Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

what other choice does he have.desperate times call for desperate
measures. :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Well it's good to see that certain sections of the media are really concentrating on the real election issues..

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...en-Temple.html

A Daily Mail Reporter? Too scared to put their name to such a useless bit of drivel? :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

And bring up Lord Ashcroft every other sentence.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Oh that is just plain nasty.:mad:

I hate it when wives and families of politicians are attacked in this way..it's unnecessary and nothing to do with politics in any way.

I want the media to debate the issues not the people please.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

How pathetic - truly pointless reporting.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I bet Gordon's fuming :)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Desperate times these clearly....

What people have to appreciate is that ever since Bliar came to power, New Labour have relied on lies, spin and an ineffectual opposition to keep them there and we're all going to pay the price for that. This tactic has never really changed but around election time they ratchet it all up and we get quite ridiculous stuff like this. I seem to recall Brown telling us his administration would be different but of course it's just more of the same without Bliar's polish and charisma. Cynically conceived, populist, soundbite promises, which would be unlikely ever to come to fruition in a period of boom let alone now when savage cutbacks are going to have to be made. Brown and his cohorts have had 13 years in power with a massive parliamentary majority and yet they've failed to deliver on so many of the major promises they've made and often regurgitated over that period. The only thing they've excelled at is recklessly spending our money as if it were going out of fashion and as a result it has! If anyone really thinks that's about to change now, think again. Brown will say almost anything to stay in number 10!

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

No they are not. I have offered paid paternity leave to my employees for some time. Those who take it return to work, more refreshed and more relaxed than those who don't. Therefore maintaining their productivity, efficiency and loyalty.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

2 week statutory paternity leave is mandatory, the government wants to increase this period to 4 weeks at full pay. This may work just fine for you, for others it will not, smaller companies losing a highly skilled and difficult to replace employee for 4 weeks will struggle in their absence.

I also question if this has been costed in any way given the low level of statutory paternity pay at the moment. For someone on a high salary this would cost the government thousands.

Companies that can afford to offer this already do - for two weeks, I am not aware of any that offer it for four.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I do run "a smaller company." In the last four years I have had three male employees take up their option to take four weeks maternity leave. It was a little inconvenient, but nothing we couldn't handle, after all we did have up to eight months' notice. One employee decided to split his leave over three months (a facility offered in the contracts), which made things a little easier for everyone.

Now you are. ;)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I expected as much, and other companies that may not have the flexibility or indeed finances?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

But it doesn't happen that often for a small company and the bulk of the costs can be mitigated by a workforce with improved productivity.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Which begs the point that if one can mitigate that person not being around with improved productivity why employ them in the first place?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Family friendly companies also seem to get more productivity and support during hard times from their staff. Our boss has been sharing the care of his daughter whilst she is ill as both he and his wife have equally responsible jobs. We know he is available by e-mail should it be necessary.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

New Labour is long dead.

What we have now is good old "pie in the sky" socialism

At the moment I'd vote for satan himself if he was wearing a blue tie (sets up inevetible jokey comment)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Well so as not to disappoint ;)

Satan in a blue tie

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Such is the lot of the socialist philanthropist.... :D

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Because it is only for four weeks. There is little chance of maintained productivity (I didn't say improved), if they are no longer employed, is there.

---------- Post added at 15:10 ---------- Previous post was at 15:06 ----------

Indeed. As I have experience of the extra needs for families I am always mindful of my employees' requirements. I have extensive "family friendly" policies in place, which include family sick leave, paternity leave and re-location leave. Yes, I do lose a few days of work from the workforce, but I do seem to have a lot fewer days lost to sickness, for example, than my contemporaries.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I didn't say it would be improved either I said that if loss of a member of staff could be mitigated by improved productivity (your words) there would be no point in employing them in the first place.

What industry is your company in? I'd be quite interested to find out more about this company of yours.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

No, you are right I did write "improved." But in reference to an earlier post, I should have written "maintained." But the answer still remains valid; there wouldn't be any productivity, if he was no longer employed.

The industries I operate in in somewhat irrelevant. This whole exchange was based on the affects of business in general.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

This is disgraceful. :mad:

Note how it is only the labour defendants (ab)using public money.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

They really don't comprehend the public's feelings on this at all do they?

