The General Election Thread

[Bill]

i have had a letter from the labour party. not even opened it. hand delivered. the thing is our labour MP is a well sound bloke.

 

[TCIB]

I do find Nigel Farrage a twat tbh, sick of the pics of him in a pub not sipping the pint he has just been given by his pr wankers.
I wanted an end to all this grandstanding image bullshit. As far as i am concerned the lot of em probably sit down round a nice fire together at night playing with each other. All peas from the same public school pod.

 

[stony]

We won't get canvassers around here. It's about as safe a labour seat as you could wish for. I once got called a **** by the landlady of the local conservative club for mentioning Thatchers name.

 

[malg]

I do find Nigel Farrage a twat tbh, sick of the pics of him in a pub not sipping the pint he has just been given by his pr wankers.
I wanted an end to all this grandstanding image bullshit. As far as i am concerned the lot of em probably sit down round a nice fire together at night playing with each other. All peas from the same public school pod.

How dare you. Ed Miliband went to Gorton Mount Junior, and then to Spurley Hey High School in Gorton. Salt of the earth lad he is. The others all went to private schools.

 

[whp.blue]

We won't get canvassers around here. It's about as safe a labour seat as you could wish for. I once got called a c**t by the landlady of the local conservative club for mentioning Thatchers name.

Sounds like Benchill Con club

 

[TCIB]

I do find Nigel Farrage a twat tbh, sick of the pics of him in a pub not sipping the pint he has just been given by his pr wankers.
I wanted an end to all this grandstanding image bullshit. As far as i am concerned the lot of em probably sit down round a nice fire together at night playing with each other. All peas from the same public school pod.

How dare you. Ed Miliband went to Gorton Mount Junior, and then to Spurley Hey High School in Gorton. Salt of the earth lad he is. The others all went to private schools.

I was waiting for someone to correct me on that hehe. Still all seem the same really, i don't see a huge difference between them all now.

 

[malg]

I do find Nigel Farrage a twat tbh, sick of the pics of him in a pub not sipping the pint he has just been given by his pr wankers.
I wanted an end to all this grandstanding image bullshit. As far as i am concerned the lot of em probably sit down round a nice fire together at night playing with each other. All peas from the same public school pod.

How dare you. Ed Miliband went to Gorton Mount Junior, and then to Spurley Hey High School in Gorton. Salt of the earth lad he is. The others all went to private schools.

I was waiting for someone to correct me on that hehe. Still all seem the same really, i don't see a huge difference between them all now.

You're bang on, they're all lying cunts. Can't believe people get so heated about it. I genuinely, absolutely genuinely, don't believe for a second that my life would change one iota whoever gets in.

 

[TCIB]

How dare you. Ed Miliband went to Gorton Mount Junior, and then to Spurley Hey High School in Gorton. Salt of the earth lad he is. The others all went to private schools.

I was waiting for someone to correct me on that hehe. Still all seem the same really, i don't see a huge difference between them all now.

You're bang on, they're all lying cunts. Can't believe people get so heated about it. I genuinely, absolutely genuinely, don't believe for a second that my life would change one iota whoever gets in.

Bloody hell mate don't say that on fb, liberal voters are lynching the likes of you and me who think our vote is useless in the grand scheme.
I assume these are labour types worried about the cons or summat, i just don't care and agree with your mentality 100% mate, i can't help it.

 

[PragueBlue]

Had no one around and it's quite a marginal seat as well

Same here. Only lived in the area about a year and as it's a marginal seat, i thought we'd be plagued with them but just a load of leaflets stuffed through the letterbox. Still undecided who to vote for.

 

[malg]

I was waiting for someone to correct me on that hehe. Still all seem the same really, i don't see a huge difference between them all now.

You're bang on, they're all lying cunts. Can't believe people get so heated about it. I genuinely, absolutely genuinely, don't believe for a second that my life would change one iota whoever gets in.

