Monarchy or Republic?

This is not a Royal Wedding thread, but I thought now would be a good time to ask the question because the wedding means people are thinking about the Royals more than usual, and because the wedding is becoming a focal point for both those who support and those who oppose the monarchy.

In particular I was struck by this quote:

Originally Posted by Gareth Smith, "Republic"

We need to get across the fact that the whole country isn't interested in the royal wedding and a sizeable majority is against the monarchy. We need to raise awareness of this issue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13214984

... which left me wondering how awareness can be raised further if a sizeable majority of the UK is already of a republican persuasion. But anyhow.

So, please click the poll and let the debate begin.

[danielf]

Tempted between Republic and 'don't care'. I don't care really, but then again the Monarchy is a terrible anachronism... Then again, if some people like it, and it brings tourists in...

I'm wondering whether the poll was too simplistic - we could have had a choice between a republic with an executive president like the USA, or a ceremonial/constitutional president like Ireland or Germany.

On the other hand I'm not at all sure that even the republican movement in the UK is campaigning at that level yet. Possibly most Brits haven't even thought about it. However it's widely believed that the republic referendum in Australia a few years back failed not because of the general principle, but because of the specific model of republic it proposed.

[carlwaring]

"Sizeable majority"? I'd like to see his figures to prove that.

A recent poll (3 days ago)

An ICM survey for The Guardian found that 63% of those questioned thought that the UK would be worse off if the monarchy was not in place.

Just over a quarter (26%) said they believed the country would be better off without the royals, with 11% not knowing.

Nearly seven out of 10 people (67%) think the monarchy is "relevant" to life in Britain today, while 60% agree that it makes the country more respected around the world.

And a poll two years ago

76% of people said they would like the monarchy to continue after the present Queen, while 18% said they would prefer a Republic

New definition of "sizable majority" I hadn't come across before....

... which is the polar opposite of Gareth Smith's claim on the BBC. I, too, would like to see his figures!

[carlwaring]

So it looks like he's wrong. No surprise there then. In fact, now that I have had a change to have a look at their website I want to change my vote to from "don't know" to "Monarchy".

Even moreso after reading this complete load of rubbish.

Also, could someone please tell their website designer that you're not supposed to have spaces in web addresses.

[Gary L]

The rest of the world are fascinated by the Queen and such. probably because they think it's like in the story books with Queens, Princes and Princesses.

whilst the rest of us are thinking she's a bit like God. doesn't do anything, but she actually is there.

Originally Posted by carlwaring

So it looks like he's wrong. No surprise there then. In fact, now that I have had a change to have a look at their website I want to change my vote to from "don't know" to "Monarchy".

Not necessarily wrong - his poll may have asked different questions, which can, strangely enough, lead to different outcomes....

100% monarchy for me .Republic democracy has the same outcome (and problems) that constitutional monarchies have so as far as i am concerned there is little difference

[carlwaring]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Not necessarily wrong - his poll may have asked different questions, which can, strangely enough, lead to different outcomes....

A fair point. "Lies, damned lies and statistics"

[Taf]

I'd rather an unelected monarch who puts cash into the coffers of UK plc, rather than a political elected Head of State that just takes cash from us... and not always lawfully.

[Peter_]

We have had no need of the monarchy since the restoration and all they are is a tourist attraction that has to much of our money and what should be public property that should be in the public domain.

Bring in the guillotine and the tumbrils.

[Uncle Peter]

Viva la Revolucion

and the toe-rags who had all that land given to them after the Norman invasion can jolly well hand it back.

And before!

Bloody Romans - what have they ever done for us?