As a horse racing man, I've often seen the form book thrown out the metaphorical window by events on the track. Changes in distance, going and track can render all past form irrelevant. A Government with two parties is different from a Government with one and today's four party-system (or two plus two) isn't the same as what has gone before.
What would the polls be like if there had been a Conservative majority or minority Government since 2010? History tells us that after a good start incoming Conservative Governments after periods of Labour administration suffer a huge drop in popularity from 18 months in. It's reasonable to suppose that had there been no Coalition, the Lib Dems rather than UKIP would have advanced. Would we have seen the three parties all around 30% - who knows ?
The huge difference is that a sizeable chunk (perhaps 40% of the 2010 LD vote) has gone to Labour and, as OGH so often says, shows little sign of shifting. The ex-LD supporters are determined, more than anything else, to give Nick Clegg a final kicking and if the outcome is a Labour Government, so be it. I can't get round that salient point and the 36-38% Labour vote share implied. For the Conservatives to win a majority against that vote share looks a very tall order at this point.
The question then becomes whether a sense of economic prosperity will in and of itself dilute the desire to wreak political vengeance on a despised Government ? In 1997, millions of people voted against the Conservatives despite a strong economy simply because they wanted them gone. I'm not saying 2015 will be like that but the desire for vengeance in electoral terms can be very potent.
Is there an easy way to search (very) old threads on here to find a particular comment? Thanks.
If you know the date of the thread you're looking for (or at least know roughly when it was), you can access it and the old comments via an internet archive:
Enter http://politicalbetting.com in the box at the top, and click on Browse History. You'll get a calendar showing the dates on which they made an archive copy of the site. You can select one of those, and then scroll back through the old threads before that date.
Off we go again.....PB Hodges back in their everyone new is Tim mode.
I'll go next....err.....I'm Tim !
They do really miss him, don't they.
Yes. I do miss him. Because you are just a bit dull (sorry), like the rest of the pb lefties. tim, for all his fault, had energy and wit, and was interestingly wrong, rather than just stupidly wrong, like you or your Labourite pals.
So I hope he returns. And now I am off to the pub. Anon.
And you and the rest of your ilk wonder why he and many others wont come back on.
"There was particular criticism for the decision to give airtime to Assange to deliver the Thought for the Day lesson from his London embassy refuge where he is resisting extradition over rape allegations.
Labour MP Ian Austin said: 'In 30 years of listening, I already thought today's @BBCr4today was worst ever. I cldn't imagine it cld get worse. Then they put Assange on.'
As social media became dominated by criticism that the Today programme had been unfairly left wing, Mr Austin added: Quick: @BBC need guest editor to continue @BBCr4today balanced reporting global affairs. Are Putin, Ahmadinejad or Assad available tomorrow?'
Harvey said she only agreed to edit the programme after reaching agreement that contributors would be 'heard in a manner of their choosing, whether that be a monologue, a poem, or interviewing others'."
Off we go again.....PB Hodges back in their everyone new is Tim mode.
I'll go next....err.....I'm Tim !
They do really miss him, don't they.
Yes. I do miss him. Because you are just a bit dull (sorry), like the rest of the pb lefties. tim, for all his fault, had energy and wit, and was interestingly wrong, rather than just stupidly wrong, like you or your Labourite pals.
So I hope he returns. And now I am off to the pub. Anon.
And you and the rest of your ilk wonder why he and many others wont come back on.
Milksop bedwetter. Boohoo the nasty rightwinger was nasty to me. Grow a pair of CULLIONS.
*slams door in outrage at feebleness of new generation of pb lefties*
Off we go again.....PB Hodges back in their everyone new is Tim mode.
I'll go next....err.....I'm Tim !
They do really miss him, don't they.
Yes. I do miss him. Because you are just a bit dull (sorry), like the rest of the pb lefties. tim, for all his fault, had energy and wit, and was interestingly wrong, rather than just stupidly wrong, like you or your Labourite pals.
So I hope he returns. And now I am off to the pub. Anon.
And you and the rest of your ilk wonder why he and many others wont come back on.
Off we go again.....PB Hodges back in their everyone new is Tim mode.
I'll go next....err.....I'm Tim !
They do really miss him, don't they.
Yes. I do miss him. Because you are just a bit dull (sorry), like the rest of the pb lefties. tim, for all his fault, had energy and wit, and was interestingly wrong, rather than just stupidly wrong, like you or your Labourite pals.
So I hope he returns. And now I am off to the pub. Anon.
And you and the rest of your ilk wonder why he and many others wont come back on.
Isn't probability polling a bit obselete in an era of fixed term parliaments? Presumably those percentages apply to what would likely if an election took place now. However we all know the election will be in May 2015.
Off we go again.....PB Hodges back in their everyone new is Tim mode.
I'll go next....err.....I'm Tim !
They do really miss him, don't they.
Yes. I do miss him. Because you are just a bit dull (sorry), like the rest of the pb lefties. tim, for all his fault, had energy and wit, and was interestingly wrong, rather than just stupidly wrong, like you or your Labourite pals.
So I hope he returns. And now I am off to the pub. Anon.
And you and the rest of your ilk wonder why he and many others wont come back on.
It really doesn't encourage any left leaning lurkers to post if as soon as they do, they get jumped on and accused of being tim.
Are you Tim?
That sounds suspiciously like something Bobajob/Tim/Ash/Gabble would say.
I said it to OGH last week, when he commented on people accusing others of being Tim.
