Tactical voting is a uniquely negative expression of citizenship, and its growing impact and prevalence is far from a ringing endorsement of Britain's democratic credentials. It is, of course, only a relevant concern when voting under the genius that is FPTP, where it has so often proved the death-knell for the sort passionate, dedicated and progressive people that our moribund body-politic has long been crying out for.

Now, I've no wish to rain on their tactical parade, and I'd be the first in line to watch the socially illiterate fumblings (the gnashing of false teeth, the stepping on of open-toed sandals) that would result from such a Tory/Lib-Dem love-in. However, I must, like the uncomfortable history teacher at the school disco, step in to try and quash this unfortunate union.

Seeking power through the negative rejection of others is a base and soulless political venture that weakens democracy and leaves the citizen feeling sullied and used. Tactical voting is the one-night stand of political engagement. There is no effective protection against the actions of your elected representative for another five years, and you cannot run away from your responsibilities as a voter. Have you not seen Jeremy Kyle?

So a word of warning to Lib-Dems everywhere: they may court you and they may whisper sweet nothings in your ear - "the environment…liberal conservatism…the social causes of crime" – but you must remain true to yourself and to your beliefs, those Tories are only interested in you for one thing. Save your vote for Mr/Mrs Right and it will be all the more special. In the meantime, join the MVC fight for a real, positive, effective voting system on which to build a more positive, engaging politics.

And you Tories should know better. You're old enough after all…