Hugh

I think it's a shame that a small number of posters who have very fixed views (both pro and anti Labour and Conservative) put people off, but I find there are a reasonable amount of posters who want to discuss things, and discuss what is right rather than who is right - that's one of the reasons I still hang around.

Returning to your point about the thread being taken off-track, I think the challenge is in the context - it's difficult discussing a situation/person without bringing in the journey about how that situation/person got to where they are, with the pros and cons / opposition and supporters, and peoples' differing views on these.

Talking about Osborne without taking into account how the economy got where it is, and the circumstances, would be difficult, imho.

But, as you say, there are some strong feelings on both sides, and emotions can often overtake rational discussion.