Sickening.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

That's just it, they do and they just don't care.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

i agree ,they know exactly what they are doing ,they are being forced to repay the expenses ,now they are being prosecuted for fraud so they are determined to go out with a bang because they think they hard done by because they got caught

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

How the bloody hell have they wrangled that. Oh right they are former Labour MP's who obviously still carry favour with those that call the shots where legal aid is concerned and some people want to vote their party in again. God (insert your choice) help us all if they get another 4 years.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Nick Clegg just lost any chance that I might waver to the Lib Dems with his illegal immigrant amnesty pledge. Anyone in the UK for over 10 years and with no criminal record would be made legal. Nice one Nick, great way to encourage legal immigration there by rewarding illegal entry into the country.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

you should read post 285 i posted yesterday ,his immigration policy is laughable

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I wonder if any of the resident dyed in the wool, rose tinted brigade will want to comment on this use of legal aid.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

were's FB ?:D noticed by his absence on this subject

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Well, excuse me for having better things to do. :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

just a bit of fun FB ;)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

You know I can't help thinking that this might be a more interesting thread to read if people were actually debating the issues rather than taking the pee out of opposing factions..How about a few less childish jibes and some true debate taking place..otherwise I might as well stick with the TV news.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

You mean like the Tonight programme on ITV? I thought "Dave" was trying to distance himself from using his family for political capital. Instead we have him doing what the Tory fans accused Brown of doing.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I have noticed that (online at least) when the Mail publishes a particularly nasty article, they never give the name of the reporter.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Cat got your tongue that three former Labour *******s got legal aid?

So they abused the expenses system and then get rewarded with legal aid - why is it TAX payers always get a raw deal? - oh wait that would be because of the useless Labour party, always there to smack the TAX payer in the face.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Errrmmmm..... now let me think about that..... Yup that's about the size of it! :mad:

Welcome to the New Labour defintion of integrity, humility and equality. Such a nice change from those dreadful sleazy Tories of yesteryear.... :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

So do you think he was right or wrong to do that?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I have no opinion the other way, I am just amazed (or perhaps not really) at the hypocrisy.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Wrong and Brown is as well. Also if what Flyboy says it true then it would be hypocritical although I haven't seen the Tories attack Labour for using Sarah Brown so...

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

But then Sarah Brown isn't being heralded as some British version of Carla Bruni. ;) :D

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I imagine you were unlikely to vote for them anyway ;) I think this is a good idea, brings them into the tax system. We also have a better idea of who is in the country.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

from the sky news site

this is probably why they are getting legal aid ,as far as i know legal aid is means tested ,any one of us would not be allowed to use top ranking barristers on legal aid why are they ? the barristers will probably want this case for the publicity but shouldn't someone be able to step in and say "no you can't then you will have to get a cheaper one"

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Any word yet on whether Brown or Cameron will face Paxman, seeing as Clegg has?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

The Tories are using negative campaigning as well, on TV, Newspapers and on this forum. I appreciate it is mostly a Tory forum but when someone comments positively on Labour they tend to get statistic remarks, a lot of the :rolleyes: emotive, and a generally dismissive attitude as if the factual reality is that only the Tories are fit to win the election. Such a statement is only a matter of opinion.

Tories started the 'I did x, Vote for Me' posters that had Gordon Brown on it. The Sun has been especially nasty to Labour and personally on Brown (remember the 'Widow's letter' thing). The Daily Mail even did that horrible attack on Gordon Brown's wife which someone linked to earlier.

It's looking like it's going to be a nasty election but to pretend it's Labour only is wrong. Tories and the Lib Dems are doing their bit to drag down the overall tone.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politi...10/8616261.stm


I do think it's disgusting though. Not just the legal aid, but also the claim that parliamentary privilege could be used as a protection.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

which says a lot for British politics

(agree by the way;))

it must be a nightmare for young new voters they must have no idea what exactly they are voting for (if they even bother)it must be a right turn off for some

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

It's one big game, mainly controlled by the media. The sad thing is, most people believe what's written and said without seeking any other source of confirmation.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Well said Damien, I am pleased that I am not the only one that noticed :tu:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

No, it rewards people who have no right at all being in this country with a British passport. Why should they be able to sneak into the UK on the back of a lorry, spend 10 years avoiding tax and then get a bloody golden passport at the end?

They should do what other people have to do and apply for the correct visas if they want to come. If they knew they wouldn't get that visa then they're obviously someone that this country can do without.

This will only encourage others to do the same thing and is a big finger to the people who legally go through all the pointless hoops being set up to appease the potential BNP/UKIP voters, to come into this country.

