NSC Ballot Box-European Elections-Thursday 22nd May 2014

[spring hall convert]

Can't believe people still vote green! 20 mph zones through out Brighton. More bus and cycle lanes! Letting travellers into our parks!

You are aware not everyone owns a car aren't you?

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

What do we think turnout will actually be though? I doubt it will be over 30%.

I think that's about right. In spite of the interest in UKIP, I believe that will still not be enough to mobilise the public and shake them out of their general apathy towards politics.

 

[spring hall convert]

I think because of the UKIP element in this election that turnout will be nearer 40-45% which will be a good indication of next years voting intentions.

One thing I didn't say with UKIP is that if they have a proportion of over 25% of the vote! then that will be enough I think for people to vote for them in next years General. Previously, they were still too much of a fringe party for anyone to take them seriously on that scale.

There's also one other factor to take into consideration which is that despite my own political opinions, if Labour take an absolute trouncing in the election, which I think they may do, due to the weak leadership of the party, then I think that the party may ditch Milliband.

Anything over 40% would be the highest since 1979 - I seriously doubt it. The electorate couldn't be less interested from what I can see, I don't think UKIP will be mobilising many voters that hadn't previously voted in European elections. I may however, be wrong.

What is beyond a shadow of a doubt is that UKIP will poll well in this election. Perhaps that might get some people off their backsides next time.

http://www.ukpolitical.info/european-parliament-election-turnout.htm

 

[Seagull1989]

Considering the rapidly growing inequality in the world and the relentless and catastrophic destruction of our planets' environment - don't you think that having to drive a bit more slowly is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things?

Driving slower and sitting in traffic causing pollution doesnt help because theres only 1 lane for cars now!

And bus prices are extortionately high , what have the greens done about bringing the price of public transport down.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

I think because of the UKIP element in this election that turnout will be nearer 40-45% which will be a good indication of next years voting intentions.

One thing I didn't say with UKIP is that if they have a proportion of over 25% of the vote! then that will be enough I think for people to vote for them in next years General. Previously, they were still too much of a fringe party for anyone to take them seriously on that scale.

There's also one other factor to take into consideration which is that despite my own political opinions, if Labour take an absolute trouncing in the election, which I think they may do, due to the weak leadership of the party, then I think that the party may ditch Milliband.

It will be interesting to see the number of local council seats UKIP win with many local council elections being held on the same day.

 

[TSB]

Can't believe people still vote green! 20 mph zones through out Brighton. More bus and cycle lanes! Letting travellers into our parks!

Yeah, because that has LOADS to do with MP's and MEP's doesn't it!
Grow a brain.

 

[piersa]

Yeah, because that has LOADS to do with MP's and MEP's doesn't it!
Grow a brain.

Stem cell research is yet to advance to the stage of new brain generation.

 

[TSB]

Stem cell research is yet to advance to the stage of new brain generation.

Little hope for a large percentage of NSCers then. Shame.

 

[Eeyore]

Can't believe people still vote green! 20 mph zones through out Brighton. More bus and cycle lanes! Letting travellers into our parks!

The 20mph zones had cross party support, as did the bus lanes.

The decision to let the travellers into Wild Park (I assume that was the incident you mean) was taken by council officials on Police advise

 

[spring hall convert]

And bus prices are extortionately high , what have the greens done about bringing the price of public transport down.

You make a fair point. I have a feeling the problem here is a lack of competition more than anything else.

Caroline Lucas has belatedly got involved - http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11117085.Caroline_Lucas_slams_bus_fare_increase/

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

You make a fair point. I have a feeling the problem here is a lack of competition more than anything else.

Caroline Lucas has belatedly got involved - http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11117085.Caroline_Lucas_slams_bus_fare_increase/

Wasn't that an April Fools joke ?