It says something about Tim that his (searches for correct word) tenaciousness in verbal comment is missed.
BTW, I can confirm that I am not Bobajob/Tim/Ash/Gabble. None of them are interested enough in engineering to be the one and only JosiasJessop.
After all, I did build the Cromford and High Peak Railway, Bristol Harbour, the Wey and Arun Canal and many other projects. Although my father did many other amazing works, and someone might only have taken 'Josias' as a name as it is more interesting than William:
Mr Dodd - Recognising a scouser from "How can anybody put any faith in a holocaust denier who is also an Obama birther? Crosby made one lucky call last time.".
"There was particular criticism for the decision to give airtime to Assange to deliver the Thought for the Day lesson from his London embassy refuge where he is resisting extradition over rape allegations.
Labour MP Ian Austin said: 'In 30 years of listening, I already thought today's @BBCr4today was worst ever. I cldn't imagine it cld get worse. Then they put Assange on.'
As social media became dominated by criticism that the Today programme had been unfairly left wing, Mr Austin added: Quick: @BBC need guest editor to continue @BBCr4today balanced reporting global affairs. Are Putin, Ahmadinejad or Assad available tomorrow?'
Harvey said she only agreed to edit the programme after reaching agreement that contributors would be 'heard in a manner of their choosing, whether that be a monologue, a poem, or interviewing others'."
Have to say that as a frothing rightwinger, I quite liked it. You know part of that fight to the death to allow you to say something I disagree with, etc.
Assange was the icing on the hash-cake. Balls the size of cannonballs IMO for Today/PJ Harvey to have him on.
But he is a a weasel and can't shake off the whole rape thing when positioning himself as a wielder of the sword of justice. I think many lefters including perhaps PJ herself find events in Sweden inconvenient to the point of deciding to ignore it altogether.
Posters should not accuse new posters of being other posters. Such comments will now be deleted, repeated violations of this rule, and your right to instantly publish maybe revoked
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Mr Dodd - When I say what part of Liverpool is he/she from I mean North Liverpool or South Liverpool as there is a slight but noticeable difference in the accent. As there is in say, Manchester. Although I am sure you already knew that seeing you recognise speech patterns.
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Compouter.. Like I said.. I cost the earth..do you want to pay me..Do you want it pinned down to a street?. I have no idea where the poster is from but the speech pattern, words used and the delivery are very similar to many,many posts on PB from the general Liverpool area over recent years. Please put a blank cheque in the post.. I hope you dont mind me charging US Dollars..I will do the numbers
Compouter.. Like I said.. I cost the earth..do you want to pay me..Do you want it pinned down to a street?. I have no idea where the poster is from but the speech pattern, words used and the delivery are very similar to many,many posts on PB from the general Liverpool area over recent years. Please put a blank cheque in the post.. I hope you dont mind me charging US Dollars..I will do the numbers
Not down to the street, that would be silly. However, a professional would realise the difference between the two accents and even the difference in the type of words the two areas of Liverpool use. As I say this does not just happen in Liverpool and can be found in other cities such as Manchester or "Manchestor" if you live in the south part of the city. Maybe you need to do a bit more research.
Twitter Janan Ganesh @JananGanesh 7m Interesting how many pundits say "Cameron couldn't even beat Brown" as if Brown was *self-evidently* less electable than Miliband.
Compouter .. I do ok with the research... a recent example of a movie, set originally in Newfoundland, sorted that out..then it moved to Fiji, sorted that one, then it moved to S/Africa, that got sorted, now it is probably going up to the Pacific coast of North America..Great way to make money....
Twitter Janan Ganesh @JananGanesh 7m Interesting how many pundits say "Cameron couldn't even beat Brown" as if Brown was *self-evidently* less electable than Miliband.
One easily evident difference between Brown and Miliband is that Brown had a poll lead for three months after he became leader of the Labour Party. Miliband has been ahead in the polls for most of his tenure.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Still if this is sign of things to come it looks like 2014 will be another policy-free year for Labour and a continuation of the witless repetition of drivel about the economy.
Compouter .. I do ok with the research... a recent example of a movie, set originally in Newfoundland, sorted that out..then it moved to Fiji, sorted that one, then it moved to S/Africa, that got sorted, now it is probably going up to the Pacific coast of North America..Great way to make money....
One thing that is highly amusing on this messageboard is peoples eagerness to boast about what job they have, where they have been with it and how much money they earn. I may be wrong, however, do you really think anyone reading a messageboard on political betting gives a flying about where people have been or how much they earn.
Compouter .. not boasting .. no need to..just outlining what I do, mainly as a hobby, but it does keep me in life's little luxuries...terribly sorry if you find that somehow disturbing..and I would guess that the Scouser accent would probably come from East Liverpool.. on the way out to Manchester..That will be 3k, thank you.
Twitter Janan Ganesh @JananGanesh 7m Interesting how many pundits say "Cameron couldn't even beat Brown" as if Brown was *self-evidently* less electable than Miliband.
One easily evident difference between Brown and Miliband is that Brown had a poll lead for three months after he became leader of the Labour Party. Miliband has been ahead in the polls for most of his tenure.
There's also the little matter of Brown being PM and Miliband being mere opposition leader. Or don't you think this is remotely relevant to poll ratings?
