"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Something every tolerant liberal would support, I fail to see the issue except for the odd bigot.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
The guide for floating voters is funny, put in a Scottish post code and regardless if you say you want Miliband to lose or Cameron to lose, it'll advise you to vote for anyone apart from the SNP.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
How on Earth can being "critical of their lifestyle" be a criminal offence?
I don't know the details but, on the face of it, that's ridiculous. I think some people enjoy having the ability to threaten prosecution of an individual just because they find their views personally offensive.
Mr. G, maybe. Could be a short term stepping stone to an English Parliament.
The worst thing would be carving England into pathetic little regional assemblies.
MD , last desperate step for the establishment to try and hold onto power more like. they would prefer sock puppet regional assemblies to giving away their powers. They will wreck the UK before they will give up their baubles.
Isn't the logic of your argument to abolish Holyrood?
The idea of EVEL is just to avoid doubling up on a load of politicians with fat salaries and expenses. It should be easy to develop a structure that allows them a dual mandate. Perhaps make them sit in Westminster hall when they are sitting as the EP or vice versa?
Alternatively use the Commons as the EP and the Lords as the UKP (each unicameral)
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
"Richard, my old friend. You hold a few policies back for the campaign - that's basic politics not panic moves!"
But your manifesto was fully costed, was it not? So you're allowed to add extra spending during the campaign without it costing anything? Truly the magic money tree.
And that applies to the Tories too.
I guess the parties have realised neither is gonna get a majority, so wtf.
It is more like a price comparison website than an election campaign now.
Get best deals on electricity and gas bills, get a good mortgage offer & free childcare, 100s pounds available for switching. Cashback & loyalty card points.
Ed Miliband and David Cameron have done the impossible, and have made Tony Blair look honest. At least in 1997, Tony’s five promises on the pledge card looked completely plausible (and indeed were largely delivered).
But it is what the people want it seems. how depressing. In a sane world the electorate would be rewarding the government for turning the economy round, and would be running a million miles from putting the last lot back in again. Beats me who these people who want Ed Balls in no. 11 are. Oh well.
Most likely result looks like a right mess - hung parliament with no easy coalitions. sheesh
There's no popular acclaim for a return to Labour. Hence they'll get about 34% in the election and lose swathes of seats in Scotland.
People just can't seem to recognise what is patently obvious - Labour will get in, with a feeble share, simply because UKIP has split the Tory / Tory-inclined vote. The polls show general acquiescence to Dave staying as PM, but FPTP and the electoral maths won't permit it. Without UKIP, the Tories would be on course for 40% and a majority.
Having been out and about around Derbyshire/Notts this weekend in 3 key marginals I agree with your assessment. A big chunk of the electorate are with UKIP and strongly so, especially older people, all the sentiment I got these people are not going back. Some UKIP vote is ex-Labour but more Tory. Eddie looks like winning power with about a third of the vote and I fear it looks like Mr Palmer may get his old job back, not because there is any great warmth for him and his party but because UKIP has taken a chunk of his opponents vote and that chunk is of strong and fervent support.
We want our country back was a loud and clear message I picked up with enough people to make a difference.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Something every tolerant liberal would support, I fail to see the issue except for the odd bigot.
You're going to have to load your hooks with more tempting bait than that.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
How on Earth can being "critical of their lifestyle" be a criminal offence?
Dunno. IANAL. I was actually more interested in the wider PR implications of the story, given current discussions re the DUP.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Another story about Andrew Turner. Is he in any danger?
I backed Ukip 11/2... It came out as a decent chance without the Tory shenanigans
I'm not getting involved with Isle of Wight - looks tricky s a betting proposition- so best of luck to you there. There is a strong independent though that you might want to check out involved in the betting though.
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
Maybe, Clegg won't be there to take that decision.
Ha, that is quite possible!
Why is the sense increasing that we will be doing all this again in six months' time?
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
The guide for floating voters is funny, put in a Scottish post code and regardless if you say you want Miliband to lose or Cameron to lose, it'll advise you to vote for anyone apart from the SNP.
Same here. It lost any credibility instantly, especially as the constituency I tried was one where there was only one serious opponent.
If Boris stands for Conservative leader, I'd be tempted to join the party just so I could vote against him. (*) I quite like Boris, but his becoming an MP whilst still mayor has annoyed me, and I doubt he would be able to unite the party, especially on Europe.
I'd much prefer Rory Stewart. He's actually done something with his life; enough to counteract the disadvantage of being an Old Etonian. And having been deputy governor of an Iraqi province might have given him useful skills in managing the Conservative Party. ;-)
I really rate the guy.
(*) Although the timing probably would not allow it.
I reckon you support him simply because he's a walker
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Depends how/what exactly he said.
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
And by the way im long LibDem seats at 25 so financially im getting a tad concerned..
To be honest, I've never understood the fuss about gay cakes. But if I were a baker, I'd reserve my right to say no to any request I didn't like. If someone came along and asked me to bake a cake with a statue of Mohammed on it, I might say no just to preserve my premises from firebombing. Or one with a victorious EdM grinning inanely. I would have standards.
