UK General Election 2015

[Longines]

Just to check...are you aware of the reasons why running a surplus would be a terrible idea?

Afraid I'm not aware, why would it be terrible? I think Germany has run a surplus for the last three years and the UK had one for 3 years under Blair. Was it terrible then too or just if there was one in the future?

[kukushkin88]

Just to check...are you aware of the reasons why running a surplus would be a terrible idea?

Afraid I'm not aware, why would it be terrible? I think Germany has run a surplus for the last three years and the UK had one for 3 years under Blair. Was it terrible then too or just if there was one in the future?

I think I phrased my initial comment badly. Aiming to achieve a surplus over the course of a parliament from the current position would be devastating to the country, the public sector and to the fledgling "recovery". I think the various links in The Huffington Post link explain things well. 

[MintTrav]

I don't believe that even the Conservatives would ever allow the DUP to share government with them. They know who the DUP are. You can't have people like that in the British cabinet.

[The Camel]

Arbboy you are such a condescending nob.  

You seriously can't believe the utter bollocks you type.  

I don't expect people like you to agree with me.  Equally i don't expect to be called a nob.  I appreciate you have different views to me.  I don't call you a nob because of that.

Yep, you're offside here Kmac.

I don't think I am for the vast majority of what he has posted I disagree with but this nonsense today and the matter of fact attitude that comes along with it is so tilting.  

There is plenty wrong with the british left, which I am happy to discuss, but I wouldn't entertain any of what Arb has said today, using words like factual.  lol.  

Make him look like a nob by trumping all his arguments.

Calling him a nob is like admitting he has won.

[nirvana]

It's been hard to pick a way through all the nonsense but I think I've decided who I'm going to vote for now.

As yet, I've never voted for the winning party so I'm hoping that I can finally get a win under my belt.

[david3103]

Less than a week ago I was absolutely certain about my vote for this election. Had been for a long time. My vote counts this time round. The incumbent had a 322 majority last time.

I'm wavering now having read the last five pages. DMorgan's post was outstanding and much of the rest was careful shoehorning of available 'facts' into support of a spurious argument about so-called success.

I want a fairer society, a society that genuinely looks after those who, for no fault of their own, need some support. I'd prefer that support to come from the state.

I want to vote for a party that will aim to improve the lot of the whole of our population. A party with an obviously visible social conscience if you will.

But in order to achieve that aim there must be a level of basic ability to govern. I don't want to vote in a bunch of ideologues with no idea about the process of achieving their goals. Nor do I want to vote in a party that would be forced into making deals with Nicky S.

That seems to leave me back where I started, with what I see as the least bad choice. Plus a MP who has been very visible in his efforts to get things done for the area.

[doubleup]

The "forced to make a deal with the SNP" is a red herring.

Because of the constitutional changes last year the SNP would actually have to vote (or willfully abstain) in a vote of confidence to bring down a government.  They have a mandate to do this to the Tories, but not to Labour.  So they would be branded as the party that gave the Tories a chance in a second election if they caused it. 

In short, they would need some huge Scottish issue to bring down Labour i.e. Trident removal/replacement doesn't fit the bill.

[Woodsey]

Just heading out for work and a group of labour people were knocking on doors left and right of me obviously making sure people actually go and vote. Skipped me again, wonder if they know I'm a no hoper for them? never spoken to any of them so how could they know?  

[DungBeetle]

It's because you had your fox hunting outfit on Woodsey.

[neeko]

Assuming the exit polls tell us that it is too close to call, and going to be a hung parliament. How late am I going to have to stay up to find out the likely direction of results?

[TightEnd]

Assuming the exit polls tell us that it is too close to call, and going to be a hung parliament. How late am I going to have to stay up to find out the likely direction of results?

2-3am for a good indication

may not know for sure until 6am

may not know the shape of the next government for weeks

[Longy]

Assuming the exit polls tell us that it is too close to call, and going to be a hung parliament. How late am I going to have to stay up to find out the likely direction of results?

If the opinion polls are correct you could be up all night....

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/05/whats-worth-staying-election-night

Looks like by 3am there will be enough marginals declaring to have some idea, even if the idea is that is going to be a complete mess!

I am planning staying up for the lot, but I normally do as I find election night fascinating with the various results and tired politicians being put on the spot.

[strak33]

This thread is a classic.

Arbboy would you marry denise?

Dmorgan just understands life.

[ripple11]

Just heading out for work and a group of labour people were knocking on doors left and right of me obviously making sure people actually go and vote. Skipped me again, wonder if they know I'm a no hoper for them? never spoken to any of them so how could they know?  

Only one leaflet yesterday and one this morning telling me what to do, where to go,helpline number etc lol.......both labour.

and this is in a safe London Labour seat.

[Claw75]

Just heading out for work and a group of labour people were knocking on doors left and right of me obviously making sure people actually go and vote. Skipped me again, wonder if they know I'm a no hoper for them? never spoken to any of them so how could they know? 

They will only be knocking on the doors of known Labour supporters - sounds like you're surrounded!