many hours of discussions have not reached an agreement.
Since the Presidential campaign, rumor has circulated among certain constituencies that Bill Ayers was the real author of "Dreams," but recent comments (read: jokes) made by Ayers have fueled the fire.
Mr. Bush's lack of interest in a political quick fix that might play well in a particular state or satisfy certain constituencies also shows that he is mindful of history.
There appeared to be a grudging recognition of this last week when Neeson, a fundamentally decent man, announced that his party would stand down in certain constituencies where stronger pro-Agreement candidates were in danger of losing to unionist rejectionists.
While General Musharraf casts himself as the antithesis of a politician, his government has been careful to look after certain constituencies.
These attitudes are more likely to surface with certain constituencies.
But now it appears that seats the party gained in certain constituencies such as Tataouine have been revoked over allegations that the party campaigned during a period of purdah.
