It's election day and maybe the day to change Britain's political scene.
Indeed, there will be at least 200 new MPs for sure, and possibly more.
On this day Tony Blair was born. He is now something of a persona non grata in the UK.
10 years PM and now not wanted. From rooster to feather duster so quickly. Cheers to tears in 10 years.
Some observations:
The Queen appears not to want to see anyone before 1pm Friday, just in case there is great indecision. She is not going to pushed into making a choice for PM. Remember she has over 50 years of dealing with PMs, from Churchill who was born in 1874. Some history and no fool this Queen.
The TV debates have made the real difference in this campaign. Cameron wanted them originally and now he can blame himself for giving Clegg so much airtime and popularity, not to mention changing the whole political landscape.
Clegg has been the star of the campaign.
Osborne - hardly seen.
Mandelson - looked oily and creepy and ought just fade away.
Miliband, D - good Foreign Secretary but still has big future ahead of him in EU or UN.
Cable - has been outshone by his leader and must be very jealous now. Star collapse.
Hague - also quiet during the campaign.
I think Cameron may just miss out or squeak in - I now predict 290-300 for Tories. Any less than 290 and he will be in canoe up the creek and devastated.
Labour needs at least 250 to have credibility. 200 to save humiliation. Under 200, its a seismic event that will destroy Labour for 20 years.
Lib Dems will get between 70-85. Any more and they will be key players.
Less than 80, same status but still key for parliamentary votes if Tories are minority government.
So many combinations. Such fun and excitement tonight.....
6 May
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
18 hours to go
Well just 18 hours to the polls open for the most exciting election in recent UK history.
It looks like a hung parliament and I'm going for that with the Tories the biggest winner in seats and then labour second, and the LibDems with the balance of power.
Now how many the Tories have we know not.
How many the others have we know not.
So we know nothing, a la Manuel.
But there could be a late swing from undecided voters who may create a definite result.
Thus it will be a late night and late morning as the country watches to see if it is Brown still or Cameron who will be in Downing Street come the weekend.
I have no idea, but politics is exciting this time around and most people haven't a clue, not the pollsters, the media and least of all, the people standing for Parliament.
The Queen may have a busy Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
5 May
It looks like a hung parliament and I'm going for that with the Tories the biggest winner in seats and then labour second, and the LibDems with the balance of power.
Now how many the Tories have we know not.
How many the others have we know not.
So we know nothing, a la Manuel.
But there could be a late swing from undecided voters who may create a definite result.
Thus it will be a late night and late morning as the country watches to see if it is Brown still or Cameron who will be in Downing Street come the weekend.
I have no idea, but politics is exciting this time around and most people haven't a clue, not the pollsters, the media and least of all, the people standing for Parliament.
The Queen may have a busy Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
5 May
Monday, 3 May 2010
Cameron jumping the gun?
David Cameron has come out with what he will do once he becomes PM this weekend.
Wow, is he jumping ahead? The other two parties think so.
They may be plans for what he wants to do, but electors do not like to be told the winner BEFORE THEY HAVE VOTED. It's a no-no. So why not jump on him.
He can have plans and policies but it's how he couches it now that matters.
The Tories are now looking desperate as the day approaches and the polls show it may well be a hung parliament. The Tories do not want to lose for the fourth time in a row as that would mean 18 years in opposition just like Labour from 1979-1997. Cameron would be chucked out perhaps so it will be worrying for him. They need 300 minimum for him to be safe I think. Under that number and the party will not be forgiving.
Lib Dems now screaming a bit but Clegg still a rock star wherever he goes. Like Obama.
Brown, fighting hard in last days and now pleading for people to avoid the Tories.
It's panic time now for all of them. Who can hold their nerve between now and 7am Thursday.
3 May
Wow, is he jumping ahead? The other two parties think so.
They may be plans for what he wants to do, but electors do not like to be told the winner BEFORE THEY HAVE VOTED. It's a no-no. So why not jump on him.
He can have plans and policies but it's how he couches it now that matters.
The Tories are now looking desperate as the day approaches and the polls show it may well be a hung parliament. The Tories do not want to lose for the fourth time in a row as that would mean 18 years in opposition just like Labour from 1979-1997. Cameron would be chucked out perhaps so it will be worrying for him. They need 300 minimum for him to be safe I think. Under that number and the party will not be forgiving.
Lib Dems now screaming a bit but Clegg still a rock star wherever he goes. Like Obama.
Brown, fighting hard in last days and now pleading for people to avoid the Tories.
It's panic time now for all of them. Who can hold their nerve between now and 7am Thursday.
3 May
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Last dash to election day
There are now only five days to go to E day 2010.
Today The Guardian came out for the Lib Dems, the Times for the Conservatives.
No one for labour today, but probably The Mirror will later in the week as the lone supporter.
But you have to laugh at yesterday's poster launch by the labour party up north.
Who advised them that if you have childish posters in funny writing and loads of balloons, then wheel out some glum-looking cabinet ministers, you will rejuvenate your party?
What a joke. Balloons to revive an election campaign!!!!!
This has to be the most stupid, idiotic piece of electioneering I have ever witnessed. It shows the government is on the fast road to defeat and oblivion for years to come.
They even had Tony Blair visit a surgery for a blood pressure test. What was that for?
He ran past people, ran out and away in a car. About as bizarre and funny as a Road Runner cartoon.
The labour party has lost contact, is being ill advised and has hit the depths.
I still believe the LibDems will get 100 seats and Cameron will have the most, but maybe not enough to form his own government. If he is short by more than 20 then he will have to get support. If less than 20 he may well be called on by The Queen to form a minority government.
But who knows. No one has a clue as polls are so different. One had the Libs only one point behind Tories. That would give them 137 seats. More than double their present number.
It's all to go for these last five days and Cameron looks on the ball. Clegg still cool and gets applauded like a rock star. Brown looks tired, grumpy (no change) and stiff.
Can't wait for election night after 10pm.
1 May
Today The Guardian came out for the Lib Dems, the Times for the Conservatives.
No one for labour today, but probably The Mirror will later in the week as the lone supporter.
But you have to laugh at yesterday's poster launch by the labour party up north.
Who advised them that if you have childish posters in funny writing and loads of balloons, then wheel out some glum-looking cabinet ministers, you will rejuvenate your party?
What a joke. Balloons to revive an election campaign!!!!!
This has to be the most stupid, idiotic piece of electioneering I have ever witnessed. It shows the government is on the fast road to defeat and oblivion for years to come.
They even had Tony Blair visit a surgery for a blood pressure test. What was that for?
He ran past people, ran out and away in a car. About as bizarre and funny as a Road Runner cartoon.
The labour party has lost contact, is being ill advised and has hit the depths.
I still believe the LibDems will get 100 seats and Cameron will have the most, but maybe not enough to form his own government. If he is short by more than 20 then he will have to get support. If less than 20 he may well be called on by The Queen to form a minority government.
But who knows. No one has a clue as polls are so different. One had the Libs only one point behind Tories. That would give them 137 seats. More than double their present number.
It's all to go for these last five days and Cameron looks on the ball. Clegg still cool and gets applauded like a rock star. Brown looks tired, grumpy (no change) and stiff.
Can't wait for election night after 10pm.
1 May
Thursday, 29 April 2010
PM's massive blunder and hypocrisy
Brown is on the way down and out for good.
Come May 7 he will no longer be PM I am now sure as he stumbles into a huge hole of his own making.
Yesterday's immigration-chat-fiasco with a grandmother and all the media frenzy it created has only confirmed what a hapless, out of touch PM this man is.
He goes out to meet the people and ends up in a total confessional-mode-self-flagellating extravaganza that would be a joke if not serious.
Even Yes Prime Minister never had this type of scenario. There were mild embarrassments for PM Hacker, the ever naive PM.
Brown showed his true colours again with his 'bigoted woman' comments.He says he misunderstood her. How could he? What was there to misunderstand anyway? She was as clear as a bell and he did not agree with her. So into the car and off, muttering words of annoyance and arrogance at her.
This woman has thousands, perhaps millions who agree with her. Are they all bigoted voters in the UK?
No, enjoy the last week of your time at No 10 PM. Because come May 7 you will be on the first bus out of Whitehall and we can have a human, reasonable, sensible and polite new PM back in Downing Street.
The outgoing cabinet should have got rid of brown 18 months ago and then they would have had a better chance of survival. Not now, its Titanic-time!
29 April
Come May 7 he will no longer be PM I am now sure as he stumbles into a huge hole of his own making.
Yesterday's immigration-chat-fiasco with a grandmother and all the media frenzy it created has only confirmed what a hapless, out of touch PM this man is.
He goes out to meet the people and ends up in a total confessional-mode-self-flagellating extravaganza that would be a joke if not serious.
Even Yes Prime Minister never had this type of scenario. There were mild embarrassments for PM Hacker, the ever naive PM.
Brown showed his true colours again with his 'bigoted woman' comments.He says he misunderstood her. How could he? What was there to misunderstand anyway? She was as clear as a bell and he did not agree with her. So into the car and off, muttering words of annoyance and arrogance at her.
This woman has thousands, perhaps millions who agree with her. Are they all bigoted voters in the UK?
No, enjoy the last week of your time at No 10 PM. Because come May 7 you will be on the first bus out of Whitehall and we can have a human, reasonable, sensible and polite new PM back in Downing Street.
The outgoing cabinet should have got rid of brown 18 months ago and then they would have had a better chance of survival. Not now, its Titanic-time!
29 April
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Meet the people? Oops, think again.
Well yesterday Cameron met the people and got into a pickle with a young father of a boy who has a medical condition requiring special attention, something Cameron would know a lot about.
But he came under attack in front of the cameras and reporters and didn't do too well. Ah ha, meet the people and hear them.
So he came under attack and had to look cool, calm and in control and say how his party would help. He couldn't.
Today Brown came under attack from a grandmother on a walk about and got into his car and then blasted the woman as 'bigoted' and complained about the meeting with her. And then the mic was still on and picked up all the comments he made - so, an apology was later made on air by Brown - all too late for the offended woman.
