how are people thinking about the elections.

Mrs leicester Rhino is Operating a poll booth today which is exciting, but long hours.

I am more undecided on who to vote for today. Balance of local, european issues, to be balances againts protesting agains all the main parties, but not wanting extremists to be represented.

I have used my vote out of a feeling of duty to respect the democratic privilege we are given, rather than from any feeling that one of our parties is any better (or indeed any different) from any other. It has been some time since I felt there was an option on a ballot paper for a general election or by-election that would represent the views of their constituents rather than the party line. I can muster some enthusiasm for local council elections, as we have a decent councillor where I live who has done a lot of good work on local issues in our ward, so I voted for him, rather than his party. As for the EU Parliament, I have voted as I felt I should, but in truth, I suspect in common with a lot of people, I'm not actually sure what the legislative function of the EU Parliament is or how it works, let alone what the key issues are and what party policy would be for any of the parties on them, so my vote was not well informed. Meh.

Seeing as the polling station is at the end of my street I'm going to go and make the effort.

But will you vote?

used my vote!

Tory as usual.

Voted for the only credible party, and dont care what poop I read in the papers, but the current one in power.

Good luck with that.

SNIGGER

So the party in power for the last decade plus isn't credible? They may be losing credibility but they are still credible.

I'm generally disillusioned with the state of British politics (not because of the expenses furore which is IMO a storm in a tea cup), basically because the vast majority of the electorate are too ignorant or selfish to understand the main issues, and the party system is stifling genuine political progress with the two major parties being basically indistinguishable on policy. But I've always used my vote and will continue to do so.

Really? Have you shared that opinion with your Father by any chance? I fear somehow he may not quite be in full agreement with you......

Maybe so but is it time for a new leader?



I don't feel that fraud is a storm in a teacup tbh.

I'll be honest i think the expenses issue is "a big deal" also the constant inter party sniping and name calling etc is very childish.
Many things about politicians annoy me but i will always vote!

As a gesture of disgust at MP's behaviour I seriously considered not voting at this election, however, with European elections being decided by proportional representation, I felt compelled to vote, as I do not want parties with extreme views being voted into positions of power.

Without getting drawn into a long discussion (as today I don't have the time or the effort), simply I don't think the Labour Party can be classed as credible, no way.

The length of their tenure (as you alluded to) probably also highlights the failings of British politics also.

So how much more credibilty do they have to lose not to be credible?

In my eyes they aren't deemed worthy to put my vote against, and according to 'the polls' this will be highlighted in the masses.

Each to their own, everyone has a right to view, Im just hope your happy with party.

I will be exercising my democratic right as always this afternoon.

Pleased to say that I have actually got a choice of two candidates in the locals which makes a pleasant change, not that my choice will have a cat in hell's chance of winning down here in rural Lincolnshire.

Don't know what will be on the European forms but hopefully a party worthy of receiving my endorsement and a vote against the 'fringe' minority party who sit to the right of even the Tories.

Its only a big deal because you now know about it.

It has been going on since Thatcher was in power, she brought in these perks rules. Many many years of this.

All that has changed is that the current government brought in the freedom of information bill, and now you can see what goes on. How I bet they wish they had the hinesight to see what damage it would cause. But had anyone else been in power, you can bet that bill would never have been passed.

I know all that mate but we are in recession,buisness' are going bust over 2m out of work and to see these greedy b#*t*rds! lining their pockets and abusing the system is the final nail in the governments political coffin imo.

If there is a freedom bill why did the Torygraph have to pay for the discs?

Those exposed should (when investigated and found guilty) be sacked and prosecuted the same as the rest of us would be.

Then we can go after those MP's with second and third and fourth jobs. 57 outside jobs on the opposition front bench were mentioned at PMQ's yesterday. Surprised they find the time to represent their constituency at all.

Regards
Ben Elton - a little bit of politics there.

You do realize that ALL the parties have been doing this dont you? not just one.

How can it be the final nail in the coffin of just one party?

Not that I am arguing over who to vote for, that is entirely yours or any other posters opinion or right.

Of course i know that mate i meant greedy b*#t*rds in general!!
When you look at this plus the other things that have gone on since this government came to power i honestly think that this is the final straw irrespective of other parties doing it.
I've said since brown took over that imo the labour party have handed the next election to cameron on a plate and they've literallly imploded imo.
I wouldn't try and preach to people who to vote for either and respect their democratic choice but i honestly believe that labour have done this to themselves and i have absolutely no sympathy for any of them.

Quite right. And all I go on is that we as a nation have enjoyed extremely good times whilst this government have been in power. Whether you see it now or not, you will realize it in future.

And having been through a previous recession, this one is a walk in the park in comparison, despite most experts saying it should be far worse. That says more about the handling of it than anything else.

I agree with you on Brown by the way, and handing it on a plate, despite my own belief that in reality the guy is as perfect for that role as you can get.

Ben Elton used to have a phrase for Tory politicians in the eighties - a suit full of f[ioo[/ik all.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

My point was that I don't believe in absolutes - i.e. that even an unpopular party can be credible in some way. I imagine that there are actually many Labour MPs doing a good job.

That said I don't have any particular affinity with the Labour party.

Perhaps a change in PM would be a good thing for them right now, but not necessarily for whoever gets the job.