UK's economy is 'best in Europe'

[AlfredJPruffock]

There are no two ways about it, there has to be a severe cutback in State spending over the next few years (which means less public-sector workers).

If they really wanted to cut back on State Spending then Labour would drop Trident and the ID card scheme - rather than cutting State Sector jobs - remember these are the rank and file Labour supporters who typically enjoy these State Sector positions - I suspect it would have to be Cameron who proposes these cuts rather than Labour and that will not go down well at all and would translate into less votes for the Conservatives.

Dont under-estimate the power of these State sector workers when it comes to the elections - they held the key for Labours last victory - and out of self-interest - they certainly wont be voting Conservative

[MrMark]

There are no two ways about it, there has to be a severe cutback in State spending over the next few years (which means less public-sector workers).

If they really wanted to cut back on State Spending then they would drop Trident and the ID card scheme - that would also win votes rather than cutting State Sector jobs - remember these are the rank and file Labour supporters who typically enjoy these Stae Sector positions - I suspect it would have to be Cameron who proposes these cuts rather than Labour and that will not go down well at all and would translate into less votes for the Conservatives.

Dont under-estimate the power of these State sector workers when it comes to the elections - and out of self-interest - they wont be voting Conservative

Maggie was never averse to attacking the public sector, yet she managed to win 3 elections in a row. I think Labour in the next election will be relying on the fear factor - "Yes, we've had a recession, but it could be a lot worse under the Tories and their cuts...etc etc". For what it's worth I think too many people are fed up with the current administration, so they'll vote for the Tories as the default replacement, but not with any great enthusiasm. Tories to win, but not by the great landslide some have predicted.

[sweetandsour]

There are no two ways about it, there has to be a severe cutback in State spending over the next few years (which means less public-sector workers).

If they really wanted to cut back on State Spending then Labour would drop Trident and the ID card scheme - rather than cutting State Sector jobs - remember these are the rank and file Labour supporters who typically enjoy these State Sector positions - I suspect it would have to be Cameron who proposes these cuts rather than Labour and that will not go down well at all and would translate into less votes for the Conservatives.

Dont under-estimate the power of these State sector workers when it comes to the elections - they held the key for Labours last victory - and out of self-interest - they certainly wont be voting Conservative

Whether they want to cut back or not, there is no longer any choice.

[Fred Bloggs]

For what it's worth I think too many people are fed up with the current administration, so they'll vote for the Tories as the default replacement, but not with any great enthusiasm. Tories to win, but not by the great landslide some have predicted.

Correct. May be a hung parliament and the Tories may well only serve 1 term. Cameron is a dimwit, intellectual lightweight and a simple Blair clone.

[DimPrawn]

Instead of cutting back on (public) spending, double it every year, year on year.

The country will rack up trillions then zillions in debt, but since debt is a good thing for the economy, we'd all be laughing.

[Cyberman]

Correct. May be a hung parliament and the Tories may well only serve 1 term. Cameron is a dimwit, intellectual lightweight and a simple Blair clone.

.. and of course Brown is an intellectual heavyweight who has proven it over 12 years with his handling of pensions, gold sales, banking regulation changes, no return to boom and bust, MPs expenses, tax credits system, etc etc etc.

[Cyberman]

Whether they want to cut back or not, there is no longer any choice.

Hang on a mo !! Weren't Labour castigating thre Tories last week for stating that they will make cuts. Surely this means that Labour will not make any cuts.

[Fred Bloggs]

.. and of course Brown is an intellectual heavyweight who has proven it over 12 years with his handling of pensions, gold sales, banking regulation changes, no return to boom and bust, MPs expenses, tax credits system, etc etc etc.

I didn't say that. You did.