General Election 2015 Match Day Thread (Merged)

[BCFC Jimmer]

I've decided to vote Conservative tomorrow.

It was them or UKIP and when push comes to shove Tories shade it.

They should hold Henley-on-Thames anyway so it's probably academic.

 

Sorry to hear that.

 

Among other **** ups, under this government I end up paying a higher rate of tax than millionaires.  I don't think that's fair.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

I think Farage himself gets fairly benign headlines. I picked up the Independent last week and noted he had written a column in it.

UKIP candidates themselves get bad publicity, but that's because many have brought it on themselves. If three days before the election you express a desire to murder another candidate, for example, then you're going to pick up bad press, whoever's rosette you're wearing.

 

in the last 10 days labour have had to suspend 2 parliamentary candidates and 1 council candidate (who has been jailed for fraud), but it doesn't get scrutinised in the same as when a UKIP candidate farts in the wrong direction.

 

They are a bunch of ***** but Farage is the only leader ever asked to explain the misdemeanours of it's candidates.

 

Less than a week ago a Bristol labour candidate had to issue an apology for trolling opponents.

[Red-Robbo]

in the last 10 days labour have had to suspend 2 parliamentary candidates and 1 council candidate (who has been jailed for fraud), but it doesn't get scrutinised in the same as when a UKIP candidate farts in the wrong direction.

They are a bunch of ***** but Farage is the only leader ever asked to explain the misdemeanours of it's candidates.

Less than a week ago a Bristol labour candidate had to issue an apology for trolling opponents.

Yes candidates from other parties do daft things too. But UKIP seems to suffer more of these embarrassments than most, probably, as I've mused before, because they are newer and have a less slick party structure to weed out the nutters than Tories or Labour. That may change in time, providing they survive the projected loss of N Farrage as party leader. Latest polling puts him second in Thanet South.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

Yes candidates from other parties do daft things too. But UKIP seems to suffer more of these embarrassments than most, probably, as I've mused before, because they are newer and have a less slick party structure to weed out the nutters than Tories or Labour. That may change in time, providing they survive the projected loss of N Farrage as party leader. Latest polling puts him second in Thanet South.

 

But that's not the point, the point is the media seem to doing this in an orchestrated fashion at UKIP and as far as I can see only Andrew Neil has the balls to actually attempt to force the same issue with the main parties, which is a complete waste of time, because suddenly they haven't read the story or seen the footage or know it's actual context.

 

As far as I can see there have been very few actual direct questions actually answered with a direct answer on anything by anybody during this election, it's a stark choice and to be honest they all suck, all very uninspiring no wonder so many people can't be arsed to vote, in a way what is the point, all of the manifesto's have lot's of promises as usual but none of them actually show figures on how those promises can and will be delivered, whoever wins prepared to be disappointed.

[richwwtk]

A UKIP candidate saying he would shoot his rival between the eyes if he were to become the first PM of Asian descent because 'He has only been here since the seventies and isn't British enough' is worthy of every inch of scrutiny it gets because it shows UKIP in their true colours (or at least, a lot of their members), despite their protestations to the contrary.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

A UKIP candidate saying he would shoot his rival between the eyes if he were to become the first PM of Asian descent because 'He has only been here since the seventies and isn't British enough' is worthy of every inch of scrutiny it gets because it shows UKIP in their true colours (or at least, a lot of their members), despite their protestations to the contrary.

 

As is labour having to suspend 3 candidates in 7/10 days, one of whom is in prison, another convicted of serious motoring offences and another facing prison if he is found guilty of his fraud charges.

[richwwtk]

As is labour having to suspend 3 candidates in 7/10 days, one of whom is in prison, another convicted of serious motoring offences and another facing prison if he is found guilty of his fraud charges.

 

All of which are bad offences to have committed, but none of which directly contradict what Labour are trying to claim they are all about.

[marshy]

Sorry to hear that.