Compouter .. not boasting .. no need to..just outlining what I do, mainly as a hobby, but it does keep me in life's little luxuries...terribly sorry if you find that somehow disturbing..and I would guess that the Scouser accent would probably come from East Liverpool.. on the way out to Manchester..That will be 3k, thank you.
I will take your word that you are good at speech but you seem to be not that good at reading. Where did I mention it disturbs me. Actually it is the opposite.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
Compouter .. I do ok with the research... a recent example of a movie, set originally in Newfoundland, sorted that out..then it moved to Fiji, sorted that one, then it moved to S/Africa, that got sorted, now it is probably going up to the Pacific coast of North America..Great way to make money....
One thing that is highly amusing on this messageboard is peoples eagerness to boast about what job they have, where they have been with it and how much money they earn. I may be wrong, however, do you really think anyone reading a messageboard on political betting gives a flying about where people have been or how much they earn.
Compouter .. I do ok with the research... a recent example of a movie, set originally in Newfoundland, sorted that out..then it moved to Fiji, sorted that one, then it moved to S/Africa, that got sorted, now it is probably going up to the Pacific coast of North America..Great way to make money....
One thing that is highly amusing on this messageboard is peoples eagerness to boast about what job they have, where they have been with it and how much money they earn. I may be wrong, however, do you really think anyone reading a messageboard on political betting gives a flying about where people have been or how much they earn.
Maybe it is just me.
It's turned into the Narcissosphere in the last hour
Compouter..You never said you were disturbed..your speech pattern did..Not knowing you or your character I cannot define whether that is a plus or a minus for you..but I am sure you will live happily with it.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
That's what happens when times are tough - people have less disposable income.If Ed and his mates hadn't screwed up the economy we wouldn't have the problem.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
Yes - that is a good point. For most people inflation is not a number but the cost of things they use going up and transport costs, petrol, energy are all going up: they're not luxuries so they resonate. The gym membership example is downright stupid, though.
Personally, I think that the site is bigger than any one or two individual posters. I like having a range of views and would welcome more intelligent left of centre posters like Southam Observer who actually debate issues rather than simply spout slogans.
Compouter..You never said you were disturbed..your speech pattern did..Not knowing you or your character I cannot define whether that is a plus or a minus for you..but I am sure you will live happily with it.
I am afraid you are in need of more research as you are wide of the mark.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
And when asked by Tony Livesey on Five Live (not exactly a tough interviewer) the Labour MP they had on had no answer to how it would be different if Labour were in power, other than some waffle about efficiency savings.
These chumps could be running the country in just over 16 months time, they need to get their thinking caps on pronto.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
That's what happens when times are tough - people have less disposable income.If Ed and his mates hadn't screwed up the economy we wouldn't have the problem.
As we discussed earlier, it was more Cameron's type of people who wrecked the global economy. Brown made mistakes but the bankers started the fire
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
As we discovered today, Labour are now promising to intervene over gymnasium fees. This has become absurd. Intentionally or not, Miliband is nurturing an image of the man who will abolish inflation.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
As we discovered today, Labour are now promising to intervene over gymnasium fees. This has become absurd. Intentionally or not, Miliband is nurturing an image of the man who will abolish inflation.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
As we discovered today, Labour are now promising to intervene over gymnasium fees. This has become absurd. Intentionally or not, Miliband is nurturing an image of the man who will abolish inflation.
Labour don`t have the media firepower the Tories have,so they have to use extreme examples like the `gym membership fee` and `Thomas the tank engine` to get their point across.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
As we discovered today, Labour are now promising to intervene over gymnasium fees. This has become absurd. Intentionally or not, Miliband is nurturing an image of the man who will abolish inflation.
Expect a statement from Mr Cameron saying his party are looking at the costs of memberships of gyms. It's how it has been happening for the last twelve months. Labour mention one of the problems of "The cost of living crisis", the Tory Party guffaws at it and then a few weeks later look at it.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
That's what happens when times are tough - people have less disposable income.If Ed and his mates hadn't screwed up the economy we wouldn't have the problem.
As we discussed earlier, it was more Cameron's type of people who wrecked the global economy. Brown made mistakes but the bankers started the fire
Cameron's type of people ? You mean Oxford millionaire PPEs who have never had to pay a salary - people like Ed Miliband or Ed Balls for example. It never ceases to amuse me how lefties can ignore the backgrounds of the people fronting the Labour party. Worse it never ceases to amaze me how lefties just can't accept their leadership wrecked the economy in 1997-2010, Labour won't win another term until it understands the total hash is made of just about everything, voters ain't stupid.
I have no problem with Labour having the fight against inflation as the centrepiece of their economic policy.
And what is the cost of living crisis if not inflation?
So how does an economy eliminate inflation? I am sure ALP would be happy to explain, but basically it is with a tight money policy and increased interest rates.
I cannot see that being popular for long, but as inflation is the silent thief, I think it a sound policy for the long term.
I reckon Ed Miliband is onto something with this cost of living malarky.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Yes, the 'Cost of Gymnasium' stuff from Labour was highly amusing. Obviously some researcher has had a New Year's bet on inserting a Miliband platitude in the most incongruous of places. It's good to see that even Labour staffers aren't taking any of this remotely seriously.
Jokes apart,Ed is onto something.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
Labour don`t have the media firepower the Tories have,so they have to use extreme examples like the `gym membership fee` and `Thomas the tank engine` to get their point across.
Hadn't heard about Thomas the Tank Engine so just Googled. Thanks. Another absolute corker! Anyway I'm off for a drink in Datchet village to discuss it. Byeeeeeee!