These two examples, but especially Brown's show how leaders are OUT OF TOUCH, NOT WITH THE PEOPLE and when caught out ISSUE AN APOLOGY as if this will help.
An apology is only issued IF CAUGHT OUT. The FCO issued an apology to the Pope when it got caught out by the memo ONE MONTH after circulation.
A pox on all their apologies and words.
Politicians, and their leaders are leading us up the garden path.
So they think.
Well, I say bring on election day next week. It can't come sooner and I think there will be
a tsunami at the ballot box like never before with loads of MPs chucked out.
Turn the mike off PM and get out and meet the people.
They all need to and see what the PEOPLE THINK.
28 April
But he came under attack in front of the cameras and reporters and didn't do too well. Ah ha, meet the people and hear them.
So he came under attack and had to look cool, calm and in control and say how his party would help. He couldn't.
Today Brown came under attack from a grandmother on a walk about and got into his car and then blasted the woman as 'bigoted' and complained about the meeting with her. And then the mic was still on and picked up all the comments he made - so, an apology was later made on air by Brown - all too late for the offended woman.
These two examples, but especially Brown's show how leaders are OUT OF TOUCH, NOT WITH THE PEOPLE and when caught out ISSUE AN APOLOGY as if this will help.
An apology is only issued IF CAUGHT OUT. The FCO issued an apology to the Pope when it got caught out by the memo ONE MONTH after circulation.
A pox on all their apologies and words.
Politicians, and their leaders are leading us up the garden path.
So they think.
Well, I say bring on election day next week. It can't come sooner and I think there will be
a tsunami at the ballot box like never before with loads of MPs chucked out.
Turn the mike off PM and get out and meet the people.
They all need to and see what the PEOPLE THINK.
28 April
Sunday, 25 April 2010
The FCO, internal blunders and the election
It has now come to light in the press that a junior official and some others in the FCO had prepared a memo of suggestions for the visit of the Pope next September. This has proved to be a total insult to the leader of 1 billion Catholics. We are told the official has been moved to other duties. But what duties and where? Making tea? Scrubbing floors? Making toast? Typing or a foreign assignment in Chad?
The whole revelation is a disgrace and it seems to have come to light weeks after it actually happened, via a leak which is embarrassing to the FCO, the Government and the Labour party as they are in power.
This shows a deepening secularist tone within the government which has shown its colours and will indeed now reap what they have sown on May 6.
Britain is not a Christian country. It has external signs and paraphernalia that focus on the Church of England, but that's about it. Its a hatch, match and dispatch Church of England that has lost any moral claim to belief or anything that counts for belief here. That's why it has so many unresolved problems.
The writings in the FCO only show what disrespect is shown to the leader of the Catholic Church and his upcoming visit to the UK which is likely to be marked by widespread demonstrations and disruptions for the incumbent government. It may well prove very embarrassing for the country and how it is seen overseas.
But remember, Catholics may number only one twelfth of the population here, but they are a group of believers who were only allowed to practice their faith again from the early 19th century after 300 years of persecution.
The Catholic faith was the foundation of belief in Britain from the 6th century and for another 10 centuries during which time it built great cathedrals and monasteries. It was this faith that was brought to Britain by Augustine and came to be part of the fabric of British life.
The scene now in 2010 is far different. The Church of England holds no moral authority and although the state religion is ineffectual, weak, lame and without a faith compass.
This is the milieu we live in today and it has penetrated the offices of state, due much to the non-belief of cabinet ministers. The vast majority are afraid to show the minimum of belief in God. They are terrified of showing or admitting belief in God. What weakness.
This is not the case with Barack Obama. Why not? He often invokes God and at a recent prayer breakfast spoke about the place of God, Christ and faith in human life.
Britain's place in the diplomatic world has been harmed by certain inept, childish officials. They ought be sacked.
The labour party will lose more votes due to the FCO officials disrespect.
25 April
The whole revelation is a disgrace and it seems to have come to light weeks after it actually happened, via a leak which is embarrassing to the FCO, the Government and the Labour party as they are in power.
This shows a deepening secularist tone within the government which has shown its colours and will indeed now reap what they have sown on May 6.
Britain is not a Christian country. It has external signs and paraphernalia that focus on the Church of England, but that's about it. Its a hatch, match and dispatch Church of England that has lost any moral claim to belief or anything that counts for belief here. That's why it has so many unresolved problems.
The writings in the FCO only show what disrespect is shown to the leader of the Catholic Church and his upcoming visit to the UK which is likely to be marked by widespread demonstrations and disruptions for the incumbent government. It may well prove very embarrassing for the country and how it is seen overseas.
But remember, Catholics may number only one twelfth of the population here, but they are a group of believers who were only allowed to practice their faith again from the early 19th century after 300 years of persecution.
The Catholic faith was the foundation of belief in Britain from the 6th century and for another 10 centuries during which time it built great cathedrals and monasteries. It was this faith that was brought to Britain by Augustine and came to be part of the fabric of British life.
The scene now in 2010 is far different. The Church of England holds no moral authority and although the state religion is ineffectual, weak, lame and without a faith compass.
This is the milieu we live in today and it has penetrated the offices of state, due much to the non-belief of cabinet ministers. The vast majority are afraid to show the minimum of belief in God. They are terrified of showing or admitting belief in God. What weakness.
This is not the case with Barack Obama. Why not? He often invokes God and at a recent prayer breakfast spoke about the place of God, Christ and faith in human life.
Britain's place in the diplomatic world has been harmed by certain inept, childish officials. They ought be sacked.
The labour party will lose more votes due to the FCO officials disrespect.
25 April
Friday, 23 April 2010
12 days out and what's the result?
Well, dare I make another prediction at this stage?
I have always thought the LIb Dems would get 100 seats, even before Clegg made his TV impact.
I have also though that the Conservatives would increase their numbers, but not enough to govern alone.
I now think that :
The Lib Dems will definitely increase their numbers over 100.
The Conservatives will gain but not enough to govern alone.
The Labour party will lose 100 seats AT A MINIMUM.
There will be a balanced parliament and the Tories will have the biggest number, but will have to govern as a minority or go into coalition.
Labour will seek to hold on to power with Lib Dem support.
But the Queen will commission Brown to see if he has the support in the Commons.
If he does not, then Cameron will be asked to be PM and see if he can govern.
But, this does not answer the question, who will the Lib Dems finally support?
I don't know frankly, nor does anyone, except maybe Nick Clegg.
The LDs want proportional representation and labour will agree that to hold on to power.
The Tories know that if they do not agree to that request, the Lib Dems will not support them and thus the Tories may be in the wilderness for another 5 years. Do they want that? Does Cameron want to be Opp leader for 10 years? I think not - a deal will be in the making.
Answer: Hold a referendum on the voting system and see what the public want.
23 April
I have always thought the LIb Dems would get 100 seats, even before Clegg made his TV impact.
I have also though that the Conservatives would increase their numbers, but not enough to govern alone.
I now think that :
The Lib Dems will definitely increase their numbers over 100.
The Conservatives will gain but not enough to govern alone.
The Labour party will lose 100 seats AT A MINIMUM.
There will be a balanced parliament and the Tories will have the biggest number, but will have to govern as a minority or go into coalition.
Labour will seek to hold on to power with Lib Dem support.
But the Queen will commission Brown to see if he has the support in the Commons.
If he does not, then Cameron will be asked to be PM and see if he can govern.
But, this does not answer the question, who will the Lib Dems finally support?
I don't know frankly, nor does anyone, except maybe Nick Clegg.
The LDs want proportional representation and labour will agree that to hold on to power.
The Tories know that if they do not agree to that request, the Lib Dems will not support them and thus the Tories may be in the wilderness for another 5 years. Do they want that? Does Cameron want to be Opp leader for 10 years? I think not - a deal will be in the making.
Answer: Hold a referendum on the voting system and see what the public want.
23 April
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Second leaders' debate
Debate No 2 is over and done.
The winner. Perhaps David Cameron by a whisker or two over Clegg. Brown third.
Cameron upped his performance this week and was more confident, strident and looked more authoritative.
Clegg looked good. He is a good, handsome performer who argues well. He was confident like last week and did not disappoint. His challenge is that he is the man of change and the other two are the old parties.
Brown is the same dour man. He was more bullying tonight and got slammed down by Clegg and Cameron. But he was more aggressive and his face still alternated between the sudden false smile and grumpy look that he has. Definitely odd and strange on TV.
One of the best lines came from Cameron, twice tonight. When Clegg and Brown were having little spats between themselves, Cameron noted that it would be hard for them to govern in coalition if this was the way they behaved. I thought this was a good debating trick.
Overall, it was a fast-moving debate. It could have focused more on the Trident issue and nuclear power, the Euro currency and the future of Afghanistan. But it did not. There was a lot to speak about and argue for and ultimately it was a solid, fascinating debate.
I think the three parties will still be close after this in the polls, but the Tories may do better as a result. Their numbers may go up. But I don't think the LibDems will crash as the labour party may well do.
Brown is up against two young, smart leaders. They are the future, not Brown.
22 April
The winner. Perhaps David Cameron by a whisker or two over Clegg. Brown third.
Cameron upped his performance this week and was more confident, strident and looked more authoritative.
Clegg looked good. He is a good, handsome performer who argues well. He was confident like last week and did not disappoint. His challenge is that he is the man of change and the other two are the old parties.
Brown is the same dour man. He was more bullying tonight and got slammed down by Clegg and Cameron. But he was more aggressive and his face still alternated between the sudden false smile and grumpy look that he has. Definitely odd and strange on TV.
One of the best lines came from Cameron, twice tonight. When Clegg and Brown were having little spats between themselves, Cameron noted that it would be hard for them to govern in coalition if this was the way they behaved. I thought this was a good debating trick.