I'd probably say ... "My gaff, my rules." How is Al Murray doing, btw?
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Of course biased Marr was biased with a leading question on non-doms to start the discussion between Boris and Ed.
But anyway, how come this Labour "pledge" on stamp duty isn't in their manifesto? It's hard enough to trust politicians to deliver their manifesto never mind the stuff that isn't in it!
Labour said some policies in the manifesto were held back.
But why? Are the pliant media going to pull them up on it? Just comes across as trying to wrong-foot the Tories rather than any genuine desire to help buyers
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Depends how/what exactly he said.
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
I think an unauthorised exorcism is legally assault (you do know each Diocese has an Exorcist?)
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
Have you ever thought you are in the wrong party?
No. The Tory party and I are a fabulous fit.
We're riddled with gays and we've taken a tough line with the in the closet Putin
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Yes, it looks that way. Looks like I called it wrong. I used to live in the constituency, never felt it was particularly left-wing, and thought Williams would hang on.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Depends how/what exactly he said.
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
I think an unauthorised exorcism is legally assault (you do know each Diocese has an Exorcist?)
Boris writes like an angel and his prepared speeches are usually very good. However, in debate and in interviews he is a shambles. Perhaps the affable Boris is what we are going to end up with in the new politics – along with Russell Brand and Nigel Farage. Authenticity is all, including the gaffes.He does seem to have been successful, so far. My generation can’t understand it.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
Maybe, Clegg won't be there to take that decision.
Ha, that is quite possible!
Why is the sense increasing that we will be doing all this again in six months' time?
Because it looks like both main parties are preparing for it and probably considered that most of the electorate will have got the "vote for the alternative" out of their respective systems by then.
People don't like chaos, and with all the posturing that the minority parties will have to do to try and provide reasons for their continued existence at Westminster, it will not be pleasant in the meantime.
Of course biased Marr was biased with a leading question on non-doms to start the discussion between Boris and Ed.
But anyway, how come this Labour "pledge" on stamp duty isn't in their manifesto? It's hard enough to trust politicians to deliver their manifesto never mind the stuff that isn't in it!
Labour said some policies in the manifesto were held back.
But why? Are the pliant media going to pull them up on it? Just comes across as trying to wrong-foot the Tories rather than any genuine desire to help buyers
The obvious reason would be to get more publicity than if you drop all your policy announcements in one go in the manifesto, and to set a favourable news narrative nearer the election.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Depends how/what exactly he said.
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
I think an unauthorised exorcism is legally assault (you do know each Diocese has an Exorcist?)
I did not know that.
They don't advertise it - the CofE doesn't really like conducting them, but they have the set up just in case
If Boris stands for Conservative leader, I'd be tempted to join the party just so I could vote against him. (*) I quite like Boris, but his becoming an MP whilst still mayor has annoyed me, and I doubt he would be able to unite the party, especially on Europe.
I'd much prefer Rory Stewart. He's actually done something with his life; enough to counteract the disadvantage of being an Old Etonian. And having been deputy governor of an Iraqi province might have given him useful skills in managing the Conservative Party. ;-)
I really rate the guy.
(*) Although the timing probably would not allow it.
I reckon you support him simply because he's a walker
[nice man though]
He's a lightweight. Only 6,000 miles over more than a year. Pathetic effort. ;-)
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
That case has the potential to go the Supreme Court. If judgment is entered against the bakery, it would seem to imply a Muslim printer could not refuse to print an invective against his Prophet if the request came from an atheist.
Here is an anecdote that I imagine most of you will think I have made up - I was talking to an undecided voter from Broxtowe last night, and just about managed to persuade her to vote for NP. If you win by one vote Nick, lit was all down to me!
Lol !
I was there for a couple of days myself recently. It's looking good for Labour, which undoubtedly has the TV vote sewn up.
By coincidence, Eddie Izzard was also there at the same time.
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Bristol West is a definite LibDem loss. I'd reckon Labour by 5,000 over the Greens, who'll be 2,000 ahead of the LibDems.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
Boris writes like an angel and his prepared speeches are usually very good. However, in debate and in interviews he is a shambles. Perhaps the affable Boris is what we are going to end up with in the new politics – along with Russell Brand and Nigel Farage. Authenticity is all, including the gaffes.He does seem to have been successful, so far. My generation can’t understand it.
I think a new era will eventually come in politics. A less tribal one, where politicians who are more compromising and prefer to kill the opposition with kindness prevail.
Sarah Wollaston's call for a grand coalition on the weekend was interesting. I suspect it will be met with derision from all sides within Westminster but would be accepted quite nonchalantly by most of the public.
I 'get' the Boris thing. He's bumbling, but takes commonsense over political correctness every time.
One of the most told and well worn jokes in Scottish politics is the question of more panda than Tories. I was struck yesterday on Murnihan on Sky when Alex Salmond suggested that the Tory anti-Scottish campaign was about to settle this contest as PANDAS 2 TORIES 0.
