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Voting in NI
Comments
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Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »Giving more power to make decision which impact your life over to a massive state over which you have next to no democratic control is not a good idea.
Two points firstly that is not what I was suggesting. Indeed it is the opposite. Secondly according to Wikipedia Switzerland is the closest state in the world to a direct democracy. So a Europe on that model would be very, very different, and a marked improvement over anything we currently suffer. Do you think Westminster is really that good? Seriously!
People endlessly moan about the EU, but seem to skip asking why it is as it is. If you are in the mood for contemplation consider the Council of Ministers, why they are there and who elected them. Any wonder the elected parliament does not function as it should?Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »The EU is a great idea for politicians - which is why the mainstream parties all support it (UK and Ireland).
No politicians do not like giving up power to anyone. It is a complex issue, involving vested interests and considerations as to the best interests of the country. The History of Western Europe before the EU is one of endless wars and disputed territory. Where does our future best interests reside?Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »The real issue is that unrestricted immigration of low skilled workers has been encouraged, resulting in suppression of pay and poorer conditions for those on the lower rungs of the working ladder. Immigration can be very positive for society if it brings scarce and needed skills to the economy. Not the case here though, it's all been about helping some people in business make more money and exploiting people from poorer economies.
It is only one issue. Let us imagine that we send all the unskilled Polish etc home and they do the same to all unskilled Irish and British citizens working and living in Europe. Do you think that would be an improvement?
Agree people are being exploited and the way to address that is through legislation on minimum wages, regulation of Banking etc. The type of legislation UKIP seek to avoid.Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »This is at the behest of powerful and wealthy vested interests who exercise an unhealthy degree of influence over politicians who supposedly work for the general public. Those in the public who have been less than happy with this and spoken out against it have until now been pigeonholed as racists, xenophobes etc. and as a result pressure has built up to the point where it has become a highly contentious issue in itself which can no longer be ignored. Hence the rise of a more or less single-issue party like UKIP.
Do you think Westminster is any different? We have a government that is positively promoting fracking to take just one example. .Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »A lot of what Farage says is very sensible, though I'm not too sure about the rest of his party some of whom are clearly loonies.
The problem I have with Farage is he offers simplistic solutions to issues that are complex. He blames immigrants for many wrongs, as do other parties. Really much of the blame for lack of social housing, general economics etc resides with our own governments.Suplex_Backbreaker wrote: »Ultimately though, as with just about everything, this comes back to the public not keeping a proper eye on politics and ensuring that the politicians work for the public good and not for those who will fill their pockets.
Agree democracy only works if you have a vigilant and responsible electorate.[STRIKE]Less is more.[/STRIKE] No less is Less.0 -
Some of the election literature from the local parties leaves a lot to be desired, we have the infamous Alliance European posters, perspective DUP councillors posing in posters and certain UUP European posters have replaced Jim's head with a square with "Vote 1" on it.
As for the social media of some candidates - well there is a lot to be learned.0 -
Don't forget the UKIP "we're unionists really" leaflets...0
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Haven't seen them, are they really bad?0
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Some of the election literature from the local parties leaves a lot to be desired, we have the infamous Alliance European posters, perspective DUP councillors posing in posters and certain UUP European posters have replaced Jim's head with a square with "Vote 1" on it.
As for the social media of some candidates - well there is a lot to be learned.
So who are we voting for again? It's all very confusing.
personally, I enjoy seeing the graffitied versions with glasses and tashes.....kids eh!
Our politicians are clueless about marketing themselves and at whos expense, who is paying for this? MSE0 -
With a complete breakdown of how we are going to vote being rolled out by various "experts" it's rather pointless even considering the option.
All three of the sitting MEPs will be returned with Dodds now expected to finish second and Nicholson third with the SDLP closing the gap.
As for the council elections Sinn Fein are expected to increase their percentage of the vote, the DUP will take a small hit and the UUP are going to decline further with the SDLP threading water. Alliance will make a small gain, TUV will decline, NI21 will make a reasonable impact with the possibility of taking one or two council seats.
There you have it!!0 -
The problem I have with Farage is he offers simplistic solutions to issues that are complex. He blames immigrants for many wrongs, as do other parties. Really much of the blame for lack of social housing, general economics etc resides with our own governments.
I don't really pay much attention to electioneering on the national scale (and I don't read newspapers) so I haven't had much exposure to Farage apart from seeing him on TV and listening on radio.
I don't recall hearing him blame immigrants for anything, his wife is one isn't she? I hear two tracks repeated ad infinitum by him. One is that he wants out of Europe, a fair opinion that I don't entirely agree with, but not offensive. Secondly he wants immigration limited in number and restricted to those with skills in demand. Is this really such an abhorrent view or have I missed something? Obviously members of his party have in the past come out with some ridiculous racist comments but I don't recall Farage himself saying anything like that.
As I say I may be wrong, and I'll not be voting for UKIP, but I think the general 'shouting down' of Farage is slightly embarrassing.
I suspect I'll be voting for NI21. I think we need a change and I'd like to see how they evolve with a bit of support behind them. Mainstream Unionism is dead to me quite frankly. They no longer reflect or represent my views and I cannot support people whose politics seem to be largely dictated by their religious views.0 -
I'm voting for the 'can-everyone-catch-themselves-on-and-get-along-for-a-change-instead-of-having-to-decide-between-umpteen-parties' party .
Oh dang. That box doesn't exist.....Wealth is what you're left with when all your money runs out0
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