Overall, it was a fast-moving debate. It could have focused more on the Trident issue and nuclear power, the Euro currency and the future of Afghanistan. But it did not. There was a lot to speak about and argue for and ultimately it was a solid, fascinating debate.
I think the three parties will still be close after this in the polls, but the Tories may do better as a result. Their numbers may go up. But I don't think the LibDems will crash as the labour party may well do.
Brown is up against two young, smart leaders. They are the future, not Brown.
22 April
The big debate tonight
Debate No 2 is on tonight and the daggers, knives and hatchets are out - for Nick Clegg.
If he didn't get the heat before April 15, it has certainly been hot in the papers across Britain these past few days as the media mafia try to dig up anything that will harm and hinder the progress of Clegg.
The attacks have been coming thick and fast and remind me of those on Obama in 2008. Throw as much dirt as possible and hope it sticks fast.
This is to be expected when all of a sudden it looks like the LibDems may well thwart the ascension of David Cameron to No 10. All the forces of hell seemed to be aimed at him alone, and this only shows that the conservative dominated press are scared out of their minds that the Tories may NOT be in power for another five years and their ambitions will be in tatters.
So tonight Brown, Cameron and Clegg will be doing their best to shore up their supporters as tonight will either show that Clegg is now on the downward plunge, Brown has lost it and Cameron is dead in the water.
I feel that Clegg will do well again and Brown will fumble. Cameron will aim his missiles at the other two over Europe and hope their policies will show that Britain hates the EU and wants to get out asap. I think not.
Bring on 8pm - should be a fascinating 90 minutes in Bristol.
22 April
If he didn't get the heat before April 15, it has certainly been hot in the papers across Britain these past few days as the media mafia try to dig up anything that will harm and hinder the progress of Clegg.
The attacks have been coming thick and fast and remind me of those on Obama in 2008. Throw as much dirt as possible and hope it sticks fast.
This is to be expected when all of a sudden it looks like the LibDems may well thwart the ascension of David Cameron to No 10. All the forces of hell seemed to be aimed at him alone, and this only shows that the conservative dominated press are scared out of their minds that the Tories may NOT be in power for another five years and their ambitions will be in tatters.
So tonight Brown, Cameron and Clegg will be doing their best to shore up their supporters as tonight will either show that Clegg is now on the downward plunge, Brown has lost it and Cameron is dead in the water.
I feel that Clegg will do well again and Brown will fumble. Cameron will aim his missiles at the other two over Europe and hope their policies will show that Britain hates the EU and wants to get out asap. I think not.
Bring on 8pm - should be a fascinating 90 minutes in Bristol.
22 April
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Election suits - GET REAL
Yesterday on BBC 2 there was a foreign affairs debate between the three party candidates who want to be foreign minister.
But, the Lib Dem guy was dressed in what looked like a suit from a trash bin. It was disgraceful. It looked dirty, over sized and just plain rubbish. Hague needs to improve. Miliband was just ok.
Also last night I saw a LibDem candidate on Newsnight in Scotland in what can only be described as an over sized suit - down the arms etc and a disgrace.
What is it about British candidates running for office with such rubbish suits that are usually -
OVERSIZE
DARK BLACK
POOR MATERIAL
LOOK OLD AND OUT OF DATE
THREE BUTTON, ALWAYS DONE UP (instead of the middle button only)
HAVE LITTLE WHITE SPECKS ON THEM
What they all need to do, especially the leaders is to take a lead from:
FRENCH POLITICIANS
ITALIAN POLITICIANS
These guys know what to do, how to wear suits and what colours and combinations look good.
Brit politicians need to get GOOD SUITS, SMART SHIRTS and PLAIN SILK TIES.
Also, they could all learn a lot from Barack Obama and Bill Clinton who know how to dress well and simply in suits.
The CLUES?
WEAR NEAT DARK BLUE SUITS
WEAR WHITE SHIRTS
WEAR PLAIN BLUE, RED, PINK TIES. or TIES WITH NEAT STRIPPED PATTERNS.
For heavens sake get real and LOOK GOOD,
At the moment they look shabby, crumpled, dirty and crappy.
21 April
But, the Lib Dem guy was dressed in what looked like a suit from a trash bin. It was disgraceful. It looked dirty, over sized and just plain rubbish. Hague needs to improve. Miliband was just ok.
Also last night I saw a LibDem candidate on Newsnight in Scotland in what can only be described as an over sized suit - down the arms etc and a disgrace.
What is it about British candidates running for office with such rubbish suits that are usually -
OVERSIZE
DARK BLACK
POOR MATERIAL
LOOK OLD AND OUT OF DATE
THREE BUTTON, ALWAYS DONE UP (instead of the middle button only)
HAVE LITTLE WHITE SPECKS ON THEM
What they all need to do, especially the leaders is to take a lead from:
FRENCH POLITICIANS
ITALIAN POLITICIANS
These guys know what to do, how to wear suits and what colours and combinations look good.
Brit politicians need to get GOOD SUITS, SMART SHIRTS and PLAIN SILK TIES.
Also, they could all learn a lot from Barack Obama and Bill Clinton who know how to dress well and simply in suits.
The CLUES?
WEAR NEAT DARK BLUE SUITS
WEAR WHITE SHIRTS
WEAR PLAIN BLUE, RED, PINK TIES. or TIES WITH NEAT STRIPPED PATTERNS.
For heavens sake get real and LOOK GOOD,
At the moment they look shabby, crumpled, dirty and crappy.
21 April
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Attack dogs go wild on Clegg
Well it had to happen and it has. The Tories have opened up on Nick Clegg and this has been very evident in the Tory-leaning press.
The tsunami effect in the polls post-April 15 has been amazing as Cameron's path has become becalmed and he has had to make adjustments to his tv messages. Obviously the Tories were not expecting the poll bounce for the Lib Dems over the last 5 days. Their paramount belief that were headed for victory on May 6 has been hit amidships. The party is leaking somewhat as they try to understand what the voters are doing.
Some say its the Xfactor at work and personality politics. Well, bring it on.
For the past 5 years we've had a rotten parliament and now its the voters who will make the changes and who will decide who sits there from May 6. The voters are the ones who decide who will govern Britain and the two old parties are finding an electorate that is angry and decidedly volatile. Well may they be after the expenses scandal and the way so many politicians have feathered their own nests, without any regard for the voters, young and old.
A plague on both your houses.
So now the scrutiny begins and the slogans, the jargon, the platitudes are all wasted. So much about a Big Society, a New Society - what does it all mean for me and you? The platitudes thrown out by the leaders, Secure the Recovery, help for homecare, the whole bloody lot have no impact on voters other than turn them off.
It's time for the voters to stand up, look at the parties and do their bit. Make the changes needed, have a balanced parliament that reflects the country's mind.
I say, bring on a 'hung parliament' and let them speak and consult with each other. Labour and Tories have NO RIGHT to be the major party from whom will come the next PM. Why should they?
Clegg needs to get up, be the same man, confident and convicted this Thursday on SKY. Brown and Cameron will go after him and his party and seek to make him a one-week wonder, a flash in the pan. The trouble for them is, the flash in the pan has exploded the myth of the other two. The nation wants changes, but not with the labour or tories - they are part of the old era and they are pushing up hill as they seek to chase Clegg.
It's become a three horse race and no one knows who will pass the winning post first.
20 April
The tsunami effect in the polls post-April 15 has been amazing as Cameron's path has become becalmed and he has had to make adjustments to his tv messages. Obviously the Tories were not expecting the poll bounce for the Lib Dems over the last 5 days. Their paramount belief that were headed for victory on May 6 has been hit amidships. The party is leaking somewhat as they try to understand what the voters are doing.
Some say its the Xfactor at work and personality politics. Well, bring it on.
For the past 5 years we've had a rotten parliament and now its the voters who will make the changes and who will decide who sits there from May 6. The voters are the ones who decide who will govern Britain and the two old parties are finding an electorate that is angry and decidedly volatile. Well may they be after the expenses scandal and the way so many politicians have feathered their own nests, without any regard for the voters, young and old.
A plague on both your houses.
So now the scrutiny begins and the slogans, the jargon, the platitudes are all wasted. So much about a Big Society, a New Society - what does it all mean for me and you? The platitudes thrown out by the leaders, Secure the Recovery, help for homecare, the whole bloody lot have no impact on voters other than turn them off.
It's time for the voters to stand up, look at the parties and do their bit. Make the changes needed, have a balanced parliament that reflects the country's mind.
I say, bring on a 'hung parliament' and let them speak and consult with each other. Labour and Tories have NO RIGHT to be the major party from whom will come the next PM. Why should they?
Clegg needs to get up, be the same man, confident and convicted this Thursday on SKY. Brown and Cameron will go after him and his party and seek to make him a one-week wonder, a flash in the pan. The trouble for them is, the flash in the pan has exploded the myth of the other two. The nation wants changes, but not with the labour or tories - they are part of the old era and they are pushing up hill as they seek to chase Clegg.
It's become a three horse race and no one knows who will pass the winning post first.
20 April
Monday, 19 April 2010
The election's new unchartered course
The election now has just over two weeks to run and the whole scenario has changed.
The first tv debate was a game-changer in a very seismic way. Now we see the polls taken after the debate are placing the Lib Dems at the top or second. People seem to be seeing them in a new light.
I have some comparisons:
Barack Obama was a US Senator for only about 3 years when he made his run for President. He was really 'totally unknown'. The in the primaries he started to win and win and go ahead of the favourite, Hilary Clinton.
Obama came under attack for his former associations, especially the pastor in Chicago whom he was close to and who had become very radical and some would say totally crazy.
Obama overcame these setbacks, won the nomination and then beat the war hero-prisoner and 30 year Senator McCain.
Nick Clegg has been an MEP and now an MP in London. He has been around, but most electors do not know of him or about him. He has been leader for less than 2 years or three and has not made a big impact.
He gets 2 questions a week at PMQs and in these he does well, arguing against the govt and also the Tories, but is usually shouted down by noisy govt backbenchers. But he often hits the target and the PM tries just to fob him off.