And so I had a look for the evidence from the daily YouGov a poll which has shown no discernable impact at UK level of the Tory assault on Labour and the SNP.
Uintil the last week the Tories support in the Scottish sub samples has been chugging along in the high teens - not brilliant but enough to entertain hopes of preventing a wipeout.
Now look at the last five ending in today's just published sub sample 17-14-15-15-11. They are sub samples etc etc but it is at least arguable that the one discernable impact of the Crosby attack dog anti-Scottish nonsense will be - to wipeout the Scottish Tory!
On topic. Someone said to me yesterday that they'd just heard Boris on Marr and he waffled and splurted and wondered how anyone could think he could ever be Tory leader.
Having now seen the clip he just sounded like Boris. I've never been a fan but I doubt it'll be off putting to his adoring public.
People like him and Clarkson could fellate a Yak on prime time and still be revered. We live amongst morons. We just have to get used to it
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Genuine question: why on earth should saying that you do "not agree with [someone's] lifestyle choice" be a criminal offence? Sheesh!
Depends how/what exactly he said.
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
I think an unauthorised exorcism is legally assault (you do know each Diocese has an Exorcist?)
I did not know that.
Nor did I know that it is illegal to use spiritual pressure to get voters to vote one way rather than another - from the absolutely fascinating written judgement in the recent Tower Hamlets court case. OK, not assault, but one can see how the logic is similar.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
One of the most told and well worn jokes in Scottish politics is the question of more panda than Tories. I was struck yesterday on Murnihan on Sky when Alex Salmond suggested that the Tory anti-Scottish campaign was about to settle this contest as PANDAS 2 TORIES 0.
And so I had a look for the evidence from the daily YouGov a poll which has shown no discernable impact at UK level of the Tory assault on Labour and the SNP.
Uintil the last week the Tories support in the Scottish sub samples has been chugging along in the high teens - not brilliant but enough to entertain hopes of preventing a wipeout.
Now look at the last five ending in today's just published sub sample 17-14-15-15-11. They are sub samples etc etc but it is at least arguable that the one discernable impact of the Crosby attack dog anti-Scottish nonsense will be - to wipeout the Scottish Tory!
Or you could look at the full Scotland poll conducted in the last week that sees the Tories up 2 in Scotland.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
That makes no sense. Surely he'd vote for the UUP or Alliance. Not the political front of a hardline republican nationalist party, with (still) highly questionable links to paramilitary groups.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Gay cakes? Is that code?
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
Here is an anecdote that I imagine most of you will think I have made up - I was talking to an undecided voter from Broxtowe last night, and just about managed to persuade her to vote for NP. If you win by one vote Nick, lit was all down to me!
Lol !
I was there for a couple of days myself recently. It's looking good for Labour, which undoubtedly has the TV vote sewn up.
By coincidence, Eddie Izzard was also there at the same time.
Noone knows how many Scottish Tories there will be after the election. The favourite has to be 1 but it could be 0 or 2. 3 would be an extraordinary night but coming through the middle in Dumfries and Galloway is very tough. WAK is for the birds, anything beyond that is the realm of dreamers and fantasists.
That "1" is uncertain too, could be BRS and lose DCT.
You've missed one of the biggest stories in Northern Ireland in the last year:
That case has the potential to go the Supreme Court. If judgment is entered against the bakery, it would seem to imply a Muslim printer could not refuse to print an invective against his Prophet if the request came from an atheist.
The barrister for the Claimant made exactly that argument, when the barrister for the Defendant made that point.
The claim for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or religion seems pretty weak to me, but alone in the UK, Northern Ireland outlaws discrimination on grounds of political opinion.
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Bristol West is a definite LibDem loss. I'd reckon Labour by 5,000 over the Greens, who'll be 2,000 ahead of the LibDems.
Labour 13% ahead in Bristol West Ashcroft. With many of the postal votes in already this one may be all over,
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
One of the most told and well worn jokes in Scottish politics is the question of more panda than Tories. I was struck yesterday on Murnihan on Sky when Alex Salmond suggested that the Tory anti-Scottish campaign was about to settle this contest as PANDAS 2 TORIES 0.
And so I had a look for the evidence from the daily YouGov a poll which has shown no discernable impact at UK level of the Tory assault on Labour and the SNP.
Uintil the last week the Tories support in the Scottish sub samples has been chugging along in the high teens - not brilliant but enough to entertain hopes of preventing a wipeout.
Now look at the last five ending in today's just published sub sample 17-14-15-15-11. They are sub samples etc etc but it is at least arguable that the one discernable impact of the Crosby attack dog anti-Scottish nonsense will be - to wipeout the Scottish Tory!
Or you could look at the full Scotland poll conducted in the last week that sees the Tories up 2 in Scotland.
Er! One panda is male, the other is female.... But then again it is the Tories O:-)
@CCHQPress: Sturgeon: 'Ed Miliband can say what he wants, he can't deny reality' - SNP would dictate terms to weak Ed Miliband #GE2015
Nicola denies reality on a regular basis, unfortunately she has persuaded a lot of Scots that her fantasies are more believable than Salmond's
Yes, only a small band of diehard labour drones and some stupid Tories are immune from reality, most people can see it has to be better than the alternatives we normally get.