Why bother having immigration laws and visa rules if anyone can just hitch a lift into the country and break all the rules and get a passport. In fact, to hell with any laws and rules, free for all, get whatever you can. Don't bother doing things legally and complying with laws and rules, grab what you want. Neighbour got a nice car, don't bother working and saving, break his door down and get the keys. Who needs rules and laws eh?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I don't think they are proposing making the citizens, only that they should be allowed to declare themselves and bring them into the system.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Great post Damien, this is exactly why I don't bother posting in this thread anymore.
Maggy posts this...

then just three posts later we get this

Absolutely infantile...what is the point of a mod trying to up the standard of debate when another mod comes along and craps all over her post???
Of course the Tory voters will no doubt pull out of the hat how us nasty lefties always have a poke at saint Maggy, that maybe true in some cases but they are far out weighed by the viceral anti-Labour posts as the one above.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Both parties are not specific on the issue of the deficit. Are they going to increase VAT? are they going to increase the tax? etc

The cuts will be bigger than Thatcher's, the screwing of the working people is coming up and nobody is addressing it!

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

My apologies for only pointing out that Labour were using negative tactics - I think it is wrong of all parties to do so.

---------- Post added at 09:04 ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 ----------

Those two statements appear contradictory.....;)

What about the hypocrisy of "Gordon" and "Mandy" and "Ed" proclaiming far and wide that the Tories are going to raise VAT, but when asked for a guarantee that they would not raise the rate of VAT, were not forthcoming? (or is it only hypocrisy when someone else does it, and prudent and being open to changing circumstances when your own party does it? :D).

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Hammer hits nail on the head! :tu:

... and of course anyone who's fed up with this sort of thing from the 'government' which was supposed to be different and put an end to this sort of politics, is branded a blinkered Tory Thatcherite.... :confused:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

"Gordon Brown says three Labour politicians accused of theft will have to pay back their legal aid". (Sorry no link as yet, only just came up on the bbc news ticker).

(update)
Headline changed, it's now "Gordon Brown 'thinks' three ex-Labour MP will have to pay back expenses case legal aid"

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

It looks to me like Gord's socialist instincts are coming to the fore. Their cover art reminds me of this sort of thing:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2010/04/54.jpg

Although it does also look disturbingly like a nuclear blast. Maybe this is more like what they had in mind:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2010/04/56.jpg

:D

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Tories have released their manifesto.

http://media.conservatives.s3.amazon...010_lowres.pdf

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

So now we have both the Labour and Tory manifestos perhaps we will have debate and discussion of 'issues' rather than the 'clack' from both sides? :angel:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I think clack is a bit unfair.

I've been listening to Cameron and Brown next to each other a lot lately and one thing that's becoming more apparent is that Cameron seems to be passionate about what he believes and wants to do. Brown just seems to be saying it as a matter of course.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politi...10/8617252.stm

... and pigs may fly.... :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Agreed.

Also agreed - What you see is what you get with Brown and besides this is a leader who allowed the expenses system to be abused - do we really want to have another term with the same muppets who allowed a system to be abused so easily and then only made real changes to it once their greed got found out?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Unlike Cameron or Clegg, Brown's got the Dark Lord breathing down his neck and pulling strings so what he believes, what he says and what actually happens could be quite different things.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

The Tory manifesto is an extremely interesting one, after a swift flick through it it's very centrist in my opinion.

The Labour one is quite authoritarian left, indeed it's the most left wing manifesto we've seen from Labour since the early 90s at least, though that was before I would have taken an interest and again purely my opinion.

The opinions of people who are somewhat older and remember the politics more clearly would be most welcome.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

But I was referring to the criticisms many levelled on Gordon Brown after his interview and the parallels to the interview with David Cameron last night and the hypocrisy attached to those criticisms, not about manifesto promises. Although I am sure there many hypocrisies on all sides with their election promises. ;)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

It appears that if you want to stop the re-introduction of fox hunting and you live in the South-West, you would be better off voting Labour or Green.

Most candidates in South West support fox hunting ban

Here is a run down of the support (or lack thereof) for repealing the ban.

Conservatives (23 candidates who responded)
0 would retain the ban
18 would vote to repeal the ban,
2 would abstain,
3 were undecided

Labour (22 candidates responded)
22 would retain the ban
0 would vote to repeal the ban

Lib Dem (20 candidates responded)
13 would retain the ban
3 would vote to repeal the ban
4 were undecided

Green Party (15 candidates responded)
15 would retain the ban
0 would vote to repeal the ban

UKIP (23 candidates responded)
3 would retain the ban
9 would vote to repeal the ban,
6 would abstain,
5 were undecided

---------- Post added at 17:55 ---------- Previous post was at 17:39 ----------

Oh dear....they just can't seem to get to right:

Keane 'horrified' by Tories' use of hit single

This morning's "rally," is fast becoming "Dave's" Sheffield moment.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I'm glad flyboy has his priorities right.

