Ed Miliband

[Margaret Pilkington]

No party leader is ever tested by being in opposition.......they know that whatever they say while in opposition is not going to be tested....and then by the time they get into power, the situations have changed so that what they promised whilst in opposition is either no longer relevant, or no longer possible, due to external pressures(like the global recession.
I'm very jaded with politics of all persuasions at present. There are so many hare brained ideas, it is patently obvious that many of the people who are supposed to be running the country, have never lived in the real world...they are so out of touch with the concerns of the electorate.

[Wynonie Harris]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

I think that's probably right.The poll lead at this stage is more down to the unpopularity of the Government. The poll lead probably should be greater, but that will come.

Bernard, your faith in Mr Ed is quite touching. However, as we are in the worst economic situation for 30/60/80 years (depending on which paper you read), and no one really knows how to fix it, I don't see how anyone, whatever their political persuasion, can predict what will be happening in 6 months' time, never mind 4 years. At the moment, the world is like a Stanley match - anything can happen...and probably will!

[Eric]

Originally Posted by jaysay

Nice try Graham, there are those of us who would say well he would say that wouldn't he. My I ask who you supported in the Leadership race last year

O come on. You guys of the "right" persuasion are continually bitching that the elected Labour folks who are members on here are all too often too silent ... that they don't answer questions. Now, when Graham comes on with a comprehensive post, you dismiss it in one line. And what does it matter whom he supported in the leadership race? All that matters it that he supports the leader who was elected.

[Gordon Booth]

Originally Posted by Eric

O come on. You guys of the "right" persuasion are continually bitching that the elected Labour folks who are members on here are all too often too silent ... that they don't answer questions. Now, when Graham comes on with a comprehensive post, you dismiss it in one line. And what does it matter whom he supported in the leadership race? All that matters it that he supports the leader who was elected.

Eric, don't be so sensible and reasonable! Reason,logic and sense don't come into politics.

[garinda]

I was interested to read Graham's assessment of Ed Miliband. The politican, and the man.

I'd just like to see the public enthused as much as Graham is about him, but I honestly don't think they are...yet.

I don't think it's absolutely necessary for a great leader to be particularly charismatic, or even a rabble rousing speech maker, but there has got to be some connection with the people they represent.

They have to inspire the public that their leadership will make for a better society.

I detest all the spin, and the superfical Americanisation of politics, style over substance, but Miliband really needs to up his game, and make people see in him what Graham obviously does.

I might not always agree with our M.P., but I do respect and trust his judgement.

I yearn to be enthusiastic about a leader, a party, and politicans again.

I live in hope.

[Wynonie Harris]

Originally Posted by Eric

O come on. You guys of the "right" persuasion are continually bitching that the elected Labour folks who are members on here are all too often too silent ... that they don't answer questions. Now, when Graham comes on with a comprehensive post, you dismiss it in one line. And what does it matter whom he supported in the leadership race? All that matters it that he supports the leader who was elected.

A couple of points, Eric - the lack of comment on those awkward subjects like Europe, immigration, political correctness etc from elected Labour folk has been remarked upon by far more than just the Accyweb Tory Tendency. In fact, I seem to recall that most of the criticism has come from mavericks like Gary, Cashy, myself and others. Secondly, very little criticism has been levelled at Graham on this score, as it's accepted that he may not always have the time, given his circumstances.

Incidentally, you may have noticed that Bernard did break cover on the EU the other day and proceeded to prove just how out of touch he is with the views of the ordinary voter on this issue. This may be why Accyweb Labourites tend to keep quiet on "those" subjects!

[g jones]

The media this morning on Cams speech .....

Cameron will launch a brazen attempt to appropriate to the Tory cause some of the key themes of Ed Miliband’s address to the Labour conference last week, arguing the difference is that he has the ‘leadership’ to deliver. Cameron to say: ‘If we put in the effort, correct the mistakes, confront those vested interests and take on the failed ideas of the past then I know we can turn this ship around. Nobody wants false optimism. And I will never pretend there are short cuts to success. But success will come.’ (FT) … … Ed Miliband said on his blog that the Tories were ‘utterly confused’ when it came to taking on business. ‘We have a Tory party seeking move on to the ground that I have set out. They will fail because they have not learnt the lesson of the past and have no plans on how to build a future based on the values of the British people’ (Mirror)

I know it is insider speak given the outside argument is revolving around EdMili not being an actor, but their has been a political earthquake.

You cannot argue for responsibility and not follow though with huge changes to our way of life. Irresponsibility has been the enduring doorstep complaint for a long time.

