And we're off...

Since Mr. Brown had his little visit with the Queen yesterday, the election 2010 has now been confirmed for Thursday 6th May. The News was all a flutter and although I missed the big announcement (I was in my bed, ok?) I caught the American car chase style helicopter footage of Gordon's trip to St.Pancreas to start HIS campaign for PM.

The BBC advertised a nice little website called Slapometer where you can let you emotions loose on the three 'leaders' and it lets you know who everyone else is slapping. Perhaps it is a nice indication of the electorate's opinions of politician's personalities?

I also caught highlights of a little speech David Cameron gave on his soapbox near the London Eye, surrounded by young multi-ethnicity, multi-gendered(ha!), no doubt multi-sexuality people. Charming. I was in contact with someone over Twitter who, like me, is less than impressed with his general demeanor - that's putting aside the content of his speech. I really should make more of an effort to listen to his opinions on things because after all he could be the next PM. If he does become the leader of the country I guess I will know what it was like to be a Democrat in the USA from 2000-2008. It must be hard to live in a country where you don't respect the man or party in charge.

I was born when Thatcher was PM, my parents struggled financially for those years. Although I didn't experience it first hand, the people of Scotland like to hold a political grudge and I can't imagine they will allow any seats to turn blue. If they do, they are kidding themselves. If Tory power was enough of a catalyst for the resurrection of a Scottish Parliament then surely it's the Harry Potter vs. Voldermort conundrum this time round? "Neither can live while the other survives"?

This brings me to my wish. I am not afraid to admit it. I WANT a hung parliament! It really is what this county needs to put things in a little bit of perspective. Democracy isn't always clean cut, 'one party to rule them all' stuff. Sometimes, there needs to be a bit of conflict, a bit of deal making. I mean, God Forbid! that there not be a majority in Westminster. Not that hundreds of other democracies can function and thrive with minority governments. How would things ever be passed? With alot of debate, alot of tweaking and fighting and eventually the minorities (the good ones I mean) couldn't be ignored anymore. The smaller parties have alot of good and even great ideas that could do with a bit of a spotlight being shone on them. Maybe a minority government would allow for that to happen. I don't imagine that anyone would be too happy with a Lab-Lib coalition should the Torys fail to reach that sacred seat number which I can't remember off the top of my head. Where would that leave us? It's actually quite an exciting time for British Politics.

This brings me to today where I caught the second half of quite a...boisterous PMQs where I saw Nick Clegg having a good go at David and Gordon. Good on him I say, but he never goes far enough! The third party needs, dare I say it, someone with a bit of personality! Now, don't get me wrong, I try and stay away from all that 'surface' stuff and focus strictly on the 'issues' but sometimes it leaks in. I think a party like the Lib Dems could really thrive with with the right leader...but that's just my opinion.

So, the issues I'll be following on this election are; the economy. Isn't everyone? Now, I'm no economist and I would never claim to have anymore knowledge then the average person on matters concerning moneys but I do not like the Tory's plan. It doesn't make sense to me to take money out to help recovery. I think I would rather recovery take longer but was successful than a change of government and a 'quick fix' that could backfire. I don't agree with them on alot of things so this shouldn't surprise me. I don't really know what COULD be done economy-wise but I don't have a problem with what is happening at the moment. Then there's defense. Oh dear. I am strictly anti-war and anti-interference in stuff that isn't our business so I have serious issues with spending on defense. Then Europe, I'm totally pro-Europe but undecided about the Euro so I'll give time to anyone who is willing to shake hands with Europe. I guess I can add Immigration to this list because I really have no problems with people seeking a better life here. Like most, I don't like people taking advantage but who does? I want Britain to be a welcoming, multi-cultural country. I would like other countries to accept me if I chose to live and work there and I in return would embrace that culture, I would like to see the same happen here. What's with all the hostility BNP?

I urge everyone to visit the BBC website and have a look at their little 'comparison on the issues' table. You can select 3 parties and compare their policies on a number of issues. This is very useful to a swing voter such as myself. I think it's fair to point out that, unlike my Scottish vote, my vote in the General Election is unlikely to be tactical. Although my MP has a 24% majority over the Conservatives...the best I can hope for is for that majority to decrease. I'm voting with my heart on this one. When I eventually decide.

I phoned for my postal vote this morning as I am unlucky enough to have an exam that morning and the morning after. I might have to decide a little earlier than those in the voting booths.

Question Time is on tonight instead of tomorrow apparently so I'll give that a watch.

I'll write again when I feel the need to vent about the happenings of the General Election 2010 :P

Ali x