 

Among other **** ups, under this government I end up paying a higher rate of tax than millionaires.  I don't think that's fair.

 

Sorry to hear that. Is that all millionaires or just some millionaires? All the figures I see indicate that the top 1% of earners pay between 26% and 29% of all tax. The most recent estimate I've seen gives the figure at 27.1% There are two questions I would like to ask Socialists:

1). What level do you think is a 'fair' level of tax for the top 1% to pay?

2). Given that we live in a mobile world, do you really believe that if you raise tax on the top 1% much above this level do you actually think you have any chance of increasing tax revenues? 

[Red-Robbo]

As is labour having to suspend 3 candidates in 7/10 days, one of whom is in prison, another convicted of serious motoring offences and another facing prison if he is found guilty of his fraud charges.

There's a website somewhere that I haven't time right now to find but I have seen, which lists all the UKIP candidates, councillors and MEPs who have been suspended (and jailed in some cases).

For such a small party the list is stupendous. And that's why the quality of candidates and extreme views of some of them is an issue.

Unlike some I don't particularly think that Ukip is an extreme party at all. It's merely the detached right-wing of the Tories which has picked up a head of steam and garnered some non-Tory supporters.

I think it's fascinating to see if it'll go the same way as the detached right-wing of the Labour Party - the SDP. There you had poll peaks of over 30%, some spectacular by-election results and a decent but not overwhelming first general election followed by a rapid demise.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

All of which are bad offences to have committed, but none of which directly contradict what Labour are trying to claim they are all about.

 

No but they and all of the 3 main parties are allowed a get out jail free card (pun intended) from most of the media.

 

You must have heard something that I haven't, because I am struggling to remember a direct answer to any direct question that has been asked of any of the parties, especially "let me be be quite clear" Ed.

[Red-Robbo]

No but they and all of the 3 main parties are allowed a get out jail free card (pun intended) from most of the media.

You must have heard something that I haven't, because I am struggling to remember a direct answer to any direct question that has been asked of any of the parties, especially "let me be be quite clear" Ed.

Do they? I haven't noticed the Sun, Times, Mail, Express, Telegraph, Star, and Standard offering a "get out of jail" card to Mr Miliband.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

There's a website somewhere that I haven't time right now to find but I have seen, which lists all the UKIP candidates, councillors and MEPs who have been suspended (and jailed in some cases).

For such a small party the list is stupendous. And that's why the quality of candidates and extreme views of some of them is an issue.

Unlike some I don't particularly think that Ukip is an extreme party at all. It's merely the detached right-wing of the Tories which has picked up a head of steam and garnered some non-Tory supporters.

I think it's fascinating to see if it'll go the same way as the detached right-wing of the Labour Party - the SDP. There you had poll peaks of over 30%, some spectacular by-election results and a decent but not overwhelming first general election followed by a rapid demise.

 

Can't argue with any of that.

 

But all parties/leaders should be treated in the same way by the media and patently they are not, the interviews by Evan Davis on newsnight should have followed a set format.

 

and as you have touched on UKIP as a small/new party don't have the mechanism to be as pro active in weeding out nutters in the same way that the 3 main parties should.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

Do they? I haven't noticed the Sun, Times, Mail, Express, Telegraph, Star, and Standard offering a "get out of jail" card to Mr Miliband.

 

i'm not talking about individuals, I am talking about the miscreants in the main parties, as i'm sure you are aware.

 

But I do take your point about the character assassination of Miliband.

[Red-Robbo]

i'm not talking about individuals, I am talking about the miscreants in the main parties, as i'm sure you are aware.

But I do take your point about the character assassination of Miliband.

I notice the Sun have resorted to the bacon roll picture again today. Truly pathetic.

If Labour can form a government I look forward to watching some payback in the form of media ownership laws.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

I notice the Sun have resorted to the bacon roll picture again today. Truly pathetic.

If Labour can form a government I look forward to watching some payback in the form of media ownership laws.

