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We have an election due next week, and I'm getting quite excited !!
Bit like the Olympics & the World Cup, in that they only come along every 4 or 5 years, & I find the drama enthralling, especially the TV coverage on election night.
I shall vote sort of tactically, because of the two parties I favour, one is a no-hoper in our constituency. The no-hoper is really my preferred option, but that really is a hopeless case here, so I'll vote to do as much damage to the incumbent as one vote can.
To the UK members; Does all this interest or engage you at all ? Or has the media/politician combine finally rendered politics irrelevant to you ?
To the overseas members; Are you aware ? Do you care ? What's the perspective from where you are ?
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I think we are well aware that there is a UK election here in NL.
Over here, the UK is not really an important player in European affairs............they are seen as out of the EU and not willing to play a constructive part...................so it does not really matter who wins this will not change.
What does interest much of Europe is the political system and how the first past the post system leaves many people's views unrepresented in the house of commons.
The class issue is also fascinating UK politics seems to put the class issue before the issue of good government.
The standing of UK politicians looks questionable here in NL......A few years ago the Prime Minister of NL was asked to look at a military issue he had played a part in..............He felt the need to look at one of his decisions and decided that he could have made a better job of taking the decision.......he felt dishonored by this and as such stepped down and went out of politics for good...................He has not attempted to make any come back.
We took have an election in the next few weeks and one of the leaders of a major party ( who could occupy a major role in the next government ) was having a few problems at home ...He has decided not to stand and will stand by his family ....................The campains are happening but, they ae quiet and dutiful
So yeah, it is noticed here in The Netherlands that there is a UK election but it is only of passing interest and when it is noticed it is rather for its lack of connection with real politics and government ...than any thing else.
Nice to be able to go back to trust and friendship!!!!!!!!!
It's a mixed up sensation this being alive
Oh! it wears a man down into the ground
It's the strangest elation
I can't describe it
Oh it leaves a man weary
It makes a man frown..............................Chris Simpson ( "Mixed Up Sensations" 1975 Martin's Cafe )
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It is the first time I have been stirred into considering voting but there is no agenda of what any of the parties really intend to do - or have I missed something! There is more time spent in dishing the dirt, and there seems to be plenty of that. And as for Gordon Brown's comments today when he didn't realise he was being overheard, it really shows what kind of people the majority of these politicians are, and I make no apologies for saying that.
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Political junkie here, although reluctant to post politics for obvious reasons.
Watch some c-span every morning along with talking heads in the evenings.
C-span even covers House of Commons occasionally. Love the way you guys do it with the PM up there taking the spears.
Wish our President had to do that.
We even got coverage of what emillu referred to about Browns off the cuff comments.
Dontcha love it when they get caught saying what they really think?
No way to talk your way out of that one. That's all it takes.
See ya Gordon.
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For the first time ever I actually think the party I vote for might be in with a chance (LibDem)
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If the polls are to be believed - and I don't think they are - then we're headed for a hung parliament. Our last experience of this, some 36 years ago wasn't pretty, so it could get interesting.
I can understand the mainland European view of UK politics, and the lack of commitment to the EU, but I think a lot of this is down to our "Island Britain" attitude as a country.
Ed's right, Mr B now seems to have signed his own exit visa. I just hope DC doesn't get his greasy hands on the prize.
We have the final party leader's debate tonight, & I'll be glued to it...
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It looks to me like a hard one to call!
Nice to be able to go back to trust and friendship!!!!!!!!!
It's a mixed up sensation this being alive
Oh! it wears a man down into the ground
It's the strangest elation
I can't describe it
Oh it leaves a man weary
It makes a man frown..............................Chris Simpson ( "Mixed Up Sensations" 1975 Martin's Cafe )
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Joined: Oct 2009
i am actually going to vote for the first time this year.
i ususally dont have a strong opinion either way, but with the state of this country at the moment, i kind of feel that i should. my family have always voted labour, but hell will freeze over before i do. I am voting Lib Dem.
I mean, have you read about Gordon Brown and his "Bigot" comment? ok, he has apologised, but so not the point. the sooner he is "out" the happier i will be.
we can conquer this great divide-hanson
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I live in Northern Ireland so we're governed by Westminster but we don't get to vote for any of the potential government parties - so I'm a participant and an observer, I suppose. If the LibDems do markedly better, it'll all be down to the televised debates - If ever there was an election determined by the media, then this is one - forgotten mikes as well! I do think it's hugely depressing that it seems people are deciding what party to vote for based on the leaders' personalities, though.
I'm not that bothered by what Gordon Brown did, but then I don't expect too much from politicians anyway. And I always vote, regardless of how pointless it seems! Green Party this year maybe....
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Here's the thing with Brown's bigot comment.
Obviously I can't comment on the British media. But here in the states, the media is so influential in elections, it's beyond hilarious. I can watch two different networks on U.S. politics and come away with two entirely different views. This is why always watch both to get the spin from both sides.
But as far as Brown, we here in the states are getting a very filtered view I believe. Not sure how long the conversation between him and the constituent lasted. We heard about 30 seconds of it. Then his comment in the car is played over and over. Gordon Brown had to have based his bigoted comment on something this woman said. He would not have said that without having a reason to do so. I would love to hear the entire conversation between the two. That is the only way to draw a proper conclusion. Could it be his comment was spot on? If so, the only thing he did wrong was not make sure that mic was off.