 

[beorhthelm]

Direct democracy is certainly one solution, if Facebook can document the entire lives of millions of people then I don't see why governments can't create a digitally based voting system which allows all people to vote on issues which affect them. In fact this seems like a no-brainer to me, but it's obvious that it can't happen whilst true democracy isn't in the interests of those in power - we are more likely to go in the opposite direction.

you're talking about a 10year old technology, which has a great many flaws, and would exclude vast swaths of the population. however that's not the biggest problem. its poor awareness or understanding of the issues and their consequences. most people voting even in the general election wont even read the manifestos for all the parties. there is too much tribal voting, that is the large problem. representative democracy isnt perfect, but its more in tune with the scale and complexity of issues, what needs to be addressed is the link between the representatives and the party, so they can be more independent.

 

[spring hall convert]

Wasn't that an April Fools joke ?

Was it? She definately had a go when the rail fares went up.

Anyway my original point still stands the buses in Brighton are basically a monopoly, that's not a healthy situation.

 

[Pevenseagull]

UKIP member of the day:

http://politicalscrapbook.net/2014/05/nazi-tattoo-ukip-candidate-in-mystery-powder-naked-photoshoot/

 

[Lord Bracknell]

We're electing a European Parliament.

Why do ALL our candidates put themselves forward as representatives of UK political parties, when the result of the election will be that every single MEP who is elected will then join one of the following political groups:-


European People's Party (EPP)
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)
The Greens–European Free Alliance (Greens–EFA)
European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR)
European United Left–Nordic Green Left (GUE-NGL)
Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD)
Non-Inscrits (NI)


Here's a question to ask your friendly, neighbourhood UKIP candidate:- Why does you party take part in an alliance with the National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

... bus prices are extortionately high , what have the greens done about bringing the price of public transport down.

... I have a feeling the problem here is a lack of competition more than anything else.

A European-style solution would be more attractive. Not "more competition", but the imposition of local authority controlled fares and a franchised network of services where competition between bus companies is actively discouraged.

What we really need is MORE control from Brussels, not the deregulated system that Thatcher thought would keep fares down.

 

[Eeyore]

Here's a question to ask your friendly, neighbourhood UKIP candidate:- Why does you party take part in an alliance with the National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria?

I think Nigel Farage was on the wireless earlier, suggesting it was out of expedience more than anything else.

 

[Worthingite]

The ballot for the South East also has these parties on:
Christian People's Alliance
English Democrats
Harmony Party
Liberty Great Britain
The Peace Party
The Roman Party
The Socialist Party of Great Britain
YOURvoice

Seriously?!?! What have they ever done for us?!?!

I'm voting UKIP. In honesty, they closest represent what I believe in. That's not to say I agree with all their policies, and I can't bloody stand Nigel Farage. However, If they get rid of him in the next 12 months (which does seem increasingly likely), they could be a force at next years elections - I believe they will be represented in Parliament after the next general election.

 

[supaseagull]

Seriously?!?! What have they ever done for us?!?!

I'm voting UKIP. In honesty, they closest represent what I believe in. That's not to say I agree with all their policies, and I can't bloody stand Nigel Farage. However, If they get rid of him in the next 12 months (which does seem increasingly likely), they could be a force at next years elections - I believe they will be represented in Parliament after the next general election.

UKIP without Farage are like the SNP without Salmond.

 

[Napper]

Seriously?!?! What have they ever done for us?!?!

I'm voting UKIP. In honesty, they closest represent what I believe in. That's not to say I agree with all their policies, and I can't bloody stand Nigel Farage. However, If they get rid of him in the next 12 months (which does seem increasingly likely), they could be a force at next years elections - I believe they will be represented in Parliament after the next general election.

No chance . They just preach hate and intolerance . Plays into Tories hands come the general election .

Amazing how because a lot of the media are championing Ukip (headlines about immigration and farage on bbc everyday ffs) people are brainwashed .

The bigger issues of privatisation , schools and peoples well being totally forgotten .

The next election will be fought on immigration .

Plays into the corporations hands and stops easily led asking the real questions