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
The funny thing is, should Miliband ever become PM, his tenure will be doomed from the outset. After all his harrumphing in opposition, every price rise will be explicitly blamed on him. It'll be Gordon's 'no more boom and bust' but with immediate effect.
The point is whenever the government gloats of the economy improving,Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
Except from here on in disposable income will rise.
Greetings comrades, and capitalist pigdogs (we have plans for you!).
Already Comrade Miliband's ruthless purge on profiteering capitalist companies has the money-loving traitors quaking in their boots. First, energy, now gyms. Under Comrade Miliband's wise chairmanship of the People's Governing Committee we will all be able to enjoy exercise at no higher cost!
Indeed, Comrade Miliband has announced that during his decades long tenure many exercises, including running, jumping, and ballroom dancing, shall be free!
Soon many other areas of difficulty for the common peasantry shall be eased by our leader's wise policies. Food costs - frozen! Clothing costs - frozen! Public sector wages - increased 20% to make up for the shortfall caused by the Coalition's cruel and unnecessary savaging of the nation's workforce!
A vote for Comrade Miliband is a vote for more wealth and lower prices!
And the good news continues to flow fast into eventide. Abide with me.
Deloitte has released a report on companies entering administration in 2013. Overall the news is good, reflecting the uplift in the UK economy during the year.
Last January saw a number of high profile retailer brand names entering administration - HMV, Blockbusters and Jessop. Although the internet continues to provide threats to traditional high street retailers - the profits warning from Debenhams being a timely reminder - a series of similar announcements from major names is not expected to repeat this year.
On a year on year basis, the number of retail companies going under dropped by 6% during 2013. 183 retailers went into administration, compared with the figures of 194 and 183 witnessed in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
It should be noted however that the final quarter of 2013 saw the trend reverse with an increase in retailers filing for administration. It is too early to tell whether this is a purely seasonal fluctuation or indicative of yet another turning point in a turbulent exit from recession.
Deloitte’s report found that 1,629 businesses entered administration overall during 2013. The total was down by 11% on the previous year, when 1,833 firms encountered financial difficulties.
The vast majority of the sectors analysed saw a reduction in business failures, with 17.5% fewer administrations occurring in the hospitality and leisure sector, and a 4% decrease seen in the manufacturing industry.
Most notably, property and construction administrations were also down by 24%.
The number of administrations only rose in the healthcare and social services sector, with the total up 7% in 2013.
I am tempted to add to Deloitte's words by reported that the current cost of living recovery will see these numbers drop again in 2014. Come the beginning of 2015, it may only be the Co-operative Group, its bank and the dependent Labour party that will be seeking to enter into new administration.
Labour should be a spent force. They still do not grap the enormity of the catastrophe they visited on the UK. If the voters are stupid enough to vote them back in, then the voters deserve everything they get.
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
Greetings comrades, and capitalist pigdogs (we have plans for you!).
Already Comrade Miliband's ruthless purge on profiteering capitalist companies has the money-loving traitors quaking in their boots. First, energy, now gyms. Under Comrade Miliband's wise chairmanship of the People's Governing Committee we will all be able to enjoy exercise at no higher cost!
Indeed, Comrade Miliband has announced that during his decades long tenure many exercises, including running, jumping, and ballroom dancing, shall be free!
Soon many other areas of difficulty for the common peasantry shall be eased by our leader's wise policies. Food costs - frozen! Clothing costs - frozen! Public sector wages - increased 20% to make up for the shortfall caused by the Coalition's cruel and unnecessary savaging of the nation's workforce!
A vote for Comrade Miliband is a vote for more wealth and lower prices!
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum,
Labour should be a spent force. They still do not grap the enormity of the catastrophe they visited on the UK. If the voters are stupid enough to vote them back in, then the voters deserve everything they get.
I expect that last sentence to be the PB Hodges mantra throughout the night of the general election. The voters will feel the full force of the PB Hodges anger.
Paying for gym membership is - frankly - daft, unless you're getting a decent sized swimming pool (and most of them are the size of an eye bath) or you need the specialist weights equipment. You're better off running round the park. Driving to a gym to get on a running machine is bonkers.
Such people should be taxed at a special "More Money than Sense" rate, which could be applied to lots of things.
Paying for gym membership is - frankly - daft, unless you're getting a decent sized swimming pool (and most of them are the size of an eye bath) or you need the specialist weights equipment. You're better off running round the park. Driving to a gym to get on a running machine is bonkers.
Such people should be taxed at a special "More Money than Sense" rate, which could be applied to lots of things.
It always makes me laugh to see the car parks full at these membership paying gyms. Bonkers, as you said.
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
And the good news continues to flow fast into eventide. Abide with me.
Deloitte has released a report on companies entering administration in 2013. Overall the news is good, reflecting the uplift in the UK economy during the year.
Last January saw a number of high profile retailer brand names entering administration - HMV, Blockbusters and Jessop. Although the internet continues to provide threats to traditional high street retailers - the profits warning from Debenhams being a timely reminder - a series of similar announcements from major names is not expected to repeat this year.
On a year on year basis, the number of retail companies going under dropped by 6% during 2013. 183 retailers went into administration, compared with the figures of 194 and 183 witnessed in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
It should be noted however that the final quarter of 2013 saw the trend reverse with an increase in retailers filing for administration. It is too early to tell whether this is a purely seasonal fluctuation or indicative of yet another turning point in a turbulent exit from recession.