 

Like when they were in bed with Murdoch?, don't hold your breath.

 

The problem journalism is dying, a story/non story breaks all of the media pick up on it and report it, nobody actually investigates it they just report it and usually put there own slight spin on that story.

 

and then we are treated to vitriol from no marks like Richard Littlejohn or Piers Morgan.

[BCFC Jimmer]

Sorry to hear that. Is that all millionaires or just some millionaires? All the figures I see indicate that the top 1% of earners pay between 26% and 29% of all tax. The most recent estimate I've seen gives the figure at 27.1% There are two questions I would like to ask Socialists:

1). What level do you think is a 'fair' level of tax for the top 1% to pay? More than me

2). Given that we live in a mobile world, do you really believe that if you raise tax on the top 1% much above this level do you actually think you have any chance of increasing tax revenues? Yes

[marshy]

 

 

 

1). They already do. I don't think you understood my point. (1% of people pay 27% of the total tax collected--without that source of revenue you would pay a lot more) Ed Balls understands this, his  leader doesn't appear to.

2) I think you are living in a theoretical cloud cuckoo land.

[BCFC Jimmer]

1). They already do. I don't think you understood my point. (1% of people pay 27% of the total tax collected--without that source of revenue you would pay a lot more) Ed Balls understands this, his  leader doesn't appear to.

2) I think you are living in a theoretical cloud cuckoo land.

 

But I was talking about the rate of tax.  E.g I pay 40% whilst some millionaires are paying a much lower rate and you think that is acceptable?

 

I agree that hard work should be rewarded blah blah blah, but at the moment some people are taking the p1ss.

 

Also, most of these rich people have found tax loopholes etc which makes it even more unfair!

[Red-Robbo]

Like when they were in bed with Murdoch?, don't hold your breath.

The problem journalism is dying, a story/non story breaks all of the media pick up on it and report it, nobody actually investigates it they just report it and usually put there own slight spin on that story.

and then we are treated to vitriol from no marks like Richard Littlejohn or Piers Morgan.

Another poor policy from you-know-who. ( your favourite man!)

According to Private Eye it could be the SNP which is the problem for Labour's concentration of media law idea.

As you know the.Scottish Sun came out for the Nats (at the same time the London editions were calling Sturgeon "the most dangerous woman in Britain"), a result, the Eye says, of an assiduous courtship of Murdoch by Salmond.

The SNP manifesto is silent on media ownership - apart from wanting some sort of McBBC.

[Red-Robbo]

1). They already do. I don't think you understood my point. (1% of people pay 27% of the total tax collected--without that source of revenue you would pay a lot more) Ed Balls understands this, his leader doesn't appear to.

2) I think you are living in a theoretical cloud cuckoo land.

Re point 2 Marshy. It seems to work in Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands etc etc.

Germany has a 60% top tax rate, 10% more than the top level Labour want to reimpose.

As I've said before, wealthy people are just as likely to seek tax loopholes at 45% as they are at 50%. There isn't some magic figure below which everyone becomes honest.

The answer is to try to genuinely close these loopholes, then people without secret Swiss banks accounts may feel less shat on.

[chipdawg]

1). They already do. I don't think you understood my point. (1% of people pay 27% of the total tax collected--without that source of revenue you would pay a lot more) Ed Balls understands this, his leader doesn't appear to.

2) I think you are living in a theoretical cloud cuckoo land.

You do realise that the 1% of people you refer to own/earn considerably more than 1% of the wealth don't you? I'd be willing to bet the top 1% earn more than 27.1% of the nations taxable earnings

[marshy]

Re point 2 Marshy. It seems to work in Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands etc etc.

Germany has a 60% top tax rate, 10% more than the top level Labour want to reimpose.

As I've said before, wealthy people are just as likely to seek tax loopholes at 45% as they are at 50%. There isn't some magic figure below which everyone becomes honest.

The answer is to try to genuinely close these loopholes, then people without secret Swiss banks accounts may feel less shat on.