Bloody hell mate don't say that on fb, liberal voters are lynching the likes of you and me who think our vote is useless in the grand scheme.
I assume these are labour types worried about the cons or summat, i just don't care and agree with your mentality 100% mate, i can't help it.

Don't use fb so I'm OK there! Again, I can't fathom why people get so heated about it ('the Tories will privatise the NHS', 'labour will ruin the economy', blah, blah fucking blah). I only come on here for shits and giggles. I suppose it takes all sorts. I'm more concerned about getting my CD player repaired right now than who I'd vote for. It's not just me though, I haven't spoken to anyone in work who actually gives a shit either.

 

[argyle]

Very good piece in The Indy tonight:

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/in-defence-of-liberal-democracy-10224221.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/edi ... 24221.html</a>


A spectre is haunting Britain – the spectre of its own end. Five years ago British democracy entered a new era. There was endless gnashing of teeth at the prospect of a first peacetime coalition since the 1930s, but disaster has been avoided. To the credit of its members, a coalition formed in the interests of the country has governed competently. It leaves a country more indebted and less influential, but stable and growing. That masks the scale of the choice facing Britain this week. At stake is the very idea of majority government, the union with Scotland, and membership of the EU. In other words, British democracy itself.
You wouldn't have guessed that from a data-driven, negative, and deeply uninspiring campaign. New ideas have been in short supply; fear has been the tool of choice; and because of our outdated electoral system, two-thirds of voters have yet again been ignored. This is a betrayal of the British people. This title believes they deserve much better. The Independent was founded on the principle enshrined in its name. We honour that again today, by declaring that we belong to no party or faction, act without fear or favour, and know our readers are wise enough to make up their own minds. That is why we will not be telling you how to vote.
A question of authority
On the question of democracy, however, we are not and will never be neutral: we believe it is precious, and must be revitalised. It is clear that not only our democracy, but our kingdom, is in some peril. It may be thought perverse for a paper with a tinge of republicanism to defend a kingdom; but we believe the union with Scotland is mutually beneficial, and crucial at a time of rapid global change.

Britain has entered a long period of relative decline, as emerging powers such as China and India acquire greater influence. To splinter our country, either through Scottish independence or withdrawal from the EU, would be fatally stupid. Moreover, the reputation of politics, following the Iraq War, the expenses crisis, and the financial crash, has sunk to a rotten low; and whoever forms a government in the coming days must at all costs be legitimate. That is not a question merely of numbers and seats. Rather it is a question of authority, and the ability to reflect the temper of the people.
As believers in pluralism, we have given plenty of coverage to minor parties - three in particular. The Greens have been a disappointment, offering an alternative to austerity that is economically illiterate. Ukip have contributed important ideas on freedom, but are essentially at war with globalisation and modernity, both of which we welcome. The SNP is an agent of change, with impressive leaders in both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. But they are a wrecking ball poised to hit Westminster and, unlike us, want to abolish Britain.