Ah! If only fishing was this easy, I might have taken it up as a pastime.....
You have not enough brains to handle a worm never mind bait a hook, self flattery is the best you will get. Go and look at your Gordon poster and keep yourself amused for a few days.
With you Malkie, putting an empty jam jar into a stream and you'll swim into it every time
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Bristol West is a definite LibDem loss. I'd reckon Labour by 5,000 over the Greens, who'll be 2,000 ahead of the LibDems.
Labour 13% ahead in Bristol West Ashcroft. With many of the postal votes in already this one may be all over,
Interesting that LD diehards on here and elsewhere refuse to accept that. The "myth" of LDs holding on as they are somewhat different in their approach as a constituency MP may be about to be blown out of the water..
Mr. G, maybe. Could be a short term stepping stone to an English Parliament.
The worst thing would be carving England into pathetic little regional assemblies.
MD , last desperate step for the establishment to try and hold onto power more like. they would prefer sock puppet regional assemblies to giving away their powers. They will wreck the UK before they will give up their baubles.
Only the turnip heads of the SNP want to wreak the UK. And for sure we should resist the balkanisation of England even of it means having an English parliament. Funny how the SNP want to have political power over England without any of the responsibility.
Fruitcakes on the scene, counting is not your top skill is it , 59 into well over 600 does not make power you dunderheid.
I did. The reason I took YouGov is that they were the only pollster showing the Tories with a high teen share that gave them some degree of hope.
For example the Panelbase you refer to has them at 16%, the last TNS at 13%, the last ICM at 14 %, the last Survation at 16% and the last MORI at 12%!
On any of these then they are likely to be in zero territory. Only YouGov gave them hope and now, thanks to Crosby and May et all, that seems to be about to be snatched away!
Seems like a potentially expensive advertising camapign.
Mr. G, maybe. Could be a short term stepping stone to an English Parliament.
The worst thing would be carving England into pathetic little regional assemblies.
MD , last desperate step for the establishment to try and hold onto power more like. they would prefer sock puppet regional assemblies to giving away their powers. They will wreck the UK before they will give up their baubles.
Isn't the logic of your argument to abolish Holyrood?
The idea of EVEL is just to avoid doubling up on a load of politicians with fat salaries and expenses. It should be easy to develop a structure that allows them a dual mandate. Perhaps make them sit in Westminster hall when they are sitting as the EP or vice versa?
Alternatively use the Commons as the EP and the Lords as the UKP (each unicameral)
However they will not propose anything remotely sensible, they jsut don't want Scottish MP's having a vote in the UK parliament. There is no English parliament which is the issue. Cheating the UK parliament system is not the answer. As long as English MP's decide what Scotland's budget is and the limits of its powers they cannot complain.
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
That makes no sense. Surely he'd vote for the UUP or Alliance. Not the political front of a hardline republican nationalist party, with (still) highly questionable links to paramilitary groups.
At present I have another friend who lives in Northern Ireland stay over. She lives in South Belfast. She and her husband (though culturally Protestant) will be voting SDLP, though they don't really like them, because the practical alternatives are Sinn Fein or the DUP. In England they would be Ken Clarke Conservatives or Lib Dems. They would love to vote Alliance, who most represent their views, but the need to vote tactically is just too strong for them.
Voting UUP or Alliance is a wasted vote almost everywhere.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
Also holding up the third leg of that particular stool probably isn't particularly attractive. The LibDems probably wouldn't get a lot of concessions from Labour as the third party supporting the government, and they wouldn't even have a stable government to show for it as they'd still get dicked around by the SNP.
PS. Needless to say the Hodges thing is cobblers. On current polling Lab-Lib is closer to being viable than Con-Lib, and the idea that Con Maj could happen but Lab-Lib is beyond the realm of possibility is bollocks.
Also, it ain't going to be much fun for Ed running a government on those figures.
If he doesn't get the LDs to support a Lab-SNP pact (of whatever sort) then he's relying on the PC/SDLP/Green odds and sods, and would still be short of an overall majority even then.
If the LDs go into opposition with the Tories then they have an "ambush" minority of 310 seats. It'd only take 6 Labour or SNP MPs to break ranks or abstain to block legislation.
Casino - I think you're forgetting that there's a majority of the LibDem Parliamentary party who are longing, just longing I tell you to get into bed with Labour and who will grab such an opportunity once they are free of the shackles of Clegg as their leader or probably even sooner if possible.
You know very little about the Lib Dems and LibDem Parliamentary party do you ?
Wyh don't you try listening to some of your own big wigs for a change, e.g. Paddy Ashdown, Tim Farron, etc. - they've all but admitted as much.
You are just making yourself look incredibly foolish , a stand out idiot amongst fools .
You seem to be lashing out angrily at everyone these days, like a cornered wounded animal.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Surely Bristol West is a goner? My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Bristol West is a definite LibDem loss. I'd reckon Labour by 5,000 over the Greens, who'll be 2,000 ahead of the LibDems.