He is now on equal terms in the TV debate, getting equal time with Cameron and the PM. And he showed he is no pushover, no idiot but rather very good on TV with a good, handsome and intelligent appeal.
Voters have new seen him up close and will get 180 more minutes in the next 2 debates.
A good majority of Americans elected Obama and not McCain, a new man over an old man. A young man with no real govt experience over an old man who had been in the Senate for 30 years. Why did Americans choose the young untried man?
Here the untried has now lept up in the polls and the Tories and Labour parties don't like it. They are very angry that British people may now not vote for them, and turn to the Lib Dems.
There is change underway and that's what the Tories want, except its the wrong man!!
This is great and it galvanises the election. People are not stupid and perhaps many are looking for a new and exciting difference.
It is their choice and maybe the new and young will win just like Obama did in 2008.
19 April
The first tv debate was a game-changer in a very seismic way. Now we see the polls taken after the debate are placing the Lib Dems at the top or second. People seem to be seeing them in a new light.
I have some comparisons:
Barack Obama was a US Senator for only about 3 years when he made his run for President. He was really 'totally unknown'. The in the primaries he started to win and win and go ahead of the favourite, Hilary Clinton.
Obama came under attack for his former associations, especially the pastor in Chicago whom he was close to and who had become very radical and some would say totally crazy.
Obama overcame these setbacks, won the nomination and then beat the war hero-prisoner and 30 year Senator McCain.
Nick Clegg has been an MEP and now an MP in London. He has been around, but most electors do not know of him or about him. He has been leader for less than 2 years or three and has not made a big impact.
He gets 2 questions a week at PMQs and in these he does well, arguing against the govt and also the Tories, but is usually shouted down by noisy govt backbenchers. But he often hits the target and the PM tries just to fob him off.
He is now on equal terms in the TV debate, getting equal time with Cameron and the PM. And he showed he is no pushover, no idiot but rather very good on TV with a good, handsome and intelligent appeal.
Voters have new seen him up close and will get 180 more minutes in the next 2 debates.
A good majority of Americans elected Obama and not McCain, a new man over an old man. A young man with no real govt experience over an old man who had been in the Senate for 30 years. Why did Americans choose the young untried man?
Here the untried has now lept up in the polls and the Tories and Labour parties don't like it. They are very angry that British people may now not vote for them, and turn to the Lib Dems.
There is change underway and that's what the Tories want, except its the wrong man!!
This is great and it galvanises the election. People are not stupid and perhaps many are looking for a new and exciting difference.
It is their choice and maybe the new and young will win just like Obama did in 2008.
19 April
Saturday, 17 April 2010
The new political star, Nick Clegg
His comet is still rising and moving with increasing speed.
Nick Clegg is the darling of the media this weekend, but for how long.
The knives will be out for him and the Lib Dems.
Cameron and Brown will seek to strike a dagger to his political heart and wound him grievously this week in the Thursday foreign affairs debate. If they fail to knock the halo from over his head, then watch out on May 6 for a political tsunami that has not been seen before.
If today's SUN poll is any sign of what may happen in May, then watch the Lib Dems move up and take more seats from the Labour and Tory parties. This will result in no party having a majority of their own to rule. But polls can change, and they have done. They swing like the breeze and will continue to do so.
A new era of coalition government is heading for Britain, like Germany, Italy and many other states across the globe. Be ready for it.
But now Nick Clegg just has to have a good night on Thursday, be cool, confident, argue logically and vehemently for his policies and don't let the other two knock him off his perch. They are terrified, petrified of what may occur but they ought know its a volatile electorate and the now its the voters turn for revenge for the rotten parliament that has been dissolved.
Time for a change - to something new and exciting.
17 April
Nick Clegg is the darling of the media this weekend, but for how long.
The knives will be out for him and the Lib Dems.
Cameron and Brown will seek to strike a dagger to his political heart and wound him grievously this week in the Thursday foreign affairs debate. If they fail to knock the halo from over his head, then watch out on May 6 for a political tsunami that has not been seen before.
If today's SUN poll is any sign of what may happen in May, then watch the Lib Dems move up and take more seats from the Labour and Tory parties. This will result in no party having a majority of their own to rule. But polls can change, and they have done. They swing like the breeze and will continue to do so.
A new era of coalition government is heading for Britain, like Germany, Italy and many other states across the globe. Be ready for it.
But now Nick Clegg just has to have a good night on Thursday, be cool, confident, argue logically and vehemently for his policies and don't let the other two knock him off his perch. They are terrified, petrified of what may occur but they ought know its a volatile electorate and the now its the voters turn for revenge for the rotten parliament that has been dissolved.
Time for a change - to something new and exciting.
17 April
Friday, 16 April 2010
More on THAT debate and Clegg and SuBo
On writer said today that Clegg was the new Susan Boyle.
I like that line and yes, it is very Xfactorish and all that and possibly true.
But look at Boyle. She was an overnight sensation, not only in the UK but across the planet as loads of people, millions watched her on YouTube. She was and is STILL A HIT.
She has made over £4million and keeps on going.
But she has had personal problems and looks ill at ease in the public domain as she travels the globe. She is the Scottish girl made good and certainly made very rich. But she does not seem that happy and I feel she is very awkward in public. And who wouldn't be after a lifetime in a quiet suburban Scottish street with your pet cat.
Now Clegg, the Lib Dem leader has been thrust into the spotlight with a huge positive response after a very good performance on the debate. The media wanted it, the public did too, but Brown was sceptical and the last to join. For Clegg, this was his Britain's-Got-Political-Talent moment. He performed for 90 minutes, the audience of 9 million seems to have judged him the runaway winner.
Now, will it be all a roller-coaster ride to May 6 or will there be a massive downer? Will the Outsider become the Kingmaker on May 7. He won't make £4million like SuBo. He won't be making a big hit number for YouTube. But I predict he will change the face of this election and his party will be in a stronger position to bargain after May 6. I still predict the LBs will gain more seats and perhaps loads to the nation's surprise.
But, he must be himself, give strong performances like last night at the next two debates. The foreign policy one may be hard. He will have to support the EU and all that. He wants to abolish the Trident program and both Brown and Cameron will attack him over that. Brown will not be looking to agree with Clegg there. But I don't think he will agree with Cameron's comments on the need for Trident mainly around a sprurious connection to China.
Cameron will attack Brown on the EU referendum that the Labour party promised and reneged on. But Brown will need to have his armour ready. He will come in for attacks by Clegg on the Iraq and Afghan wars. Clegg can go for it there, but will need to show gravitas on the issue.
I think they ought both attack Brown over Zimbabwe. Brown is weak in that area and he was too silent. But in the end the EU will probably dominate and here Cameron may be at his strongest with the artillery of attack at the rules and regulations that erupt every day from Brussels.
Time is now marching on. Only 20 days to go. Clegg has made strides. Cameron looks as though he is becalmed. Brown is on the back foot and on the way down (perhaps).
They have all to play for now.
16 April
I like that line and yes, it is very Xfactorish and all that and possibly true.
But look at Boyle. She was an overnight sensation, not only in the UK but across the planet as loads of people, millions watched her on YouTube. She was and is STILL A HIT.
She has made over £4million and keeps on going.
But she has had personal problems and looks ill at ease in the public domain as she travels the globe. She is the Scottish girl made good and certainly made very rich. But she does not seem that happy and I feel she is very awkward in public. And who wouldn't be after a lifetime in a quiet suburban Scottish street with your pet cat.
Now Clegg, the Lib Dem leader has been thrust into the spotlight with a huge positive response after a very good performance on the debate. The media wanted it, the public did too, but Brown was sceptical and the last to join. For Clegg, this was his Britain's-Got-Political-Talent moment. He performed for 90 minutes, the audience of 9 million seems to have judged him the runaway winner.
Now, will it be all a roller-coaster ride to May 6 or will there be a massive downer? Will the Outsider become the Kingmaker on May 7. He won't make £4million like SuBo. He won't be making a big hit number for YouTube. But I predict he will change the face of this election and his party will be in a stronger position to bargain after May 6. I still predict the LBs will gain more seats and perhaps loads to the nation's surprise.
But, he must be himself, give strong performances like last night at the next two debates. The foreign policy one may be hard. He will have to support the EU and all that. He wants to abolish the Trident program and both Brown and Cameron will attack him over that. Brown will not be looking to agree with Clegg there. But I don't think he will agree with Cameron's comments on the need for Trident mainly around a sprurious connection to China.
Cameron will attack Brown on the EU referendum that the Labour party promised and reneged on. But Brown will need to have his armour ready. He will come in for attacks by Clegg on the Iraq and Afghan wars. Clegg can go for it there, but will need to show gravitas on the issue.
I think they ought both attack Brown over Zimbabwe. Brown is weak in that area and he was too silent. But in the end the EU will probably dominate and here Cameron may be at his strongest with the artillery of attack at the rules and regulations that erupt every day from Brussels.
Time is now marching on. Only 20 days to go. Clegg has made strides. Cameron looks as though he is becalmed. Brown is on the back foot and on the way down (perhaps).
They have all to play for now.
16 April
Big TV debate washup, the day after
Some more thoughts about last night's debate.
The papers have all given the debate to Nick Clegg, even those with Tory-leanings. And the Sun even had Clegg winning a poll on 61%, a phenomenal performance.
This was a turning point in the election race, less than three weeks away now. As I have said earlier, I believe the Lib Dems will gain seats and I expect them to be near the 100 mark in the new parliament giving them a big say should there be a hung parliament.
Some years ago the incumbent government in Canada was thrown out of office and left with TWO seats in the parliament. What a damning result for a government. Well, that will not happen here in the UK as voters are not that ruthless, but 1997 showed that it can do something if people think a government is rotten.
Well, this time around we have to replace a rotten parliament with at least 200 -250 brand-new parliamentarians coming in. So, this is the time to chuck out the rabble, time to turf out the lazy ones, the hopeless ones and bring in the new clean blood.
