I used to dislike her a lot, but either she has mellowed or I have, because I don't find her half as irritating nowadays.
I think her voice grates a bit, which may be a disadvantage in the role of Speaker of the House, but she does have, and fights hard for, her principles ( remember her comments about Michael Howerd? Something of the night about him) which is admirable.
The tradition, as I understand it, has been for the Speaker to be elected from amongst the opposition ranks - a tradition broken by Labour with the appointment of Betty Boothroyd and latterly, and with a large degree of discontent,Michael Martin, so the Commons may feel it appropriate to fall back on tradition.
Personally I would prefer a Widdecombe type to Bercow type of politician though - This Bercow chap has been campaigning rather too hard for the position, and he doesn't strike me as being a conviction politician like the Widdecombes of the world.