Labour 13% ahead in Bristol West Ashcroft. With many of the postal votes in already this one may be all over,
Interesting that LD diehards on here and elsewhere refuse to accept that. The "myth" of LDs holding on as they are somewhat different in their approach as a constituency MP may be about to be blown out of the water..
Bizarrely I think it could have been even worse, evidence from last year's Bristol local elections is that there was higher support for sitting Lib Dems - wiped out where new candidates stood...
This is the Alex Salmond who took the SNP from next to nothing to 30 per cent plus in 2007, to majority government at 40 per cent plus in 2011 and to 45 per cent in 2014 in the referendum. I think that many of us up here found him more credible than the shower you have to choose from.
"Police have confirmed they are investigating after an incident during an election canvas in County Down was reported to them.
It is understood it involved the DUP candidate Jim Wells and a lesbian couple.
It is believed the PSNI are trying to establish if an offence has been committed.
[...]
The PSNI said they had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple's house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
[... the daughter said] Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice. "
Despite what others said below, it could become relevant.
The DUP are pushing a "conscience clause" to allow deeply held religious beliefs to follow them without fear of breaking the law - eg allow soi-disant Christian bakers to refuse to bake gay cakes. In this they have the overt support of the Roman Catholic church (!) and the implicit support of the Church of Ireland, never mind the non-conformists that make up the DUP bedrock support. This is being blocked in Northern Ireland by other parties.
They may seek Westminster assistance in pursuing this agenda.
Something every tolerant liberal would support, I fail to see the issue except for the odd bigot.
Exactly they are just as entitled to their point of view as the lesbians are. Everybody does not have to like it but it is perfectly acceptable as long as they are not breaking the law. Political correctness nowadays is pathetic.
The barrister for the Claimant made exactly that argument, when the barrister for the Defendant made that point.
The claim for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or religion seems pretty weak to me, but alone in the UK, Northern Ireland outlaws discrimination on grounds of political opinion.
The defendant's argument is surely the same in a case of direct discrimination on grounds of political opinion. If you refuse to bake a cake for a supporter of one political party or cause because of his support for it, that is direct discrimination on the grounds of his political opinion. On the other hand, if you refuse to bake a cake with a superadded political message, it is not direct discrimination on the grounds of the customer's political opinion, since the claimant could not show that a customer requesting the same political message (but who held different political opinions) would have received different treatment (James v Eastleigh BC [1990] 2 AC 751 (HL)). It may be a case of indirect discrimination, but that can be objectively justified, which it surely is.
That said, there may be an argument that the incoherent approach of the majority in Hall v Bull [2013] 1 WLR 3741 (SC) can be extended beyond the special facts of that case.
That depends. It was interesting in the 80's. A near neighbour who lived above Paperchase told me that the worst thing about living in Soho was people ringing on his bell at all hours of the night asking if they could speak to 'Paperchase'.
Fortunately I lived above 'Pussy Galore' so didn't have a problem
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
If Boris stands for Conservative leader, I'd be tempted to join the party just so I could vote against him. (*) I quite like Boris, but his becoming an MP whilst still mayor has annoyed me, and I doubt he would be able to unite the party, especially on Europe.
I'd much prefer Rory Stewart. He's actually done something with his life; enough to counteract the disadvantage of being an Old Etonian. And having been deputy governor of an Iraqi province might have given him useful skills in managing the Conservative Party. ;-)
I really rate the guy.
(*) Although the timing probably would not allow it.
I reckon you support him simply because he's a walker
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
That makes no sense. Surely he'd vote for the UUP or Alliance. Not the political front of a hardline republican nationalist party, with (still) highly questionable links to paramilitary groups.
At present I have another friend who lives in Northern Ireland stay over. She lives in South Belfast. She and her husband (though culturally Protestant) will be voting SDLP, though they don't really like them, because the practical alternatives are Sinn Fein or the DUP. In England they would be Ken Clarke Conservatives or Lib Dems. They would love to vote Alliance, who most represent their views, but the need to vote tactically is just too strong for them.
Voting UUP or Alliance is a wasted vote almost everywhere.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
I think Mulholland will be safe as he is a left of centre LD. He also never took a ministerial post and voted repeatedly against the govt..
One party who have done very well out of GE2015 is Sinn Fein.Their abstentionist policy is giving dividends the SNP and Ukip just do not have.If ukip really did reject the validity of the EU they should not take up seats there.SF policy on the Uk parliament is the correct one and Ukip can be seen to be an insincere party in comparison.The same could be said of the SNP.If they reject the UK why do they sit in its' parliament,apart from the expenses like ukip on the EU gravy train? This is a rehearsal for the big one next year for SF IRE 2016 where I have backed them to be the largest party.The water charges issue has at last released the anger of the Irish people.
One of the most told and well worn jokes in Scottish politics is the question of more panda than Tories. I was struck yesterday on Murnihan on Sky when Alex Salmond suggested that the Tory anti-Scottish campaign was about to settle this contest as PANDAS 2 TORIES 0.
