Are people really still voting

[VectraMan]

If one does not vote, on what grounds can one moan about the politicians that others elect?

How about on the grounds that we pay for them? I have to pay 5 years of tax before I get any kind of say in how the country is governed, and then my vote probably won't be counted (none of them have so far).

I'd suggest the people that contribute to the state have every right to moan, much like everyone who is forced to contribute to the BBC has every right to moan about Hole in the Wall.

[Doggy Styles]

I always vote tactically, if I think it will make a difference. Last general election, the (now disgraced) Labour candidate wrote and added the standard "I hope I can count on you for your support" message. I wrote back to her and told her exactly why she couldn't, and to her credit, she responded with an "I'm sorry you feel that way, but if I'm elected, remember that I can still be contacted with any issues you want me to raise" and to her credit, she has been pretty good.

Me too. Where I live we'd never shift the Tory incumbent, but they've been the lesser of the evils for the past few elections anyway (some might say they always have been). It's in local elections that there is a chance of making a difference.

[Doggy Styles]

How about on the grounds that we pay for them? I have to pay 5 years of tax before I get any kind of say in how the country is governed, and then my vote probably won't be counted (none of them have so far).

I'd suggest the people that contribute to the state have every right to moan, much like everyone who is forced to contribute to the BBC has every right to moan about Hole in the Wall.

Then vote for someone to look after your taxes better. That's the only way to put your mouth where your money is.

[AlfredJPruffock]

I also tend to vote for the lesser of 2 evils & I guess that'll be Cameron this time around. For the past 2 elections I've voted OMRLP just as a protest vote but I think things are a little too serious this time around for that.

Interesting to see that Labour have rebounded slightly in the opinion polls - according to the Suday times yesterday it's because of a combination of Osborne's frankness over cuts and the improving economy.

Interesting Observation - with the Conservatives reduced to offering service cuts job losses and austerity - many voters will be put off by these negative polices .

If the economic recovery gathers pace - and crucilaly Labour manage to stem the erosion of their Power Base in Scotland by the SNP - I would not be surprised to see Labour gain another electoral victory - albeit at a much reduced majority - or perhaps a power sharing arrangement with the Liberals .

[Doggy Styles]

Interesting Observation - with the Conservatives reduced to offering service cuts job losses and austerity - many voters will be put off by these negative polices .

If the economic recovery gathers pace - and crucilaly Labour manage to stem the erosion of their Power Base in Scotland by the SNP - I would not be surprised to see Labour gain another electoral victory - albeit at a much reduced majority - or perhaps a power sharing arrangement with the Liberals .

As this recovery is no more that a re-inflation that will burst and leave us worse off than a year ago, I hope you are wrong. But it's to be expected - what else can Labour do short-term to remain in office?

[Board Game Geek]

what else can Labour do short-term to remain in office?

Have a new(old) bogeyman (no, not our dear beloved bogeyman) launch a few attacks on the homeland, then rally the frightened populace behind a new war on Terrorist Country of the Month, and galavanise the public behind a new War on Terror (This New War on Terror is Whiter than the Old War on Terror) and all hearts and minds will be focussed on foreign affairs whilst the country goes to pot.

Oh...hang on...

[Flashman]

I don't want to sound like I don't care but seriously, are we all still voting for this bunch of low-calibre dim-wits we call politicians.

Seriously what are our choices:

Cameron: background as a member of the elite with a privileged upbringing. Zero experience of anything but politics.

Brown: background as a member of the elite with a privileged upbringing. Zero experience of anything but politics.

Clegg: umm next.

Isn't it time we all realized that the way we spend our pound is MUCH MUCH more important than the way we cast our vote.

Our political system is simple irrelevant in this age of globalisation.

All of the above will answer to President Blair of the EU.

Why bother indeed.

[Board Game Geek]

President Blair =

Bad Listener. RIP
Bad Lie Sprinter
Bile Transpired

EU President Blair =

Presidential Rube
Undesirable Tripe
Disreputable Rein
Urbanised Reptile
Speedier Tribunal
Purebred Alienist
Intrepid Arse Lube (can I use the Arse word ?)