So come May 7 we could well see half of the parliament filled with new MPs and even the LDs way ahead and able to join with another party to govern Britain.
The labour and tory leaders will be worried men today, that's for sure. They will be reviewing the debate and looking in advance to next Thursday when foreign affairs is the issue. They will want to trump Clegg and hold him back. Should Clegg come out on top next week, again, then the other two will be s....ting themselves and panic may well settle in as no one will know whom The Queen will call to the palace to ask to become PM.
Ah, exciting times - so bring on debate 2 and debate 3. All to go for now as it ought be.
The electorate will decide and the candidates ought be worried, a lot - a terrible lot.
16 April
The papers have all given the debate to Nick Clegg, even those with Tory-leanings. And the Sun even had Clegg winning a poll on 61%, a phenomenal performance.
This was a turning point in the election race, less than three weeks away now. As I have said earlier, I believe the Lib Dems will gain seats and I expect them to be near the 100 mark in the new parliament giving them a big say should there be a hung parliament.
Some years ago the incumbent government in Canada was thrown out of office and left with TWO seats in the parliament. What a damning result for a government. Well, that will not happen here in the UK as voters are not that ruthless, but 1997 showed that it can do something if people think a government is rotten.
Well, this time around we have to replace a rotten parliament with at least 200 -250 brand-new parliamentarians coming in. So, this is the time to chuck out the rabble, time to turf out the lazy ones, the hopeless ones and bring in the new clean blood.
So come May 7 we could well see half of the parliament filled with new MPs and even the LDs way ahead and able to join with another party to govern Britain.
The labour and tory leaders will be worried men today, that's for sure. They will be reviewing the debate and looking in advance to next Thursday when foreign affairs is the issue. They will want to trump Clegg and hold him back. Should Clegg come out on top next week, again, then the other two will be s....ting themselves and panic may well settle in as no one will know whom The Queen will call to the palace to ask to become PM.
Ah, exciting times - so bring on debate 2 and debate 3. All to go for now as it ought be.
The electorate will decide and the candidates ought be worried, a lot - a terrible lot.
16 April
Thursday, 15 April 2010
The First Big Leaders TV debate
What a fascinating and interesting 90 minutes - a British first.
Quick comments:
Nick Clegg won the debate, way ahead of the other two men, Brown and Cameron
Brown needs to clip his left eyebrow
Brown looked somewhat bullying at times
Cameron came across nervous at the start but warmed up and did not get aggressive with Brown
Nick Clegg must have been watching the Obama election debates as he looked cool, in his own skin, personal and looked into the camera. He smiled a little, but did have gravitas.
Cameron did not look at his best overall and a little young.
Brown did look older that the other two.
Brown smirked often then smiled and got caught doing this on camera which looked bad.
Alistair Stewart was a good chair and keep the three to a tight timetable. He interrupted and made sure they did not ramble on and on. Good.
Not enough questions really and could have been more tight and allow more.
Audience did not laugh (well, once) and did not clap (that was good)
Brown seemed to take loads of notes and Clegg did not.
It was a fast paced debate and went by quickly.
Result: Nick Clegg was very good, he looked comfortable in his own skin, and somewhat Obamaesque. This will boost the Lib Dems in the end and I predict they will have more than 100 seats in the new parliament and hold the balance of power.
Now for two more - bring them on.
15 April
Quick comments:
Nick Clegg won the debate, way ahead of the other two men, Brown and Cameron
Brown needs to clip his left eyebrow
Brown looked somewhat bullying at times
Cameron came across nervous at the start but warmed up and did not get aggressive with Brown
Nick Clegg must have been watching the Obama election debates as he looked cool, in his own skin, personal and looked into the camera. He smiled a little, but did have gravitas.
Cameron did not look at his best overall and a little young.
Brown did look older that the other two.
Brown smirked often then smiled and got caught doing this on camera which looked bad.
Alistair Stewart was a good chair and keep the three to a tight timetable. He interrupted and made sure they did not ramble on and on. Good.
Not enough questions really and could have been more tight and allow more.
Audience did not laugh (well, once) and did not clap (that was good)
Brown seemed to take loads of notes and Clegg did not.
It was a fast paced debate and went by quickly.
Result: Nick Clegg was very good, he looked comfortable in his own skin, and somewhat Obamaesque. This will boost the Lib Dems in the end and I predict they will have more than 100 seats in the new parliament and hold the balance of power.
Now for two more - bring them on.
15 April
Big day or not on TV?
The Big television debates begin.
There is so much hype about the 3 TV debates, the first of which is tonight on ITV. Will this be a make or break moment for the election?
I believe the following:
1. All three leaders will be very nervous going into the studio
2. All three will be out to impress.
3. All three will be on their best behaviour - no drama, no yelling, no massive temper tantrums
4. All three will try to look their best, smiling, relating etc etc to the public sitting at home
5. All three will try to exude gravitas and confidence and authority
6. One of them will be the winner tonight, but not necessarily on 6 May although it will help
7. Two of them will come second and/third.
8. The public who choose to watch will change, modify their choice of candidate
9. Many will tune out during the debate if it is boring or leaders avoid questions
10. Many will not watch the second and third debates
11. Some will watch the next one and the third, but I feel many will watch only this one.
12. This will not be a landmark event. There are three weeks left to run and anything could happen in that time before May 6. So watch this space for the next 21 days.
Brown - don't look grumpy
Cameron - keep the voice measured and not shrill
Clegg - don't sound pompous or arrogant
15 April
There is so much hype about the 3 TV debates, the first of which is tonight on ITV. Will this be a make or break moment for the election?
I believe the following:
1. All three leaders will be very nervous going into the studio
2. All three will be out to impress.
3. All three will be on their best behaviour - no drama, no yelling, no massive temper tantrums
4. All three will try to look their best, smiling, relating etc etc to the public sitting at home
5. All three will try to exude gravitas and confidence and authority
6. One of them will be the winner tonight, but not necessarily on 6 May although it will help
7. Two of them will come second and/third.
8. The public who choose to watch will change, modify their choice of candidate
9. Many will tune out during the debate if it is boring or leaders avoid questions
10. Many will not watch the second and third debates
11. Some will watch the next one and the third, but I feel many will watch only this one.
12. This will not be a landmark event. There are three weeks left to run and anything could happen in that time before May 6. So watch this space for the next 21 days.
Brown - don't look grumpy
Cameron - keep the voice measured and not shrill
Clegg - don't sound pompous or arrogant
15 April
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Election manifestos - ongoing
Well now the Lib Dems and UKIP have both brought out their manifestos to win over the British people and they are all neatly printed and all that. The Libs I think had the best cover of all: a splash or a few splashes of colour and some upbeat-gravitas.
But the Tories launch doesn't seem to have gone that well with the media and there is a lot of talk of style winning over substance. Now with the polls showing Labour coming up, this may be a worry for the Tories.
It is fairly obvious that the UK voter is not sure who to vote for and if they are one day they change the next. This may be the pattern right up to the election day itself. But I think the TV debates are going to be a key factor and Cameron is now saying he is nervous. Well, I wouldn't admit that too much. One slip and you could be back on the Opposition benches.
As for PM Brown, he will be articulate and intelligent AND moody-looking. He will want to show he is a warm man, a conviction politician and an economist with gravitas who can be trusted.
Clegg: well he has all to win and not much to lose. They are on about 20 points in every poll, but now he is up against the two main contenders for PM. He will seek to have that air of seriousness and indeed the radical policies that he feels will propel his party's number up and over 100. And I think they have a good chance to do that this time around.
But who knows what will happen. I went to a Conservative office today in an electorate and asked for the manifesto and was told it was on the net, but that they had no hard copies. Could pay for one. No way - they ought be throwing them away and they ain't.!!!!
Oh well, bring on the TV debates and let's see their colours, their metal, their vision, their hopes and all that as well as their avoidance of anything awkward. Remember Richard Nixon in 1960. The stubble was his downfall and JFK went on to win. Who will wear the stubble Thursday night and who will be the inspiring pretty boy?
14 April
But the Tories launch doesn't seem to have gone that well with the media and there is a lot of talk of style winning over substance. Now with the polls showing Labour coming up, this may be a worry for the Tories.
It is fairly obvious that the UK voter is not sure who to vote for and if they are one day they change the next. This may be the pattern right up to the election day itself. But I think the TV debates are going to be a key factor and Cameron is now saying he is nervous. Well, I wouldn't admit that too much. One slip and you could be back on the Opposition benches.
As for PM Brown, he will be articulate and intelligent AND moody-looking. He will want to show he is a warm man, a conviction politician and an economist with gravitas who can be trusted.
Clegg: well he has all to win and not much to lose. They are on about 20 points in every poll, but now he is up against the two main contenders for PM. He will seek to have that air of seriousness and indeed the radical policies that he feels will propel his party's number up and over 100. And I think they have a good chance to do that this time around.
But who knows what will happen. I went to a Conservative office today in an electorate and asked for the manifesto and was told it was on the net, but that they had no hard copies. Could pay for one. No way - they ought be throwing them away and they ain't.!!!!
Oh well, bring on the TV debates and let's see their colours, their metal, their vision, their hopes and all that as well as their avoidance of anything awkward. Remember Richard Nixon in 1960. The stubble was his downfall and JFK went on to win. Who will wear the stubble Thursday night and who will be the inspiring pretty boy?
14 April
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Manifesto covers: All about the image
The two major party manifesto publications have been revealed.
Some quick comments:
Labour Party - well this looks like a cross between the Wizard of OZ and a Communist party publication. It has a family holding hands looking into the sunrise or is it sunset, across green fields.
What a sham. Just how many families in the UK stand in fields and look into the distance dreaming? I doubt if you could pick one. This just looks like a cartoon mock up and is just infantile,stupid and silly.
Conservative Party - Blue cover with just the words of Joining the Government. Looks simple, stark and business-like. Obviously looks more serious and does not take the voters for children with some cartoon-style colours and drawing.What it says is that we are serious about our message.