And so I had a look for the evidence from the daily YouGov a poll which has shown no discernable impact at UK level of the Tory assault on Labour and the SNP.
Uintil the last week the Tories support in the Scottish sub samples has been chugging along in the high teens - not brilliant but enough to entertain hopes of preventing a wipeout.
Now look at the last five ending in today's just published sub sample 17-14-15-15-11. They are sub samples etc etc but it is at least arguable that the one discernable impact of the Crosby attack dog anti-Scottish nonsense will be - to wipeout the Scottish Tory!
Or you could look at the full Scotland poll conducted in the last week that sees the Tories up 2 in Scotland.
I'm surprised at that. I imagined most existing scottish tory voters would detest the snp and all it stands for.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
Davey on thin ice,Burstow on Thin ice, Brake safe, Cable safe Hughes TCTC
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
I think Mulholland will be safe as he is a left of centre LD. He also never took a ministerial post and voted repeatedly against the govt..
Thanks, had been pondering a bet there - but I'll stay out.
Noone knows how many Scottish Tories there will be after the election. The favourite has to be 1 but it could be 0 or 2. 3 would be an extraordinary night but coming through the middle in Dumfries and Galloway is very tough. WAK is for the birds, anything beyond that is the realm of dreamers and fantasists.
That "1" is uncertain too, could be BRS and lose DCT.
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
That makes no sense. Surely he'd vote for the UUP or Alliance. Not the political front of a hardline republican nationalist party, with (still) highly questionable links to paramilitary groups.
At present I have another friend who lives in Northern Ireland stay over. She lives in South Belfast. She and her husband (though culturally Protestant) will be voting SDLP, though they don't really like them, because the practical alternatives are Sinn Fein or the DUP. In England they would be Ken Clarke Conservatives or Lib Dems. They would love to vote Alliance, who most represent their views, but the need to vote tactically is just too strong for them.
Voting UUP or Alliance is a wasted vote almost everywhere.
I'm on the DUP at 3/1 in Belfast South.
What are my chances?
I don't know enough about Northern Irish politics or Belfast South to speculate with much knowledge. My impression of Belfast South is that it's not naturally the DUP's most fruitful terrain even among the default unionists in the constituency - you would have thought that it's a constituency that the Alliance could target more. It's not obviously a daft bet - there's a real chance that the nationalist vote will be split sufficiently to let the DUP through.
This is because Clegg has just made a significant announcement. He would not, he confirmed, enter coalition with any party dependent on SNP support. This effectively ruled out a Lib Dem/Labour coalition, because the SNP surge in Scotland makes it virtually impossible for Miliband to secure enough seats to form an administration without them.
The guide for floating voters is funny, put in a Scottish post code and regardless if you say you want Miliband to lose or Cameron to lose, it'll advise you to vote for anyone apart from the SNP.
Apologies I think I hit the off-topic button by mistake - I control my computer using my eyes and the quote and off-topic buttons are too close together !!
Anyway the desperation of the Unionist parties as they scrabble about for votes in Scotland seems to find a new low everyday.
This is the Alex Salmond who took the SNP from next to nothing to 30 per cent plus in 2007, to majority government at 40 per cent plus in 2011 and to 45 per cent in 2014 in the referendum. I think that many of us up here found him more credible than the shower you have to choose from.
Rocks is too busy thinking Gordon is the Messiah and Labour are great. Last of the dodo's.
The politics are interesting. The DUP is slowly converting from a tribal unionist party (effectively a political version of Rangers) into a true religious party. It seems to be consciously seeking to appeal to devout Catholics on issues like this- both SDLP and Sinn Fein are secular parties (even if they also act as the political version of Celtic).
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
That makes no sense. Surely he'd vote for the UUP or Alliance. Not the political front of a hardline republican nationalist party, with (still) highly questionable links to paramilitary groups.
At present I have another friend who lives in Northern Ireland stay over. She lives in South Belfast. She and her husband (though culturally Protestant) will be voting SDLP, though they don't really like them, because the practical alternatives are Sinn Fein or the DUP. In England they would be Ken Clarke Conservatives or Lib Dems. They would love to vote Alliance, who most represent their views, but the need to vote tactically is just too strong for them.
Voting UUP or Alliance is a wasted vote almost everywhere.
I'm on the DUP at 3/1 in Belfast South.
What are my chances?
I don't know enough about Northern Irish politics or Belfast South to speculate with much knowledge. My impression of Belfast South is that it's not naturally the DUP's most fruitful terrain even among the default unionists in the constituency - you would have thought that it's a constituency that the Alliance could target more. It's not obviously a daft bet - there's a real chance that the nationalist vote will be split sufficiently to let the DUP through.
Thanks Antifrank.
I don't know much about the area either. I was acting on a report from one of my spies.
