[0762]

It's curious you saying that Jim because it's a 'suspicion' that I've had for a while! A knowledge that Brexit is gonna be an impending disaster? So pass the 'mantle of authority/failure' to another party if possible because nobody wants to be associated with abject failure?

[ritchiebaby]

Well the first thing I'll say, as said to apathetic (on occasions) kids, is many people in history fought for the right to vote! If you don't vote then forget the grounds for criticism - use your vote and vote for the best option that you think will make a difference to the future of our country.

I fully agree with your point about the importance of voting, but unfortunately I will be out of the country on polling day and it's too late to apply for a postal vote/proxy vote, so you'll have to do without me.

[0762]

https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/01/list...-want-see/

After Amber Rudge's recent wee jibe at Corbyn's 'free money box' it's worth referring to the Tory party's 'shady money donors' - something that has never left the Tories in all the years I've observed their shenanigans with wealthy individuals and businesses who back them for good reason.

[St Charles Owl]

I would imagine all the political parties take donations from people or organisations who are not completely clean in the eyes of everyone. At the end of the day donations are either from those that fully believe in the policies etc or those who think they have more to gain from one party or the other being in office. As long as the money and source is declared then its up to individuals as to where they spend their money.

[0762]

I strongly believe that money expended by political parties for general elections should be regulated by the state and possibly even provided for that set purpose with set amounts in place. Hence it wouldn't matter how many donations are made to political parties, a democratic principle of regulating spending to a reasonable amount, and nothing more than that, should've been implemented years ago and be the subject of review now and again.

[St Charles Owl]

I strongly believe that money expended by political parties for general elections should be regulated by the state and possibly even provided for that set purpose with set amounts in place. Hence it wouldn't matter how many donations are made to political parties, a democratic principle of regulating spending to a reasonable amount, and nothing more than that, should've been implemented years ago and be the subject of review now and again.

I would certainly back that idea but I am not sure whether the parties could agree a formula to calculate how much money they each get. In the past I have seen the amount of money based on number of MPs (not really fair) but that favours the current Government over other parties. Probably the fairest system would be based on the number of seats each party is contesting but with the number of parties that stand in some constituencies that would get cumbersome as well. Its been a big topic of conversation over here for the past few elections, mainly because of the sheer amount of money being spent!! I suppose we both live in democracies where if we want to donate money to help someone get elected then we are free to do so, and in practice there isn't much wrong with that so I cannot see the main parties passing any laws that restrict contributions further than they already are.

[hibeejim21]

Ipsos Mori who had the tories consistently with the biggest lead now have it at 5 points.

That's heading into hung parliament territory if the seats fall right and there's a high turnout.

[0762]

A high turnout of young voters will be a Tory nightmare IMO based on voting OPs for the past 12 months.
Also re financing of election campaigns SCO, I'd add that regulations and rules that cover issues like this one and even the highly debatable FPTP system of electing a UK govt should be placed under the jurisdiction of a powerful independent electoral reform body that cannot be influenced by any political party or government for obvious reasons. Consultation with 'interested groups' is fine but the final say does not go with any UK government!

[spireitematt]

Very sad if he's lost the election on this issue. Also found it quite disturbing that a lot of old men in the audience want Nuclear Armageddon.


[video=youtube]http:/https://youtube.com/watch?v=cU-ITKrCr0I[/video]

[0762]

Come up to Scotland mate and you can share the empathy and bafflement re this bizarre way of thinking.