Anyone think he's really John Prescott posting under a pseudonym?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I am voting UKIP or BNP, most likely UKIP as BNP are alittle to extreme for me but have some good ideas, main reason for me liking UKIP is to keep us out of Europe, I don't want the euro it will destory us, but knowing England we will end up bowing down and taking it up the rear from stupid MP's.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

too late we've been in europe for years ;)
seriously though ,i agree with you on not joining the euro ,but at the end of the day i think we won't have much choice in a few years as possibly more countries join leaving us isolated

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Not long ago had 'IP impact party' drive past the house. you can't hear a word they were saying it was played through speakers too deep and too much bass. sounded like one of them braindeads in a car with the subwoofer on.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

LMAO you beat me to it, I was thinking the same :shocked:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Things must be getting desperate, if "you" are canvassing for tactical voting; not sure your "party" is going to win on it's own merits?;)

"I" would have thought "people" would be more interested in the economy, health, education, policing, employment, etc etc - but no, let's focus on some "people" on "horses" who chase "foxy-woxy".....(btw, "I" don't support "fox-hunting", just like most of the "Tories" I know - but that wouldn't help "your" stereotyping and rabble-rousing, would it?).

Funny, I don't remember David Cameron shouting "We're all right! We're all right!" during his speech....

And "oh dear", "you" are right - using a "Keane" song without prior permission is going to lose the "Conservatives" the election; this will be the defining moment.







(not)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

You're not the only one...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...nifesto-launch

I am genuinely curious as to which of the BNP's policies you consider to be "good"?

Not picking on you, or anything, just honest curiosity as to what you (or anyone else) would consider to be a "good idea" of the BNP?

And how, even if any of their ideas could be considered "good", you (or anyone) could justify their most definitely not-good ideas which would accompany any "good" ideas if they ever had any sort of power (given that the BNP are a racist party, given that they do not consider non-white Britons to be British & wish for them to sod off to their "country of ethnic origin", and given that the BNP's very raison d'etre is the creation of an overwhelmingly white-British United Kingdom by stopping & reversing non-white immigration etc. etc. etc.). You can't vote just for their "good" ideas, given that the whole point of the party is to implement their bad ideas.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Enjoy

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...3&d=1271188863

Labour Manifesto 2010: A Future Fair For All

The Scottish Labour version - the same cartoon, but with Scottish accents, Dad used to work at Ravenscraig, and Gran's off to the bingo instead of her own home (and it mentions tough action on knife crime at about 1:12, which isn't in the UK version (it mentions police spending more time on the beat)).

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Hang on, that video says "with more police on the beat" but weren't Labour told off for adverts saying the same when it isn't true?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Sticking to very specific issues avoids the many failures of Labour during the past 13 years. Discussing Labour based on their record over the past 13 years as a whole would not be a great advertisement for them, quite the opposite it would likely dissuade most that haven't directly benefited on a local level from Labour's extensive authoritarianism, social engineering and skewing of the economy towards the public sector using money they don't have.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

You mean this one that was banned a fortnight ago?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

That's the one, so knowing that the statement is misleading, do Labour:

A) Never mention it again.
B) Make changes to police to meet the statement
C) Use it in media which is not regulated so they can freely mislead



I've been reading through the Tory manifesto, where they say teachers should have atleast a 2:2 degree. I was always under the impression that teachers had to have atleast a 2:1 when I was at school. Was this not the case? If so, it would explain several of my teachers...

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

New Labour have lied and spun so often over the years that they don't recognise truth/honesty anymore!

---------- Post added at 22:11 ---------- Previous post was at 22:09 ----------

:tu:

---------- Post added at 22:12 ---------- Previous post was at 22:11 ----------

:rofl:

---------- Post added at 22:14 ---------- Previous post was at 22:12 ----------

Yeah but, yeah but, yeah but..... :rolleyes:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Both I thought....I was born on a Germany army base and for some reason I have German and English birth certificate but after going to the C.A.B they rang up a few places and turns out I can register to vote :)

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Yup, you should be able to - both my kids from my previous marriage were born whilst I was based overseas with my wife, and they can vote.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle7096632.ece

:scratch:

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Good to know 32% of the population are idiots and 22% are either welfare whores, easily confused or ideologically diametrically opposed to me. Hung parliament would likely achieve nothing.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I can't make sense of the Polls at all. How are the Tories not steaming ahead in the manor New Labour did in '97? The polls have tightened considerably over the last year but there they never reached massive majority numbered and not, despite 13 years of the current government, they are quite close!