One party who have done very well out of GE2015 is Sinn Fein.Their abstentionist policy is giving dividends the SNP and Ukip just do not have.If ukip really did reject the validity of the EU they should not take up seats there.SF policy on the Uk parliament is the correct one and Ukip can be seen to be an insincere party in comparison.The same could be said of the SNP.If they reject the UK why do they sit in its' parliament,apart from the expenses like ukip on the EU gravy train? This is a rehearsal for the big one next year for SF IRE 2016 where I have backed them to be the largest party.The water charges issue has at last released the anger of the Irish people.
Not illogical for the SNP: its aim is to get independence and till then get the best for Scotland until independence.
What you are saying is very close to denying any legitimacy for the SNP in the UK Parliament at all, in government our out of government. For the same reasons I give the UKIP the same benefit of the doubt in principle.
My understanding was that the SF abstention was more to do with the oath of loyalty to HMtQ - though not quite the same as the one which caused the split between Michael Collins's lot and the others I the 1920s.
How this plays out in practical Irish (North and Eire) politics today I have no clear idea.
Comments
Lovely people. They even bought me a Rolex watch.
I think they misunderstood me when I told them "I wanna watch"
The guide for floating voters is funny, put in a Scottish post code and regardless if you say you want Miliband to lose or Cameron to lose, it'll advise you to vote for anyone apart from the SNP.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-32443730
@Aurum_Boss · 19m 19 minutes ago
.@Telegraph My Sales Director did not sign "the letter" (at position 413). Please remove his name and our company details immediately.
The idea of EVEL is just to avoid doubling up on a load of politicians with fat salaries and expenses. It should be easy to develop a structure that allows them a dual mandate. Perhaps make them sit in Westminster hall when they are sitting as the EP or vice versa?
Alternatively use the Commons as the EP and the Lords as the UKP (each unicameral)
I'd sooner be in opposition than really on the votes of them.
The Tory manifesto should be updated to say we won't be saving Ulster from sodomy. We'll be making it mandatory.
It is more like a price comparison website than an election campaign now.
Get best deals on electricity and gas bills, get a good mortgage offer & free childcare, 100s pounds available for switching. Cashback & loyalty card points.
Ed Miliband and David Cameron have done the impossible, and have made Tony Blair look honest. At least in 1997, Tony’s five promises on the pledge card looked completely plausible (and indeed were largely delivered).
We want our country back was a loud and clear message I picked up with enough people to make a difference.
What is it about the Lib Dems impending performance in the upcoming election that's upsetting you so much? Have you had poor canvass returns?
Why is the sense increasing that we will be doing all this again in six months' time?
I hope we do. I havent had enough bets this time.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ashers-bakery-gay-cake-case-end-of-the-hearing-but-not-the-debate-31106410.html
Same here. It lost any credibility instantly, especially as the constituency I tried was one where there was only one serious opponent.
[nice man though]
I remember one of my gay friends and I were plagued by a God botherer who tried to exorcise the Gayness out of him (no really)
We found it incredibly funny. But I know some would be upset by it.
duh.....That only leaves 4999..
My daughter is at Uni there and in that constituency and she is telling me that the students are enmasse going to vote green whereas Students last time there voted LD..
Mr Antifrank,
To be honest, I've never understood the fuss about gay cakes. But if I were a baker, I'd reserve my right to say no to any request I didn't like. If someone came along and asked me to bake a cake with a statue of Mohammed on it, I might say no just to preserve my premises from firebombing. Or one with a victorious EdM grinning inanely. I would have standards.
I'd probably say ... "My gaff, my rules." How is Al Murray doing, btw?
Fortunately, I can't bake.
We're riddled with gays and we've taken a tough line with the in the closet Putin
What's not to love ?
WTF is happening to our country???
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/11563876/Threats-bullying-and-cowardice-The-inside-story-of-the-Tower-Hamlets-mayor-election-fraud.html
The actions of the police seem utterly incomprehensible to me.
Perhaps the affable Boris is what we are going to end up with in the new politics – along with Russell Brand and Nigel Farage. Authenticity is all, including the gaffes.He does seem to have been successful, so far. My generation can’t understand it.
Why is the sense increasing that we will be doing all this again in six months' time?
Because it looks like both main parties are preparing for it and probably considered that most of the electorate will have got the "vote for the alternative" out of their respective systems by then.
People don't like chaos, and with all the posturing that the minority parties will have to do to try and provide reasons for their continued existence at Westminster, it will not be pleasant in the meantime.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcism_in_Christianity#Church_of_England
This interview will have been forgotten by then.
Surprised you had to ask. [Exits, huffily.]
My other half, who I understand is normally a Conservative voter in the UK and was brought up a staunch Presbyterian, has told me that for this reason if he were still living and voting in Northern Ireland he would now be voting for Sinn Fein.
Sarah Wollaston's call for a grand coalition on the weekend was interesting. I suspect it will be met with derision from all sides within Westminster but would be accepted quite nonchalantly by most of the public.
I 'get' the Boris thing. He's bumbling, but takes commonsense over political correctness every time.
One of the most told and well worn jokes in Scottish politics is the question of more panda than Tories. I was struck yesterday on Murnihan on Sky when Alex Salmond suggested that the Tory anti-Scottish campaign was about to settle this contest as PANDAS 2 TORIES 0.