 

People will always seek loopholes Robbo that is undeniable. Most of us attempt to avoid tax if possible, opening an ISA for instance.

Don't know much about Germany to be honest but in Sweden after a century of impressive growth to the middle of the 19th century the imposition of ever increasing marginal rates of tax led to a situation where growth slowed substantially and half of their billionaires left the country. Many of course would say 'good riddance'. Personally, and I speak as someone whose income, from what I read on here, must surely be amongst the lowest on the forum, I am not afflicted by the curse of the green-eyed monster. It's a matter of trial and error I guess, 'plucking the goose with the least amount of hissing'. 

[marshy]

You do realise that the 1% of people you refer to own/earn considerably more than 1% of the wealth don't you? I'd be willing to bet the top 1% earn more than 27.1% of the nations taxable earnings

 

You're kidding me, surely?

[Esmond Million's Bung]

Another poor policy from you-know-who. ( your favourite man!)

According to Private Eye it could be the SNP which is the problem for Labour's concentration of media law idea.

As you know the.Scottish Sun came out for the Nats (at the same time the London editions were calling Sturgeon "the most dangerous woman in Britain"), a result, the Eye says, of an assiduous courtship of Murdoch by Salmond.

The SNP manifesto is silent on media ownership - apart from wanting some sort of McBBC.

 

and Murdoch's pathetic attempt at giving the impression that his publications are journalistically independent.

 

As I said whoever (if anybody wins on thursday) i'm sorry to say will be a disappointment, because for me not enough information about how their election promises/bribes will be paid for and by whom.

 

The more I think about it to be honest the only leader who has actually behaved with the dignity of a leader during this election is Clegg IMO, I have and will always believe that that 5 years ago he was put into an impossible position, the UK needed a government and he had 2 choices. The interesting thing now is how the labour voters who claimed nobody voted for tory/lib dum coalition will react if that's how labour come to power, I hope he holds onto his seat.

[PHILINFRANCE]

and Murdoch's pathetic attempt at giving the impression that his publications are journalistically independent.

 

As I said whoever (if anybody wins on thursday) i'm sorry to say will be a disappointment, because for me not enough information about how their election promises/bribes will be paid for and by whom.

 

The more I think about it to be honest the only leader who has actually behaved with the dignity of a leader during this election is Clegg IMO, I have and will always believe that that 5 years ago he was put into an impossible position, the UK needed a government and he had 2 choices. The interesting thing now is how the labour voters who claimed nobody voted for tory/lib dum coalition will react if that's how labour come to power, I hope he holds onto his seat.

 

A choice. Either A or B!

 

OK. We all know that Murdoch is not independent, but some believe and so he continues and 'we' fall for it.

 

I must agree that, 5 years ago, Clegg presented himself magnificently - what a shame there was no substance to his rhetoric. 

[Esmond Million's Bung]

A choice. Either A or B!

 

OK. We all know that Murdoch is not independent, but some believe and so he continues and 'we' fall for it.

 

I must agree that, 5 years ago, Clegg presented himself magnificently - what a shame there was no substance to his rhetoric. 

 

Yes but he was damned if did and ****** if he didn't.

[Red-Robbo]

A busy couple of days ahead for me, chums.

 

I'm going to be managing a few feeds for Sky News and apparently may be spotted lurking around the back of their set.  It isn't great money, but I'm doing it for a laugh really + I know the person in charge of their coverage.

 

I wanted to wear the old purple & lime, but because I may be in shot on occasion I've been told it's "broadcast blacks".

 

Oh, and if you want to try to spot the Robbo, now I'm clean shaven the James Robertson Justice look has gone. I'm told I look like a non-menacing Tony Soprano.

[Aussie]

[Red-Robbo]

[Aussie]

So all that relies on me?

Do you not think I am contributing far too much already?

My old man never even earned what I pay in every year.

Sorry I'm not voting to be shafted - and I don't use the NHS.