Deloitte’s report found that 1,629 businesses entered administration overall during 2013. The total was down by 11% on the previous year, when 1,833 firms encountered financial difficulties.
The vast majority of the sectors analysed saw a reduction in business failures, with 17.5% fewer administrations occurring in the hospitality and leisure sector, and a 4% decrease seen in the manufacturing industry.
Most notably, property and construction administrations were also down by 24%.
The number of administrations only rose in the healthcare and social services sector, with the total up 7% in 2013.
I am tempted to add to Deloitte's words by reported that the current cost of living recovery will see these numbers drop again in 2014. Come the beginning of 2015, it may only be the Co-operative Group, its bank and the dependent Labour party that will be seeking to enter into new administration.
Hate to put a damper on your continuing celebrations, but todays opening for Wall Street and the Dow Jones is the first negative opening since 2008:
Greetings comrades, and capitalist pigdogs (we have plans for you!).
Already Comrade Miliband's ruthless purge on profiteering capitalist companies has the money-loving traitors quaking in their boots. First, energy, now gyms. Under Comrade Miliband's wise chairmanship of the People's Governing Committee we will all be able to enjoy exercise at no higher cost!
Indeed, Comrade Miliband has announced that during his decades long tenure many exercises, including running, jumping, and ballroom dancing, shall be free!
Soon many other areas of difficulty for the common peasantry shall be eased by our leader's wise policies. Food costs - frozen! Clothing costs - frozen! Public sector wages - increased 20% to make up for the shortfall caused by the Coalition's cruel and unnecessary savaging of the nation's workforce!
A vote for Comrade Miliband is a vote for more wealth and lower prices!
MD
The Great Leader Ed Ralphovitch and his trusted Comrades are clearly being influenced by the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
They may even have visited the current touring exhibition "Soviet Art, Soviet Sport" running at Sotheby's in London until 14 January.
As a horse racing man, I've often seen the form book thrown out the metaphorical window by events on the track. Changes in distance, going and track can render all past form irrelevant. A Government with two parties is different from a Government with one and today's four party-system (or two plus two) isn't the same as what has gone before.
What would the polls be like if there had been a Conservative majority or minority Government since 2010? History tells us that after a good start incoming Conservative Governments after periods of Labour administration suffer a huge drop in popularity from 18 months in. It's reasonable to suppose that had there been no Coalition, the Lib Dems rather than UKIP would have advanced. Would we have seen the three parties all around 30% - who knows ?
The huge difference is that a sizeable chunk (perhaps 40% of the 2010 LD vote) has gone to Labour and, as OGH so often says, shows little sign of shifting. The ex-LD supporters are determined, more than anything else, to give Nick Clegg a final kicking and if the outcome is a Labour Government, so be it. I can't get round that salient point and the 36-38% Labour vote share implied. For the Conservatives to win a majority against that vote share looks a very tall order at this point.
The question then becomes whether a sense of economic prosperity will in and of itself dilute the desire to wreak political vengeance on a despised Government ? In 1997, millions of people voted against the Conservatives despite a strong economy simply because they wanted them gone. I'm not saying 2015 will be like that but the desire for vengeance in electoral terms can be very potent.
Yes, it will be interesting to see whether the electorate in 2015 will cut off its nose to spite its face.
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum,
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum,
LOL on that basis Mike better close PB down !
Fortunately the archives of PB are a testimony to sobriety
The Merchant Navy - 25% of these guys never came back.
'Unacceptable Losses' in any other theatre of war....
Not really, Bomber Command ran at 45% casualty rates, while the U-Boat arm of the Kriegsmarine ended WWII with about 80% lost if I recall correctly. Still disgraceful the lack of recognition they received though.
'Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
And none of that stuff would have happened under a Labour government.
Maybe Ed can explain why median wages stagnated from 2003 - 08 before the financial meltdown.
'The period from 2003 onwards has seen median wages stagnate, and then fall in the aftermath of the 2008-09 recession. From 2003 to 2008, median wages were stagnant. Despite growth in GDP of 11 percent over the period, median earnings fell by an annual average of 0.2% percent for men, and for women rose by 0.3 percent a year. Put simply, a middle earner in 2008 did not earn noticeably more than a middle earner in 2003.
The Football Association’s new Inclusion Advisory board member has apologised for telling the BBC that homosexuality is detestable. One of the board’s primary roles is to tackle homophobia within the sport.
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
And the good news continues to flow fast into eventide. Abide with me.
Deloitte has released a report on companies entering administration in 2013. Overall the news is good, reflecting the uplift in the UK economy during the year.
Last January saw a number of high profile retailer brand names entering administration - HMV, Blockbusters and Jessop. Although the internet continues to provide threats to traditional high street retailers - the profits warning from Debenhams being a timely reminder - a series of similar announcements from major names is not expected to repeat this year.
On a year on year basis, the number of retail companies going under dropped by 6% during 2013. 183 retailers went into administration, compared with the figures of 194 and 183 witnessed in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
It should be noted however that the final quarter of 2013 saw the trend reverse with an increase in retailers filing for administration. It is too early to tell whether this is a purely seasonal fluctuation or indicative of yet another turning point in a turbulent exit from recession.
Deloitte’s report found that 1,629 businesses entered administration overall during 2013. The total was down by 11% on the previous year, when 1,833 firms encountered financial difficulties.