You wouldn't have guessed that from a data-driven, negative, and deeply uninspiring campaign. New ideas have been in short supply; fear has been the tool of choice; and because of our outdated electoral system, two-thirds of voters have yet again been ignored. This is a betrayal of the British people. This title believes they deserve much better. The Independent was founded on the principle enshrined in its name. We honour that again today, by declaring that we belong to no party or faction, act without fear or favour, and know our readers are wise enough to make up their own minds. That is why we will not be telling you how to vote.
A question of authority
On the question of democracy, however, we are not and will never be neutral: we believe it is precious, and must be revitalised. It is clear that not only our democracy, but our kingdom, is in some peril. It may be thought perverse for a paper with a tinge of republicanism to defend a kingdom; but we believe the union with Scotland is mutually beneficial, and crucial at a time of rapid global change.
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Britain has entered a long period of relative decline, as emerging powers such as China and India acquire greater influence. To splinter our country, either through Scottish independence or withdrawal from the EU, would be fatally stupid. Moreover, the reputation of politics, following the Iraq War, the expenses crisis, and the financial crash, has sunk to a rotten low; and whoever forms a government in the coming days must at all costs be legitimate. That is not a question merely of numbers and seats. Rather it is a question of authority, and the ability to reflect the temper of the people.
As believers in pluralism, we have given plenty of coverage to minor parties - three in particular. The Greens have been a disappointment, offering an alternative to austerity that is economically illiterate. Ukip have contributed important ideas on freedom, but are essentially at war with globalisation and modernity, both of which we welcome. The SNP is an agent of change, with impressive leaders in both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. But they are a wrecking ball poised to hit Westminster and, unlike us, want to abolish Britain.
In pictures: Experts' predictions for the General Election - 03/05/15
1 of 10
Andrew Hawkins (ComRes)
Next
Andrew Hawkins (ComRes)Joe Twyman (YouGov)Ben Page (Ipsos MORI)Rick Nye (Populus)Nick Moon (GfK)Damian Lyons Lowe (Survation) Michelle Harrison (TNS)James Endersby (Opinium Research)Martin Boon (ICM) Lord Ashcroft (Lord Ashcroft Polls)

The main contenders
What of the main parties? Ed Miliband has had an impressive campaign. For several years, too, he has held the factions within Labour together, rightly highlighting inequality as a fundamental priority of the British people. He is clearly an economist who wants to use the state to break up monopolies and generate competition. Yet in key areas his policy prescriptions suggest a party unready for government. Tampering with tuition fees would harm universities while benefiting wealthy rather than poor students. Taxing property more is smart, but rent controls won’t work and a mansion tax is a centralising, blunt tool: much better to reform council tax instead. And though he is right not to flirt with leaving the EU, far too many businesses of all sizes fear Labour.
As for the Tories, an abiding irony of this parliament is that David Cameron, who wanted to be a social reformer, has been principally an economic reformer instead – with some success. Excessive austerity in the first phase of his reign, consistent failure to meet debt and deficit targets, and a worrying lack of productivity notwithstanding, Britain's economy is now growing reasonably well. Given the state of the Eurozone, creating two million mostly decent jobs is an exceptional achievement. Plans to create a northern powerhouse are also welcome.
This title has consistently argued that we would have liked much more to be done for the poor: the Institute for Fiscal Studies is clear they have fared worst since 2010. The young have been unfairly targeted to protect the old, the record on house-building is dire, and the NHS mismanaged. But, the economy aside, in one vital respect Tories deserve tremendous credit: a million more pupils are now at schools rated good or outstanding. This title cherishes education. Such success cannot be ignored.
Many of the good things the Coalition has done are owed to the Liberal Democrats. Nick Clegg may not personally recover from the tuition fees debacle, despite being right (eventually). But history will record him as the man who turned a party of protest into one of government. As a principled, effective politician who could hold another Coalition together, we hope he keeps his seat in Sheffield Hallam. He has confounded his Tory critics, held his party together, been a fine advertisement for a European kind of government, and championed the green agenda just as Tories abandoned it. On raising the income tax threshold, the pupil premium, early years learning and apprenticeships the Lib Dems have been a force for progress, and if he returns to government Mr Clegg should insist on being Education Secretary.
In office, but not in power
A hung parliament is certain this week. For all his talk of no deals with the SNP, Miliband is bound to rely on that party to get his legislative programme through. This would be a disaster for the country, unleashing justified fury in England at the decisive influence of MPs who – unlike this title – do not wish the Union to exist. If that were to be the case while Labour were the second biggest party either in terms of vote share, or seats – or both – how could Labour govern with authority? They could not. Any partnership between Labour and the SNP will harm Britain’s fragile democracy. For all its faults, another Lib-Con Coalition would both prolong recovery and give our kingdom a better chance of continued existence.
This title casts no vote. But we prize strong, effective government, consider nationalism guilty until proven innocent, and say that if the present Coalition is to get another chance, we hope it is much less conservative, and much more liberal.

-------------------------end-----------

Beats having that unwashed twat in support.