Whether that is the case will only be revealed inside with the detail of all that they want to do should they be elected.
Summary: The Tories' publication looks serious and business-like. The Labour party's is just an insult to the intelligence of the electorate. It may appeal to the plasticine crowd on the playground, but they don't have a vote.
13 April
Some quick comments:
Labour Party - well this looks like a cross between the Wizard of OZ and a Communist party publication. It has a family holding hands looking into the sunrise or is it sunset, across green fields.
What a sham. Just how many families in the UK stand in fields and look into the distance dreaming? I doubt if you could pick one. This just looks like a cartoon mock up and is just infantile,stupid and silly.
Conservative Party - Blue cover with just the words of Joining the Government. Looks simple, stark and business-like. Obviously looks more serious and does not take the voters for children with some cartoon-style colours and drawing.What it says is that we are serious about our message.
Whether that is the case will only be revealed inside with the detail of all that they want to do should they be elected.
Summary: The Tories' publication looks serious and business-like. The Labour party's is just an insult to the intelligence of the electorate. It may appeal to the plasticine crowd on the playground, but they don't have a vote.
13 April
Monday, 12 April 2010
Brown and charisma or not
Charisma - a word that is thrown about so much when it comes to politicians.
Now, who has it?
Well I can think of some names immediately:
Mandela, Sarkozy, Obama, Berlusconi, Lee Kuan Yew, Putin to name a few and that doesn't mean I agree or disagree with their politics. But you know when they appear and speak, you ought sit up and listen.
But there are those who have no public charisma whatsoever.
Some that come to mind are:
Chancellor Merkel, PM Zapatero,PM Filon, PM Harper and GORDON BROWN. Yes, they are all Prime Ministers leading governments. All you can say for them is that they are there, governing and probably Merkel comes closest to being elevated into the charisma bracket. She is indeed tough, sturdy and obviously the Germans think she is a good leader. But I don't think she has any real public charisma.
Now Brown has no charisma whatsoever. He has a public persona that is grumpy, moody, sad, weary, plodding and yes, old. And the same in parliament where he looks morose and moody. Worse still when Blair was PM and Brown was looking to be rid of him asap.
Today at the party manifesto launch, he spoke softly ! Yes, when he ought be passionate about what Labour has to offer and bring to the state in the next 5 years. But no, he was boring, absolutely boring. In his answers to questions he laughed, looked nervous and failed to answer directly. He pushed away any genuine answer as to whether they would raise VAT after the election. What an abysmal answer.
The country needs some dynamic, youthful (but wise and calm) leadership. JFK had it is America in 1961; Reagan had a wit and wisdom and calmness that came with his election. Clinton had it in 1992, even if it was somewhat doubtful he always told the truth. Obama has stacks of it but it may not be working too well. Blair had it and showed it, but in the end it was all an act by a superb public performer. Blair was a flawed political actor.
Brown is just dull, grumpy and boring and why Britain would want 5 more years of him in No 10 just beats me.
Now Cameron has to show he has what it takes as does Clegg. Neither is spectacular leadership material, but Cameron seems to be heading that way.
12 April
Now, who has it?
Well I can think of some names immediately:
Mandela, Sarkozy, Obama, Berlusconi, Lee Kuan Yew, Putin to name a few and that doesn't mean I agree or disagree with their politics. But you know when they appear and speak, you ought sit up and listen.
But there are those who have no public charisma whatsoever.
Some that come to mind are:
Chancellor Merkel, PM Zapatero,PM Filon, PM Harper and GORDON BROWN. Yes, they are all Prime Ministers leading governments. All you can say for them is that they are there, governing and probably Merkel comes closest to being elevated into the charisma bracket. She is indeed tough, sturdy and obviously the Germans think she is a good leader. But I don't think she has any real public charisma.
Now Brown has no charisma whatsoever. He has a public persona that is grumpy, moody, sad, weary, plodding and yes, old. And the same in parliament where he looks morose and moody. Worse still when Blair was PM and Brown was looking to be rid of him asap.
Today at the party manifesto launch, he spoke softly ! Yes, when he ought be passionate about what Labour has to offer and bring to the state in the next 5 years. But no, he was boring, absolutely boring. In his answers to questions he laughed, looked nervous and failed to answer directly. He pushed away any genuine answer as to whether they would raise VAT after the election. What an abysmal answer.
The country needs some dynamic, youthful (but wise and calm) leadership. JFK had it is America in 1961; Reagan had a wit and wisdom and calmness that came with his election. Clinton had it in 1992, even if it was somewhat doubtful he always told the truth. Obama has stacks of it but it may not be working too well. Blair had it and showed it, but in the end it was all an act by a superb public performer. Blair was a flawed political actor.
Brown is just dull, grumpy and boring and why Britain would want 5 more years of him in No 10 just beats me.
Now Cameron has to show he has what it takes as does Clegg. Neither is spectacular leadership material, but Cameron seems to be heading that way.
12 April
Brown Gobbledeegook !
Well the Pm has just given the labour manifesto speech for the election and what a load of empty phrases there were in the very short 10 minute speech. Perhaps the shortness of the address reveals how small are the promises of the party.
Let's take some of the phrases:
'DREAMS COME ALIVE'
'ITS A NEW WORLD NOW'
'MOST IMPORTANT VOTE IN A GENERATION'
'RENEW OUR SOCIETY'
'LABOUR WILL BE RELENTLESS REFORMERS'
'WRITE ANEW A CONTRACT OF TRUST'Well, there we have it. Glib throw away lines that are so empty.
The Labour party has had 13 years to reform the House of Lords by either abolishing it, reforming it thoroughly, calling a referendum on the House and it has never made the place more democratic in that time. They only cut the hereditary peers but increased the appointed peers. The public has had no say in that in 13 years and now Labour wants us to believe it can do it in the next parliament.
'Dreams come alive' and 'its a new world now'. Wow, who would have believed that? Well, let's see how dreams come alive with VAT at 17.5% and no indication they will not increase it after May 6 and heap more financial burdens on the public. That's a dream we all have and would only be true if this massive VAT were reduced, along with the massive fuel charges for petrol, just to drive around the countryside.
'Write a new contract of trust' - well, they were caught out by The Telegraph in 2009 and now they all want us to believe they have reformed and are white as snow. Well, I think this is a pledge no one will believe. How can we? The government was slow to act in parliament, slow to come clean with us all and now they want us to believe all will be well.
And amidst all of this, the PM mentions a new high speed rail link that will modernise Britain. Well, France, Germany and Italy have had these for ages and now he wants to do something which will not be done till after 2020. How does rail travel change our lives for the better? This is rubbish and people are not fooled by that.
'There will be a bigger middle class than before'. Here we go. Class words and all that. What does that mean really? More people have more money? More people own their own homes? More people go to university? Or does it mean more people pay more tax because they now have more money? A straight answer to a glib phrase.
'Equip the people for the future'. What does that mean? It's all about the future and when will that be? What about now and tomorrow? 'Equip' - what, a new car, a house, free broadband? Cheaper food and petrol and transport?
No, this was a speech without passion, given to a small crowd of party faithful who clapped and cheered for the PM and which was over so soon that you have to wonder just how long it took to prepare. It was, sadly, a flop of huge magnitude.
I doubt that people will be swayed by it.
I now believe that Brown has failed to inspire. There was no passion, no drive, no inspiration from the man. He is not a leader of a nation and never will be after May 6. I'm more convinced of this fact now, having heard the manifesto of his party.
Dismal flop.
12 April
Let's take some of the phrases:
'DREAMS COME ALIVE'
'ITS A NEW WORLD NOW'
'MOST IMPORTANT VOTE IN A GENERATION'
'RENEW OUR SOCIETY'
'LABOUR WILL BE RELENTLESS REFORMERS'
'WRITE ANEW A CONTRACT OF TRUST'Well, there we have it. Glib throw away lines that are so empty.
The Labour party has had 13 years to reform the House of Lords by either abolishing it, reforming it thoroughly, calling a referendum on the House and it has never made the place more democratic in that time. They only cut the hereditary peers but increased the appointed peers. The public has had no say in that in 13 years and now Labour wants us to believe it can do it in the next parliament.
'Dreams come alive' and 'its a new world now'. Wow, who would have believed that? Well, let's see how dreams come alive with VAT at 17.5% and no indication they will not increase it after May 6 and heap more financial burdens on the public. That's a dream we all have and would only be true if this massive VAT were reduced, along with the massive fuel charges for petrol, just to drive around the countryside.
'Write a new contract of trust' - well, they were caught out by The Telegraph in 2009 and now they all want us to believe they have reformed and are white as snow. Well, I think this is a pledge no one will believe. How can we? The government was slow to act in parliament, slow to come clean with us all and now they want us to believe all will be well.
And amidst all of this, the PM mentions a new high speed rail link that will modernise Britain. Well, France, Germany and Italy have had these for ages and now he wants to do something which will not be done till after 2020. How does rail travel change our lives for the better? This is rubbish and people are not fooled by that.
'There will be a bigger middle class than before'. Here we go. Class words and all that. What does that mean really? More people have more money? More people own their own homes? More people go to university? Or does it mean more people pay more tax because they now have more money? A straight answer to a glib phrase.
'Equip the people for the future'. What does that mean? It's all about the future and when will that be? What about now and tomorrow? 'Equip' - what, a new car, a house, free broadband? Cheaper food and petrol and transport?
No, this was a speech without passion, given to a small crowd of party faithful who clapped and cheered for the PM and which was over so soon that you have to wonder just how long it took to prepare. It was, sadly, a flop of huge magnitude.
I doubt that people will be swayed by it.
I now believe that Brown has failed to inspire. There was no passion, no drive, no inspiration from the man. He is not a leader of a nation and never will be after May 6. I'm more convinced of this fact now, having heard the manifesto of his party.
Dismal flop.