The vast majority of the sectors analysed saw a reduction in business failures, with 17.5% fewer administrations occurring in the hospitality and leisure sector, and a 4% decrease seen in the manufacturing industry.
Most notably, property and construction administrations were also down by 24%.
The number of administrations only rose in the healthcare and social services sector, with the total up 7% in 2013.
I am tempted to add to Deloitte's words by reported that the current cost of living recovery will see these numbers drop again in 2014. Come the beginning of 2015, it may only be the Co-operative Group, its bank and the dependent Labour party that will be seeking to enter into new administration.
Hate to put a damper on your continuing celebrations, but todays opening for Wall Street and the Dow Jones is the first negative opening since 2008:
All the main stocks fell sharply today and not only in the USA. Europe was also down. The Footsy was also down but not by so much.
Profit taking to cover the costs of seasonal excess, Mr. K.
The article you link makes the context clear:
Wall Street closed out 2013 at record levels, with the S&P 500 recording its best year in 16 and the Dow industrials tallying their strongest year in 18.
A similar story this side of the Atlantic where the FTSE 100 notched up a 14% increase on the year.
The Football Association’s new Inclusion Advisory board member has apologised for telling the BBC that homosexuality is detestable. One of the board’s primary roles is to tackle homophobia within the sport.
An ungentlemanly and unseasonal comment, Mr. Brooke.
And here was I just about to nominate your "Ho hum...." post on the previous thread as Post of the Year.
Warwickshire must be flooded.
But I am a magnanimous type.
A Happy New Year to you, Sir!
Mr Pole, Warwickshire has only been flooded with yellow coloured charts attempting to hide the failures of one George Osborne. Here in the South of the county water has been less of a problem as our MP's heating arrangements have evaporated most of the excess.
So looking forward to 2014 Mr Pole I am hoping you will up your game and join in the calls for Osborne to go spend more time with his wallpaper and demand a government which might actually address the problems our nation faces.
Politics aside Mr Pole I hope you and your family prosper in the year ahead and remember 2014 as a vintage year.
Paddy Ashdown in the Times, says voters' trust is declining collapsing in the things like the BBC, NHS, etc,
This decline was deterring some people from voting and pushing others into the arms of “demagogues” such as Nigel Farage, the UKIP leader, and Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Front in France, whom he brackets together. “I’m reminded of the terrible line in Larkin, ‘England, with a cast of crooks and tarts’. Now I’m not saying that’s true. [However] I think all of these add up to a mood of Jacobinism which I think is quite frightening . . .
I would hope that, given a choice between 90 minutes of Sherlock last night, and 60 minutes of Clarkson tonight, anyone with a scintilla of intelligence would have chosen Clarkson.
An amazing programme. Worth a month's licence fee in anyone's money.
Superb documentary by Clarkson on the convoys on BBC2.
The Merchant Navy - 25% of these guys never came back.
'Unacceptable Losses' in any other theatre of war....
My Grandfather was in the RN in WW2. After being sunk 3 times in the Med and Atlantic he was assigned as naval liaison to the armed Merchantmen (DEMS or Defensively Armed Merchant Ships) and then volunteered for the Tankers as it was an extra shilling a day.
He died in 1975 but we are just waiting to get his Arctic Convoy medal after the announcement last year.
'Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
And none of that stuff would have happened under a Labour government.
Maybe Ed can explain why median wages stagnated from 2003 - 08 before the financial meltdown.
'The period from 2003 onwards has seen median wages stagnate, and then fall in the aftermath of the 2008-09 recession. From 2003 to 2008, median wages were stagnant. Despite growth in GDP of 11 percent over the period, median earnings fell by an annual average of 0.2% percent for men, and for women rose by 0.3 percent a year. Put simply, a middle earner in 2008 did not earn noticeably more than a middle earner in 2003.
The Resolution Foundation on Living Standards.
Isn`t Ed using the same information to show that incomes won`t rise that easily with growth especially with Osborne`s trickle-down economy?
Matthew Goodwin (@GoodwinMJ) 02/01/2014 21:53 New research from @philipjcowley & Rosie Campbell: British voters generally don't like wealthy party candidates ---> onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/14…
Comments
Not Tim.
Sorry
As a horse racing man, I've often seen the form book thrown out the metaphorical window by events on the track. Changes in distance, going and track can render all past form irrelevant. A Government with two parties is different from a Government with one and today's four party-system (or two plus two) isn't the same as what has gone before.
What would the polls be like if there had been a Conservative majority or minority Government since 2010? History tells us that after a good start incoming Conservative Governments after periods of Labour administration suffer a huge drop in popularity from 18 months in. It's reasonable to suppose that had there been no Coalition, the Lib Dems rather than UKIP would have advanced. Would we have seen the three parties all around 30% - who knows ?
The huge difference is that a sizeable chunk (perhaps 40% of the 2010 LD vote) has gone to Labour and, as OGH so often says, shows little sign of shifting. The ex-LD supporters are determined, more than anything else, to give Nick Clegg a final kicking and if the outcome is a Labour Government, so be it. I can't get round that salient point and the 36-38% Labour vote share implied. For the Conservatives to win a majority against that vote share looks a very tall order at this point.
The question then becomes whether a sense of economic prosperity will in and of itself dilute the desire to wreak political vengeance on a despised Government ? In 1997, millions of people voted against the Conservatives despite a strong economy simply because they wanted them gone. I'm not saying 2015 will be like that but the desire for vengeance in electoral terms can be very potent.
http://archive.org/web/
Enter http://politicalbetting.com in the box at the top, and click on Browse History. You'll get a calendar showing the dates on which they made an archive copy of the site. You can select one of those, and then scroll back through the old threads before that date.