My first impression was that the numbers for the Tories would be quite higher with Tory voters less likely to admit it and being of a demographic which is harder to poll. Then I thought that's rubbish! For a start I think people would be more embarrassed to say they would vote Labour than Tory, and their supports are probably also contain demographics which are harder to poll. If anything the Labour support would be underestimated.

So what gives?! How come the Tories have been unable to reverse the decline in their poll support despite, what I thought was, a strong first week of campaigning?

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Personally, I like the idea of a hung parliament, as I don't like the idea of having one party in power that can pretty much decide to do what it want to do for the next 5 years.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Like it all you want nothing of any value will get done just as nothing was accomplished during the last hung parliament here.

I understand the Netherlands has had a nightmare due to similar conditions.

If you don't like a party doing what it wants the best solution would be two houses of parliament or similar, as it is with a hung parliament a lot of legislation wouldn't leave first base or would be severely mangled.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

As I said I will most likely vote UKIP, BNP's take on keeping british english is a good idea however goes too extreme for me, as people of a ethic are english as they are born here.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Might be nice to see the Lib Dems have some power though. Personally I would love the civil liberty reforms proposed by them with the economic policy of the Tories (without the marriage rubbish).

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Do not underestimate the gullibility of the UK electorate, or the mercenary value of those quite comfortable in Labour's 'State will look after you' system.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

How is this thread running? isnt it week 2 now? Thread started on a Tuesday so today is the start of the second week??

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I wouldn't say the Netherlands has had a nightmare due to similar conditions. Politics over the last 10 years have been somewhat turbulent, but generally speaking Dutch politics is quite stable. Due to PR there is never a single party in power, and generally politics tends to be more consensus based, which I think is a good thing (and not an obstacle to getting legislation on the books). Another good thing is that people don't keep harping back to whatever a party did in the 70s or 80s to prove their point that a certain party is inherently evil. It ****es me off endlessly in the 'debate' here.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

That would be great, I fear though that they will align themselves with Labour, then we'd see neither happen. Labour are too horny on authoritarianism and disregard for the economic wellbeing of the country.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Iirc, when this expenses scandal was revealed, cameron immediately forced his mps to pay back any money. Brown waited, ummed and arred, then half heartedly did the same as cameron.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Popular media seems to disagree with you that it hasn't been a nightmare. decisions taking an extremely long time to get anywhere due to infighting within coalition, and eventually PM resigning after coalition collapsing over support or otherwise for Dutch presence in Afghanistan.

I would call a coalition being too busy fighting amongst themselves to accomplish things and eventually causing government to collapse and force an election that may result in a strong far-right presence a nightmare.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

I don't necessarily view the collapse of a coalition as a nightmare. Yes, it will hinder efficiency, but the positive thing is that the voters get to have their say, and a new coalition with a new mandate comes in. Coalition collapses are also not that common (current PM Harry Potter (4 collapses in 4 terms) aside).

The fact that the upcoming elections may result in a strong far-right presence is neither here nor there. Elections were due at the end of the year anyway, and while the rise of the far right clearly has to do with what goes in politics, I don't think it's a result of the present coalition collapsing.

The reality is that in my living memory the system has worked well, and while it has polarised in recent years (as has the whole of Dutch society) I do think the consensus element of it works well. IMO slightly slower progress to a solution that many people find acceptable is to be preferred over the seesaw of British politics.

Re: The 2010 General Election Thread: Week 1
 

Ditto. I think I'd prefer to see a hung parliament, than a massive landslide like we had in '97 (whoever the winner).

I can understand wanting to keep Britain British, & I'm glad you see the BNP are too extreme. The BNP don't simply want Britain to be British, they want it to be White, and they don't count non-white Britons as actually being British.

Strangely (for me) I think I'd prefer that to the Lib Dems teaming up with Labour.

I saw this re-Tweet by Dr Evan Harris (LD Science spokesman) earlier:

http://twitter.com/DrEvanHarris/status/12090007519

I really do despise New Labour's track record on Civil Liberties.

As for the marriage rubbish...what rubbish are you talking about Damien? Get yourself a non-working wife, & you'll get three whole pounds each week! :D You could use it to buy a pint, or save it up each week, over a period of 133 years, to pay for the average £20k wedding cost :D

The Week 1 thread is running until this Thursday, when Week 2 begins. The threads then change each following Thursday until the election.

[Admin Insert:- This week one thread is now closed. Week 2 thread is now open with the last 24 hours worth of posting. A new poll has been created as well to see if voting intentions have changed.

You can find the new thread by following the link below:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/20...-week-2-a.html

Thanks.]