You mean the non-dom owner of the Independent doesn't like the non-dom abolishing, top tax rate rising, mansion taxing Labour?

Further to the Financial Time's editor being a long time friend to Cameron, his reason's for being against Labour are set out in the editorial that Labour are "too concerned with inequality." Typical Tories.

It's also of no surprise that all the newspapers that were against Leveson being implemented are against the only candidate who said he'd implement them!

 

[Paulpowersleftfoot]

Had no one around and it's quite a marginal seat as well

Same here. Only lived in the area about a year and as it's a marginal seat, i thought we'd be plagued with them but just a load of leaflets stuffed through the letterbox. Still undecided who to vote for.

I live in George Osbornes constituency Tatton
Never had the door knocked since Daktari was round before his ousting of Neil Hamilton

 

[argyle]

Here's something interesting I didn't even realise until today. Discussing the election with my sister in law the other day who said that the Coalition government had brought growth.

But checking the figures, growth at/just after the last election was actually quite strong at 2.5% in the third quarter of 2010. Austerity seems to have put the brakes on it and is still affecting it. You can't build a strong economy without strong wage growth and we're still not seeing that despite all the conditions supposedly being in place.

Are those figures adjusted for borrowing and QE? If not then the real position of GDP probably looks better for the Conservatives as the amount of borrowing and printing has been falling, albeit not by a huge amount, and Brown's economic disaster would look all the more calamitous.

It's GDP - a measure of physical production/income/expenditure. Nothing to do with QE or borrowing. The only adjustment is in calculating Real GDP, which compares actual GDP to prices. Interestingly in the last three recessions before this, Real GDP has returned to pre-recession levels within 3 years and has been about 7-10% higher after 5 years.

In this one, we were still at less than 97% of 2008 Q1 levels after 5 years. And that's in an era of low inflation. In times like these, the government should be providing an economic stimulus but this one has really sucked the life out of the economy.

Exactly. However over the past 5 years Labour have been too weak and afraid of defending themselves and so the narrative is set that Labour destroyed the economy (even though top economists disagree with this) and the Tories are the saviours!

 

[Mike N]

Had no one around and it's quite a marginal seat as well

Same here. Only lived in the area about a year and as it's a marginal seat, i thought we'd be plagued with them but just a load of leaflets stuffed through the letterbox. Still undecided who to vote for.

I live in George Osbornes constituency Tatton
Never had the door knocked since Daktari was round before his ousting of Neil Hamilton

Made me laugh that!

 

[Ducado]

So election night, will it be the BBC, ITV or Sky news?

 

[BigJoe#1]

So election night, will it be the BBC, ITV or Sky news?

Traditionally been BBC for me though am likely to go between BBC, Sky and Channel 4. Will probably give ITV a wide berth..

 

[argyle]

The only newspaper that wants the implementation of the Leveson report supports the only candidate who has said he'd implement them.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/03/the-observer-view-on-why-you-should-vote-labour

 

[Mike N]

So election night, will it be the BBC, ITV or Sky news?

BBC for me. The best broadcasting corporation in the world and a reason I'm proud to be British.

 

[Damocles]

I was waiting for someone to correct me on that hehe. Still all seem the same really, i don't see a huge difference between them all now.

You're bang on, they're all lying cunts. Can't believe people get so heated about it. I genuinely, absolutely genuinely, don't believe for a second that my life would change one iota whoever gets in.

Bloody hell mate don't say that on fb, liberal voters are lynching the likes of you and me who think our vote is useless in the grand scheme.
I assume these are labour types worried about the cons or summat, i just don't care and agree with your mentality 100% mate, i can't help it.

Perhaps it's because of your penchant to draw negative comparisons across political lines?

And where's WWE2k15 the PC game you cockwomble? Check the General Wrestling thread :)

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

So election night, will it be the BBC, ITV or Sky news?

As much as the self-important BBC gets on my tits, it's by far and away the best on election nights.