Daily Mail - Radio 4's 'worst ever' Today programme edited by PJ Harvey slammed by listeners, MPs and even BBC staff over left-wing rants
"There was particular criticism for the decision to give airtime to Assange to deliver the Thought for the Day lesson from his London embassy refuge where he is resisting extradition over rape allegations.
Labour MP Ian Austin said: 'In 30 years of listening, I already thought today's @BBCr4today was worst ever. I cldn't imagine it cld get worse. Then they put Assange on.'
As social media became dominated by criticism that the Today programme had been unfairly left wing, Mr Austin added: Quick: @BBC need guest editor to continue @BBCr4today balanced reporting global affairs. Are Putin, Ahmadinejad or Assad available tomorrow?'
Harvey said she only agreed to edit the programme after reaching agreement that contributors would be 'heard in a manner of their choosing, whether that be a monologue, a poem, or interviewing others'."
If tim doesn't post all year SeanT will end up being banned for spamming the site with love poetry and drunken threats against anyone left of centre
It says something about Tim that his (searches for correct word) tenaciousness in verbal comment is missed.
BTW, I can confirm that I am not Bobajob/Tim/Ash/Gabble. None of them are interested enough in engineering to be the one and only JosiasJessop.
After all, I did build the Cromford and High Peak Railway, Bristol Harbour, the Wey and Arun Canal and many other projects. Although my father did many other amazing works, and someone might only have taken 'Josias' as a name as it is more interesting than William:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josias_Jessop
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jessop
I am impressed.
Assange was the icing on the hash-cake. Balls the size of cannonballs IMO for Today/PJ Harvey to have him on.
But he is a a weasel and can't shake off the whole rape thing when positioning himself as a wielder of the sword of justice. I think many lefters including perhaps PJ herself find events in Sweden inconvenient to the point of deciding to ignore it altogether.
"Ed Miliband did vow to ‘relentlessly’ focus on the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families up and down the country (hopefully someone will develop a shorthand outline for this rather lengthy saying to save the pens of journalists who have to write it down repeatedly at launch events over the next 12 months) in 2014. So we should have expected this relentless focus to see Miliband’s shadow ministers pointing angrily at every expensive thing that they can find, regardless of whether it’s particularly heart-rending. Today we heard Luciana Berger thundering that David Cameron is so evil that he’s putting people off their new year’s resolutions. Yes, for all those who resolved after their 1,656th mince pie that 2014 would be the year they’d get fit, there is now an excuse that they can dig out in March when they realise they still can’t run for the bus without puffing. It’s all David Cameron’s fault."
Please put a blank cheque in the post.. I hope you dont mind me charging US Dollars..I will do the numbers
Janan Ganesh @JananGanesh 7m
Interesting how many pundits say "Cameron couldn't even beat Brown" as if Brown was *self-evidently* less electable than Miliband.
I was out in the sales last weekend. The price of monocles is now outrageous. No wonder hardly anyone can afford one nowadays, and don't get me started on the price of silk toppers!
Where will it all end?
Maybe it is just me.
Take todays` rail fare increase for example.It is below inflation so government hoped to take credit for that but now consumers are pointing to rail prices rising three times faster than wages,thanks to Ed`s campaign.
Personally, I think that the site is bigger than any one or two individual posters. I like having a range of views and would welcome more intelligent left of centre posters like Southam Observer who actually debate issues rather than simply spout slogans.
These chumps could be running the country in just over 16 months time, they need to get their thinking caps on pronto.
"As we discussed earlier, it was more Cameron's type of people who wrecked the global economy. Brown made mistakes but the bankers started the fire "
Mr. Freggles, that's just silly. 'type of people'?
By that logic, one could equate Miliband's Marxist father with the Stalinist purges, and consider Miliband to be one of those 'type of people'.
The Merchant Navy - 25% of these guys never came back.
'Unacceptable Losses' in any other theatre of war....
And what is the cost of living crisis if not inflation?
So how does an economy eliminate inflation? I am sure ALP would be happy to explain, but basically it is with a tight money policy and increased interest rates.
I cannot see that being popular for long, but as inflation is the silent thief, I think it a sound policy for the long term.
Already Comrade Miliband's ruthless purge on profiteering capitalist companies has the money-loving traitors quaking in their boots. First, energy, now gyms. Under Comrade Miliband's wise chairmanship of the People's Governing Committee we will all be able to enjoy exercise at no higher cost!
Indeed, Comrade Miliband has announced that during his decades long tenure many exercises, including running, jumping, and ballroom dancing, shall be free!
Soon many other areas of difficulty for the common peasantry shall be eased by our leader's wise policies. Food costs - frozen! Clothing costs - frozen! Public sector wages - increased 20% to make up for the shortfall caused by the Coalition's cruel and unnecessary savaging of the nation's workforce!
A vote for Comrade Miliband is a vote for more wealth and lower prices!
Deloitte has released a report on companies entering administration in 2013. Overall the news is good, reflecting the uplift in the UK economy during the year.
Last January saw a number of high profile retailer brand names entering administration - HMV, Blockbusters and Jessop. Although the internet continues to provide threats to traditional high street retailers - the profits warning from Debenhams being a timely reminder - a series of similar announcements from major names is not expected to repeat this year.