The Tories are worried and announced several Labour/responsibilty policies this week to try and show leadership. As Ed said, they will never dare go far as he says he is prepared to go and I for one have told him he has by 100% support in this. It's what people in Hyndburn want.

You can't have a trust based system like socialism without people believing that it won't be abused. Hence why Ed Mili said build more social housing but people in work will get more points than people out of work, people who have done wrong in the past. Non payment of rent, anti social behaviour, criminal activity.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

A couple of points, Eric - the lack of comment on those awkward subjects like Europe, immigration, political correctness etc from elected Labour folk has been remarked upon by far more than just the Accyweb Tory Tendency. In fact, I seem to recall that most of the criticism has come from mavericks like Gary, Cashy, myself and others. Secondly, very little criticism has been levelled at Graham on this score, as it's accepted that he may not always have the time, given his circumstances.

Incidentally, you may have noticed that Bernard did break cover on the EU the other day and proceeded to prove just how out of touch he is with the views of the ordinary voter on this issue. This may be why Accyweb Labourites tend to keep quiet on "those" subjects!

Yes, I did notice that Bernard did voice his opinion ... but I think you put too much negative spin on it. That he stated his position doesn't make him out of touch with "the ordinary voter". At least, I haven't seen any recent opinion polls which suggest that. I don't know Bernard, apart from what I guage from his posts, but I don't think his was a bar stool opinion, arrived at after quaffing ... love that word ... a gallon of Bomber (I'm having one right now, the last of my stock). I don't agree with his opinion, but millions of voters probably do.

[Margaret Pilkington]

I'm not sure about the millions of voters.......we haven't really been given an opportunity to have a voice on the EU as it is today. It was 1975 the last time the electorate were given a voice on that subject....and the EU was then the EEC......an economic community......not political.

Many politicians have promised the electorate a chance to vote on the EU in the past, but none of them have been true to their word (no surprises there).
I think that the public feel very disenchanted with the EU as it is at present......how do I judge this....well the only way I can really......by listening to people talk, by talking to people.

They feel that many of the EU policies that have been forced on us, are wrong, intrusive, or just plain daft(like green grocers only being able to sell straight cucumbers - yes, really....the curved ones had to be binned.......this rule has now been thrown out, but only recently).
They feel powerless to influence the rules that are coming out of Brussels, because, although we have MEP's there, they do not seem to be fighting our corner.....and the rules seem to be made by faceless unelected bureaucrats.
If we don't like what these bureaucrats are doing it is tough...we have to lump it.

EU laws seem to be foisted on us.........Parliament should be making the laws that we abide by in this country....Not Brussels.

But all credit to Bernard for standing up for what he believes in, and standing by his opinions. I respect that.....but because he believes it doesn't necessarily make it true.

[Margaret Pilkington]

Garinda has just posted in another thread that the majority of people in the UK would vote to leave the EU.
European Union Pollwatch - Opinion Polls. Leaving the EU is supported by a majority of British People

[Wynonie Harris]

Originally Posted by Eric

That he stated his position doesn't make him out of touch with "the ordinary voter". At least, I haven't seen any recent opinion polls which suggest that.

Go and look at Gary's post (114) on the "Ultimate Insult" thread. You've been away from the UK too long!

[Margaret Pilkington]

I have just posted a link to the relevant info Steve........as well as voicing what I hear in the street everyday.......talking to friends, relatives and strangers.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

I have just posted a link to the relevant info Steve........as well as voicing what I hear in the street everyday.......talking to friends, relatives and strangers.

Let's home Graham tells Ed of the people he represents overwhelming desire for a referendum on the issue of E.U. membership.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

A couple of points, Eric - the lack of comment on those awkward subjects like Europe, immigration, political correctness etc from elected Labour folk has been remarked upon by far more than just the Accyweb Tory Tendency. In fact, I seem to recall that most of the criticism has come from mavericks like Gary, Cashy, myself and others. Secondly, very little criticism has been levelled at Graham on this score, as it's accepted that he may not always have the time, given his circumstances.

Incidentally, you may have noticed that Bernard did break cover on the EU the other day and proceeded to prove just how out of touch he is with the views of the ordinary voter on this issue. This may be why Accyweb Labourites tend to keep quiet on "those" subjects!

It must be hard, for someone who no longer lives here, to understand the madness we have to accept.

Eric, just imagine Canada's governed from Washington, and it'll help you comprehend the situation we're in.

[Wynonie Harris]

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

I have just posted a link to the relevant info Steve........as well as voicing what I hear in the street everyday.......talking to friends, relatives and strangers.

Same here, Margaret...practically everyone I know has a negative view on the EU, whether they want a semi-detached, trade only relationship or totally out.