12 April
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Election word jargon
I am looking and indeed hearing so much election word jargon that I think I need to record what it is and how crazy it all is.
One phrase that annoys me is 'THE RECOVERY'. This is a phrase that Brown always uses as do other Ministers in his govt. Maybe it has to do with a hospital emergency ward or a breakdown service for cars, but obviously they use it to refer to the economy in Britain.
But it is overused and has become such a bore. They all want to speak of the RECOVERY and I'm just fed up with it.
It's like the DEFICIT and other words that relate to the economy.
But no one speaks of the quality of life for people. Why not? It seems that all the parties are interested in is money and the economy. And maybe that's because their own House is not in order and it was a moral mess. Indeed one paper has described it as The Rotten parliament.
Then there is Nick Clegg who blasted Cameron for wanting to give married couples and civil union partners £140 a year. Small bucks, but who would knock it back. So Clegg described it as drivel - this by the man who claimed to have 30 lovers before he married. This from a man whose moral compass seems just way off beam. Drivel, Clegg thinks, and that is his best judgment of giving married couples some extra money. Perhaps Clegg wants more.
I will extract more words and phrases from this campaign to show how meaningless and useless they are to whole process of getting people's votes.
11 April
One phrase that annoys me is 'THE RECOVERY'. This is a phrase that Brown always uses as do other Ministers in his govt. Maybe it has to do with a hospital emergency ward or a breakdown service for cars, but obviously they use it to refer to the economy in Britain.
But it is overused and has become such a bore. They all want to speak of the RECOVERY and I'm just fed up with it.
It's like the DEFICIT and other words that relate to the economy.
But no one speaks of the quality of life for people. Why not? It seems that all the parties are interested in is money and the economy. And maybe that's because their own House is not in order and it was a moral mess. Indeed one paper has described it as The Rotten parliament.
Then there is Nick Clegg who blasted Cameron for wanting to give married couples and civil union partners £140 a year. Small bucks, but who would knock it back. So Clegg described it as drivel - this by the man who claimed to have 30 lovers before he married. This from a man whose moral compass seems just way off beam. Drivel, Clegg thinks, and that is his best judgment of giving married couples some extra money. Perhaps Clegg wants more.
I will extract more words and phrases from this campaign to show how meaningless and useless they are to whole process of getting people's votes.
11 April
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Down and Brown
I was watching PM Brown on TV this morning from Scotland where he had taken on his 'soft, slow tone' of speaking as he does when there is sorrow in the air. Like PMQs about dead young soldiers. Today he was at it again about the death of the Polish President in a plane crash.
What is it about Brown? His faces crumples up, his voice goes down a few decibels and he looks like a mournful basset hound who has just discovered he has no food.
Watching his performances on these occasions really worries me. When the next question follows, on a completely different subject his voice goes up and he almost changes character.
Just what type of personality is this man? It is reported that some years back a No 10 insider said that Brown had 'psychological flaws'. Well, I am really wondering if this is the case. He is such an odd, disjointed-looking guy in public. He looks so awkward, can't seem to connect with ordinary people and is very apprehensive about answering questions 'on the spot' from journalists.
Cameron does not seem to worry about this and seems quite at ease and relaxed. Dare I say, far more normal than Brown.
Perhaps Brown ought take off the suit coat, roll up his sleeves and look normal, ordinary. In fact, like a member of the human race.
Sad but true. Well, that's my opinion this Saturday.
Bad day for Poland and its leadership, many of whom were sadly killed in the plane crash in Russia.
Brown - down. Cameron - up.
10 April
What is it about Brown? His faces crumples up, his voice goes down a few decibels and he looks like a mournful basset hound who has just discovered he has no food.
Watching his performances on these occasions really worries me. When the next question follows, on a completely different subject his voice goes up and he almost changes character.
Just what type of personality is this man? It is reported that some years back a No 10 insider said that Brown had 'psychological flaws'. Well, I am really wondering if this is the case. He is such an odd, disjointed-looking guy in public. He looks so awkward, can't seem to connect with ordinary people and is very apprehensive about answering questions 'on the spot' from journalists.
Cameron does not seem to worry about this and seems quite at ease and relaxed. Dare I say, far more normal than Brown.
Perhaps Brown ought take off the suit coat, roll up his sleeves and look normal, ordinary. In fact, like a member of the human race.
Sad but true. Well, that's my opinion this Saturday.
Bad day for Poland and its leadership, many of whom were sadly killed in the plane crash in Russia.
Brown - down. Cameron - up.
10 April
Friday, 9 April 2010
Abortion and the election
In The Guardian today there is a comment by Libby Brooks about David Cameron using abortion as an election issue. Well, whoopee !!! Bring it on I say.
Cameron has given an interview to The Catholic Herald, as is his prerogative and also given some views on tightening the time allowed for a legal abortion within the UK.
Brooks say this makes the matter an election issue. Well, if that is the case, then, like all issues raised by the Leaders of parties, let that matter be judged by the people who vote. Brooks is one, Cameron is one and I am one. She has one vote as do each of the other electors.
But the most amazing comment she makes is - that making it an issue is DEEPLY ALARMING. Why? What is the alarm in discussing this issue for a nation which can claim to have the most abortions each year in Europe. Is it not MORE ALARMING that abortions, the taking of life of an innocent baby, are allowed in the first place by law?
IT IS ALARMING THAT ONE ABORTION OCCURS, let alone thousands. And Brooks thinks discussion of any time limit on them is alarming. She has her priorities in the wrong place and that is alarming. She has no concept of the taking of life of the innocent baby in the womb who is totally defenceless and that is scarily alarming.
No Ms Brooks, I am alarmed at you and your fellow travellers, those in 'charities' who are stunned that the abortion time limit may be shortened. Their leaders ought be ashamed they head a charity. They are off mark, you are off mark and the unborn ought be alarmed that you will not defend them. That is the DEEPLY ALARMING matter here.
What a society we have that legalises abortion, permits it, allows it all with a blind eye and many many elected politicians go along with this. That is deeply alarming.
Every candidate should be asked for their views on abortion before a voter castes their vote. We all need to know which candidates support abortion and who don't. This issue will go on and on and on until abortion stops and the legality is removed once and forever.
9 April
Cameron has given an interview to The Catholic Herald, as is his prerogative and also given some views on tightening the time allowed for a legal abortion within the UK.
Brooks say this makes the matter an election issue. Well, if that is the case, then, like all issues raised by the Leaders of parties, let that matter be judged by the people who vote. Brooks is one, Cameron is one and I am one. She has one vote as do each of the other electors.
But the most amazing comment she makes is - that making it an issue is DEEPLY ALARMING. Why? What is the alarm in discussing this issue for a nation which can claim to have the most abortions each year in Europe. Is it not MORE ALARMING that abortions, the taking of life of an innocent baby, are allowed in the first place by law?
IT IS ALARMING THAT ONE ABORTION OCCURS, let alone thousands. And Brooks thinks discussion of any time limit on them is alarming. She has her priorities in the wrong place and that is alarming. She has no concept of the taking of life of the innocent baby in the womb who is totally defenceless and that is scarily alarming.
No Ms Brooks, I am alarmed at you and your fellow travellers, those in 'charities' who are stunned that the abortion time limit may be shortened. Their leaders ought be ashamed they head a charity. They are off mark, you are off mark and the unborn ought be alarmed that you will not defend them. That is the DEEPLY ALARMING matter here.
What a society we have that legalises abortion, permits it, allows it all with a blind eye and many many elected politicians go along with this. That is deeply alarming.
Every candidate should be asked for their views on abortion before a voter castes their vote. We all need to know which candidates support abortion and who don't. This issue will go on and on and on until abortion stops and the legality is removed once and forever.
9 April
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Hung parliament? Stop the forecasting
All the prognosis from those who think they know about elections and what is the likely result, ought just stop.
I have had enough of those who say there will be a hung parliament after May 6. How do they know what the heck will happen in 4 weeks time? Have they got some insight into how non-compulsory voting will go come May 6?
The election has not even been held yet. No one has voted yet. No polling booth has opened yet. But still we have these 'pundits' who posit a hung parliament.
Well, I am sick of them all positing/forecasting a hing parliament.
BUT, should labour or conservatives not gain an overall majority of 326, then, whoopee, we will have to look at a coalition government for the country. This happens in Germany and many other European states. Australia has had coalition governments for most of the post-WWII era. Have these countries collapsed? Has democracy folded there. Have the people been up in revolution with coalition governments? NO NO NO
So, let's get real. If there is a hung, balanced, unbalanced, crazy parliament with no party having a total majority in their own right, well, let them negotiate and work with another for the good of the country. It worked in WWII under Churchill. It works well in many other mature democracies, so the UK may have to give it a go.
But let's stop all this drivel and scaremongering about a hung parliament. It's all crazy and way off the mark.
Let the electorate decide come May 6 and till then, let the polls be polls and not the final judgment of the people of Great Britain.
8 April
I have had enough of those who say there will be a hung parliament after May 6. How do they know what the heck will happen in 4 weeks time? Have they got some insight into how non-compulsory voting will go come May 6?
The election has not even been held yet. No one has voted yet. No polling booth has opened yet. But still we have these 'pundits' who posit a hung parliament.
Well, I am sick of them all positing/forecasting a hing parliament.
BUT, should labour or conservatives not gain an overall majority of 326, then, whoopee, we will have to look at a coalition government for the country. This happens in Germany and many other European states. Australia has had coalition governments for most of the post-WWII era. Have these countries collapsed? Has democracy folded there. Have the people been up in revolution with coalition governments? NO NO NO
So, let's get real. If there is a hung, balanced, unbalanced, crazy parliament with no party having a total majority in their own right, well, let them negotiate and work with another for the good of the country. It worked in WWII under Churchill. It works well in many other mature democracies, so the UK may have to give it a go.
But let's stop all this drivel and scaremongering about a hung parliament. It's all crazy and way off the mark.
Let the electorate decide come May 6 and till then, let the polls be polls and not the final judgment of the people of Great Britain.