And so I had a look for the evidence from the daily YouGov a poll which has shown no discernable impact at UK level of the Tory assault on Labour and the SNP.
Uintil the last week the Tories support in the Scottish sub samples has been chugging along in the high teens - not brilliant but enough to entertain hopes of preventing a wipeout.
Now look at the last five ending in today's just published sub sample 17-14-15-15-11. They are sub samples etc etc but it is at least arguable that the one discernable impact of the Crosby attack dog anti-Scottish nonsense will be - to wipeout the Scottish Tory!
Having now seen the clip he just sounded like Boris. I've never been a fan but I doubt it'll be off putting to his adoring public.
People like him and Clarkson could fellate a Yak on prime time and still be revered. We live amongst morons. We just have to get used to it
Thank goodness Miliband wants to outlaw Islamophobia.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
Or, if you insist, back her with me.
That "1" is uncertain too, could be BRS and lose DCT.
The claim for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or religion seems pretty weak to me, but alone in the UK, Northern Ireland outlaws discrimination on grounds of political opinion.
To me this shows that Clegg is worried about not picking up the soft Tory votes he needs in LD/Tory marginals..
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
He is frit about Hallam. It is a dog whistle to the Tories of Sheffield, Hallam : "Please vote for me, I'm doomed"
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
The "myth" of LDs holding on as they are somewhat different in their approach as a constituency MP may be about to be blown out of the water..
I did. The reason I took YouGov is that they were the only pollster showing the Tories with a high teen share that gave them some degree of hope.
For example the Panelbase you refer to has them at 16%, the last TNS at 13%, the last ICM at 14 %, the last Survation at 16% and the last MORI at 12%!
On any of these then they are likely to be in zero territory. Only YouGov gave them hope and now, thanks to Crosby and May et all, that seems to be about to be snatched away!
Seems like a potentially expensive advertising camapign.
Yet he still plans to vote for him anyway.
Not according to your Party's master, Rupert Murdoch.
Voting UUP or Alliance is a wasted vote almost everywhere.
Also holding up the third leg of that particular stool probably isn't particularly attractive. The LibDems probably wouldn't get a lot of concessions from Labour as the third party supporting the government, and they wouldn't even have a stable government to show for it as they'd still get dicked around by the SNP.
PS. Needless to say the Hodges thing is cobblers. On current polling Lab-Lib is closer to being viable than Con-Lib, and the idea that Con Maj could happen but Lab-Lib is beyond the realm of possibility is bollocks.
This is the Alex Salmond who took the SNP from next to nothing to 30 per cent plus in 2007, to majority government at 40 per cent plus in 2011 and to 45 per cent in 2014 in the referendum. I think that many of us up here found him more credible than the shower you have to choose from.
That said, there may be an argument that the incoherent approach of the majority in Hall v Bull [2013] 1 WLR 3741 (SC) can be extended beyond the special facts of that case.
"Is that an improvement?"
That depends. It was interesting in the 80's. A near neighbour who lived above Paperchase told me that the worst thing about living in Soho was people ringing on his bell at all hours of the night asking if they could speak to 'Paperchase'.
Fortunately I lived above 'Pussy Galore' so didn't have a problem
I dont think its just Hallam from what im hearing...
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
11-20 seats at 4-1 with various.
10 seats or under @ 16-1 with SkyBet.
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, 9-2 with SkyBet
Ceridgion Plaid Cymru at 6-4
What are my chances?
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
I think Mulholland will be safe as he is a left of centre LD. He also never took a ministerial post and voted repeatedly against the govt..
This is a rehearsal for the big one next year for SF IRE 2016 where I have backed them to be the largest party.The water charges issue has at last released the anger of the Irish people.
What do you reckon to Mulholland's chances - a Yardley (Should be safe), Hallam (TCTC) or a Bristol West (Dead) ?
Davey on thin ice,Burstow on Thin ice, Brake safe, Cable safe Hughes TCTC
I think Mulholland will be safe as he is a left of centre LD. He also never took a ministerial post and voted repeatedly against the govt..
Thanks, had been pondering a bet there - but I'll stay out.
Apologies I think I hit the off-topic button by mistake - I control my computer using my eyes and the quote and off-topic buttons are too close together !!
Anyway the desperation of the Unionist parties as they scrabble about for votes in Scotland seems to find a new low everyday.
Mark Dampier @MarkDampier 2h2 hours ago
Another day and more daft poorly thought out pledges, #GE2015
I don't know much about the area either. I was acting on a report from one of my spies.
What you are saying is very close to denying any legitimacy for the SNP in the UK Parliament at all, in government our out of government. For the same reasons I give the UKIP the same benefit of the doubt in principle.
My understanding was that the SF abstention was more to do with the oath of loyalty to HMtQ - though not quite the same as the one which caused the split between Michael Collins's lot and the others I the 1920s.
How this plays out in practical Irish (North and Eire) politics today I have no clear idea.