On a year on year basis, the number of retail companies going under dropped by 6% during 2013. 183 retailers went into administration, compared with the figures of 194 and 183 witnessed in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
It should be noted however that the final quarter of 2013 saw the trend reverse with an increase in retailers filing for administration. It is too early to tell whether this is a purely seasonal fluctuation or indicative of yet another turning point in a turbulent exit from recession.
Deloitte’s report found that 1,629 businesses entered administration overall during 2013. The total was down by 11% on the previous year, when 1,833 firms encountered financial difficulties.
The vast majority of the sectors analysed saw a reduction in business failures, with 17.5% fewer administrations occurring in the hospitality and leisure sector, and a 4% decrease seen in the manufacturing industry.
Most notably, property and construction administrations were also down by 24%.
The number of administrations only rose in the healthcare and social services sector, with the total up 7% in 2013.
I am tempted to add to Deloitte's words by reported that the current cost of living recovery will see these numbers drop again in 2014. Come the beginning of 2015, it may only be the Co-operative Group, its bank and the dependent Labour party that will be seeking to enter into new administration.
If the voters are stupid enough to vote them back in, then the voters deserve everything they get.
happy New Year's bollox Mr Pole.
Independent - MP John Hemming suspended from Mumsnet after flouting anonymity guidelines
"It might be regarded as a happy hunting ground for the crucial female votes of Middle England but Mumsnet has again proved it can be a jungle for politicians hoping to reach out beyond the confines of Westminster.
It was a lesson that has been learnt by an MP who it emerged on Thursday has been suspended from using the site after breaching rules safeguarding the anonymity of users taking part in online debates.
John Hemming, who represents Birmingham Yardley was originally reported to moderators when he became embroiled in a long-running discussion in the controversial case of an Italian woman who was forced to undergo a Caesarean operation and her child taken into care by Essex County Council.
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum, contacted the social network after he posted a transcript of Italian court proceedings which identified some of the protagonists in the case breaching UK reporting restrictions protecting children. The post was deleted."
The Liberal Democrat, who also admitted drinking whilst using the forum,
LOL on that basis Mike better close PB down !
Such people should be taxed at a special "More Money than Sense" rate, which could be applied to lots of things.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101305600
All the main stocks fell sharply today and not only in the USA. Europe was also down. The Footsy was also down but not by so much.
The Great Leader Ed Ralphovitch and his trusted Comrades are clearly being influenced by the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
They may even have visited the current touring exhibition "Soviet Art, Soviet Sport" running at Sotheby's in London until 14 January.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vUu2DZqzfMI
*cough cough*
Still disgraceful the lack of recognition they received though.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/5-million-scottish-trees-felled-for-wind-farms-1-3253041
Sumatra Road?!?
'Ed will point to wages falling in real terms and energy and rail prices rising faster than wages and this government will appear `out of touch`.
And none of that stuff would have happened under a Labour government.
Maybe Ed can explain why median wages stagnated from 2003 - 08 before the financial meltdown.
'The period from 2003 onwards has seen median wages stagnate, and then fall in the aftermath of the 2008-09 recession. From 2003 to 2008, median wages were stagnant. Despite growth in GDP of 11 percent over the period, median earnings fell by an annual average of 0.2% percent for men, and for women rose by 0.3 percent a year. Put simply, a middle earner in 2008 did not earn noticeably more than a middle earner in 2003.
The Resolution Foundation on Living Standards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Rat_of_Sumatra
And here was I just about to nominate your "Ho hum...." post on the previous thread as Post of the Year.
Warwickshire must be flooded.
But I am a magnanimous type.
A Happy New Year to you, Sir!
The Football Association’s new Inclusion Advisory board member has apologised for telling the BBC that homosexuality is detestable. One of the board’s primary roles is to tackle homophobia within the sport.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/01/02/football-associations-new-equality-advisor-apologises-for-calling-gays-detestable/
Sumatra Road confused me because there is, I believe, a Sumatra Road in West Hampstead/Kilburn which of course, is nowhere near St. James's.
The article you link makes the context clear:
Wall Street closed out 2013 at record levels, with the S&P 500 recording its best year in 16 and the Dow industrials tallying their strongest year in 18.
A similar story this side of the Atlantic where the FTSE 100 notched up a 14% increase on the year.
But then again Michael Johnson is black too...
What's a boy to do?
So looking forward to 2014 Mr Pole I am hoping you will up your game and join in the calls for Osborne to go spend more time with his wallpaper and demand a government which might actually address the problems our nation faces.
Politics aside Mr Pole I hope you and your family prosper in the year ahead and remember 2014 as a vintage year.
This decline was deterring some people from voting and pushing others into the arms of “demagogues” such as Nigel Farage, the UKIP leader, and Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Front in France, whom he brackets together. “I’m reminded of the terrible line in Larkin, ‘England, with a cast of crooks and tarts’. Now I’m not saying that’s true. [However] I think all of these add up to a mood of Jacobinism which I think is quite frightening . . .
An amazing programme. Worth a month's licence fee in anyone's money.
He died in 1975 but we are just waiting to get his Arctic Convoy medal after the announcement last year.
Dave to adopt the homeless look?
Matthew Goodwin (@GoodwinMJ)
02/01/2014 21:53
New research from @philipjcowley & Rosie Campbell: British voters generally don't like wealthy party candidates ---> onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/14…