8 April
STOP THE TALK about Class: Middle or Working. Stop it.
For heavens sake will politicians and commentators stop all this talk about CLASS !
All we seem to hear is talk about Middle and Working class constantly on the TV and radio.
Only last night on Newsnight, the Middle Class discussion came up and they went on and on and on about it.
What is it about Britain and class? Why do many politicians and commentators have to bang on and on about Middle class and Working Class? Especially the Union leaders who bang on about the workers and working class.
The fact is this is not an issue in Germany, France, Italy and the vast majority of European states, so why here? If I were in India we would talk of caste. But this is not India. This is modern Britain in a modern Europe.
It must be the historic backlog of an aristocracy and the poor. It must all be a massive hangover from the Victorian era when the 'new workers' were the fodder for the industrial revolution in the factories, the railways and the cotton mills. Is this where it all began and the tussle between the employers and the employees began?
But now in 2010, we hear non-stop about the middle class.
This has to stop, I've had enough of it.
This election it is the people that matter, the families that struggle as they are taxed more and more and more and lose their income because the Government has got us all into this massive debt game.
Those who pay their way, who pay their debts, who spend only what they earn and live by their means are the people who get affected and it is they, us, who have NOT CREATED THIS MASSIVE NATIONAL DEBT. Why should we carry the burden that the Government has put upon us?
It is time the people of the nation who pay their way are allowed to live without the fear of more and more taxes being imposed upon them.
Forgot the talk of upper, middle or working classes. Just remember the people this election.
All we seem to hear is talk about Middle and Working class constantly on the TV and radio.
Only last night on Newsnight, the Middle Class discussion came up and they went on and on and on about it.
What is it about Britain and class? Why do many politicians and commentators have to bang on and on about Middle class and Working Class? Especially the Union leaders who bang on about the workers and working class.
The fact is this is not an issue in Germany, France, Italy and the vast majority of European states, so why here? If I were in India we would talk of caste. But this is not India. This is modern Britain in a modern Europe.
It must be the historic backlog of an aristocracy and the poor. It must all be a massive hangover from the Victorian era when the 'new workers' were the fodder for the industrial revolution in the factories, the railways and the cotton mills. Is this where it all began and the tussle between the employers and the employees began?
But now in 2010, we hear non-stop about the middle class.
This has to stop, I've had enough of it.
This election it is the people that matter, the families that struggle as they are taxed more and more and more and lose their income because the Government has got us all into this massive debt game.
Those who pay their way, who pay their debts, who spend only what they earn and live by their means are the people who get affected and it is they, us, who have NOT CREATED THIS MASSIVE NATIONAL DEBT. Why should we carry the burden that the Government has put upon us?
It is time the people of the nation who pay their way are allowed to live without the fear of more and more taxes being imposed upon them.
Forgot the talk of upper, middle or working classes. Just remember the people this election.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
PMQs in House of Commons
PMQs today was a ratbag of a show.
Cameron was on the attack over the helicopter numbers in Afghanistan. The PM was basically blaming the armed forces chiefs for the numbers and the response from his government for any requests.
The Tories have a lot of ammunition on pension cuts and taxes that they can hurl at the PM and his team. This may well be the Achilles heel of the govt. The mounting rise in taxes, hidden, stealth and all those out in the open, may be the undoing of the PM. And what of the Gold reserves sold off by this government? Will we ever know the truth of that by Chancellor Brown?
Result: Both blew a lot of hot air at each other, but I think Cameron once again got under the skin of the PM who gets niggled by the Tory Leader.
Lots of sad MPs today I guess. The ones about to leave by their own volition. But many others will go by the voters choice, so we ought have at least 250 - 300 new MPs in the new parliament in May. What a rush of new blood that will be as so many of the old faces fade away and enjoy, hate, relish, get depressed in their new situations.
The House Speaker may be in danger of losing his seat as well to the UK leader. That would be a massive event if he loses his seat having a monumental majority.
But even if Bercow wins, he may have trouble remaining Speaker should a new Govt put forward new names for a Commons vote. Watch this space come May.
April 7
Cameron was on the attack over the helicopter numbers in Afghanistan. The PM was basically blaming the armed forces chiefs for the numbers and the response from his government for any requests.
The Tories have a lot of ammunition on pension cuts and taxes that they can hurl at the PM and his team. This may well be the Achilles heel of the govt. The mounting rise in taxes, hidden, stealth and all those out in the open, may be the undoing of the PM. And what of the Gold reserves sold off by this government? Will we ever know the truth of that by Chancellor Brown?
Result: Both blew a lot of hot air at each other, but I think Cameron once again got under the skin of the PM who gets niggled by the Tory Leader.
Lots of sad MPs today I guess. The ones about to leave by their own volition. But many others will go by the voters choice, so we ought have at least 250 - 300 new MPs in the new parliament in May. What a rush of new blood that will be as so many of the old faces fade away and enjoy, hate, relish, get depressed in their new situations.
The House Speaker may be in danger of losing his seat as well to the UK leader. That would be a massive event if he loses his seat having a monumental majority.
But even if Bercow wins, he may have trouble remaining Speaker should a new Govt put forward new names for a Commons vote. Watch this space come May.
April 7
Some early election observations
The three main party leaders were out and about yesterday as the election commenced. Labour and Conservative looked somewhat staged, but that seems to be their pattern of behaviour and will continue to be so. Brown, Cameron and Clegg do not want to be caught out. But the party faithful seem to surround them and hecklers will be kept away.
But, remember John Major (yes the former PM) back in 1992, when it looked as thought he could not win. Well in the campaign he brought out the famous soap box which he took around the country and stood on and spoke from. Not a major iPad moment, but one which was very human.
Yesterday Gordon Brown was on a railway station and walked past the Newsnight reporter but would not even look at him and answer a question. No smile, no quick word of wit. What is it about this man who wants to connect with people yet when asked a quick question, cannot even be generous for a moment? I thought this was rude to the reporter and to the public. Bad first day PM. You need to connect and answer,after all you want the votes of the people including viewers who want to hear you answer questions, awkward as that may be -BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT.
Cameron, short sleeves rolled up. Well, he has come out fighting. You can see this is the moment he has waited for, relishing the fight. And fight he will I am sure.
Clegg alongside his trusty financial guru and media saint, Vince Cable. They will be a duet all the way to May 6 and I think may well pick up a lot of seats this time round. I am predicting the LDs will get another 10 more seats, may be more as the public tires of the two main parties.
But Clegg very much needs Cable. It is his link to destiny in any possible coalition and cabinet offerings post-May 6.
Newsnight and SKY had loads of comment last night. In fact the airwaves, TV and radio were supersaturated. Will we be sock of them all by next week? Probably yes, BUT for the TV debates between the three leaders over three weeks.
I predict the TV debates will be crucial. More so for Clegg who has much to gain.
Brown will come under attack from Cameron and this ought be so, as he has 13 years to defend. Cameron has to promise for the future.
April 7
But, remember John Major (yes the former PM) back in 1992, when it looked as thought he could not win. Well in the campaign he brought out the famous soap box which he took around the country and stood on and spoke from. Not a major iPad moment, but one which was very human.
Yesterday Gordon Brown was on a railway station and walked past the Newsnight reporter but would not even look at him and answer a question. No smile, no quick word of wit. What is it about this man who wants to connect with people yet when asked a quick question, cannot even be generous for a moment? I thought this was rude to the reporter and to the public. Bad first day PM. You need to connect and answer,after all you want the votes of the people including viewers who want to hear you answer questions, awkward as that may be -BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT.
Cameron, short sleeves rolled up. Well, he has come out fighting. You can see this is the moment he has waited for, relishing the fight. And fight he will I am sure.
Clegg alongside his trusty financial guru and media saint, Vince Cable. They will be a duet all the way to May 6 and I think may well pick up a lot of seats this time round. I am predicting the LDs will get another 10 more seats, may be more as the public tires of the two main parties.
But Clegg very much needs Cable. It is his link to destiny in any possible coalition and cabinet offerings post-May 6.
Newsnight and SKY had loads of comment last night. In fact the airwaves, TV and radio were supersaturated. Will we be sock of them all by next week? Probably yes, BUT for the TV debates between the three leaders over three weeks.
I predict the TV debates will be crucial. More so for Clegg who has much to gain.
Brown will come under attack from Cameron and this ought be so, as he has 13 years to defend. Cameron has to promise for the future.
April 7
Out of the starting blocks
Well they're off and running in the great British Election of 2010.
This blog will be one person's opinions, views, and no one else's. Whether it is read or not, does not matter, as my views will be written down and posted regularly.
Yesterday, April 6, I happened to be in The Mall as the Queen arrived back by helicopter at the Palace at 950am. At 1005 the incumbent PM's Jaguar drove down the Mall and entered the palace. Very tight timing if you ask me. Who was running late? I think perhaps HM in the helicopter. But anyway, she was there. Around 1030 the PM's motorcade left the Palace after permission had been gained.
Was this the last time Brown would ever suggest an election to HM?
Was this the second last time he would officially meet with her?
The next time will be either to submit his resignation or to accept her offer to form a new government for 5 more years.
The media was saturated all day and of this I will comment in the next posting.
They're off.........
7 April
This blog will be one person's opinions, views, and no one else's. Whether it is read or not, does not matter, as my views will be written down and posted regularly.
Yesterday, April 6, I happened to be in The Mall as the Queen arrived back by helicopter at the Palace at 950am. At 1005 the incumbent PM's Jaguar drove down the Mall and entered the palace. Very tight timing if you ask me. Who was running late? I think perhaps HM in the helicopter. But anyway, she was there. Around 1030 the PM's motorcade left the Palace after permission had been gained.
Was this the last time Brown would ever suggest an election to HM?
Was this the second last time he would officially meet with her?
The next time will be either to submit his resignation or to accept her offer to form a new government for 5 more years.
The media was saturated all day and of this I will comment in the next posting.
They're off.........
7 April
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