[Archived] The General Election 2015

[joey_big_nose]

MacDonnell?

I don't think Jeremy Corbyn's going to last very long, Labour's going to take some hammering, I think.

He will get 18 months minimum, and even then it would take an absolute train crash for him to go that quick. His mandate from the grass roots is huge. To usurp him against the wishes of the grass roots would be courting serious trouble down the line.

My guess is he will get three years polling at around 20% in the national opinion polls (you need 35% to win a general election) then two years before the election he will voluntarily step aside for a more centerist candidate as he will be obvious he can't win, but the centrist will also carry the left as he will be anointed by King Jez.

The fixed five year term thing has changed the game a bit. Before it came in if the opposition is getting mullered in the polls the PM could take advantage and call an election early and get another five years. Now he has to wait for a set date. It's a lot fairer.

This means the first three years gives the opposition time to experiment with policy to see what sticks with the electorate, then get more mainstream in the run up to the election. So it might not be that bad for Labour to have a flirt with the far left as long as they bring it back into something sensible by the end of 2017.

But five years of the Tories. Christ.

[T J Hooker]

Corbyn seems to be taking mental health services seriously, thats one more big tick for him in my book. Improved mental health services, detecting and treating mental health issues in young people and children is the number one way to lower serious violent crimes and sex offences(and even internal terrorism)

[broadsword]

I was thinking he was going to get trashed in the polls, but maybe it will appeal while Tory cuts bite and then in the run-up to the election, the people will stick with the devil they know.

I see he's getting stick already for being badly dressed at the Battle of Britain memorial. Shades of Michael Foot already.

[Mike E]

Not enough women in Corbyn's cabinet according to his rivals. Really? 7 out of 13 by my last count.

Tories in particular showing how out of touch they are with the modern world by declaring the invented Minister for Mental Health a 'token job'. Have they not read the stats for increased time off work due to stress, depression, and anxiety in both sectors?

Just because he's on the extreme left, don't underestimate Corbyn. They underestimated UKIP to the tune of 4million votes. Especially with renationalisation of the rails being on the cards.

[adopted scouser]

I was thinking he was going to get trashed in the polls, but maybe it will appeal while Tory cuts bite and then in the run-up to the election, the people will stick with the devil they know.

I see he's getting stick already for being badly dressed at the Battle of Britain memorial. Shades of Michael Foot already.

Scruffy get didn't even sing the anthem, some future Prime Minister.

[joey_big_nose]

Scruffy get didn't even sing the anthem, some future Prime Minister.

I have some sympathy with that. It's a terrible national anthem and it needs changing.

I don't hold anything against the queen but its demented we sing about God saving her, and how great it is her ruling over us etc. We are a nation that invented the modern parliament, contributed hugely to the advancement of science, plays a pivotal role in the world economy, spawned the most used language in the world. Why bang on like primary school children about a monarchy whose power has mostly been stripped?

It's weasely and truly idiotic.

[adopted scouser]

I have some sympathy with that. It's a terrible national anthem and it needs changing.

I don't hold anything against the queen but its demented we sing about God saving her, and how great it is her ruling over us etc. We are a nation that invented the modern parliament, contributed hugely to the advancement of science, plays a pivotal role in the world economy, spawned the most used language in the world. Why bang on like primary school children about a monarchy whose power has mostly been stripped?

It's weasely and truly idiotic.

Daftest post I've seen in a while. It will never be changed.

[only2garners]

I think it would be very dangerous for the Tories to assume that Labour electing Corbyn is a suicide note. The election fits exactly into the pattern we have seen across Western Europe - Syriza in Greece, Podemos in Spain, the comedian in Italy (no, not Berlusconi) and even now Bernie Sanders in the US.

Labour has taken on 30,000 new members since Corbyn's election, presumably mostly from the registered supporters who voted for him. He also won a majority of fully paid up members of the party, which makes all those Tories who boasted that they had paid £3 just to help Corbyn get elected look a bit stupid.

My inclination is that there will be an energising boost for Labour party members. Whether that will be able to last long term is a moot point. Another possibility is an SDP type split of the right of the Labour party to join with the Lib Dems.

I certainly expect that Parliament will be a bit more lively in the next few months and I think we can expect some tight votes and occasional Government defeats. Remember, despite their current attitude the Tories have a very small majority.

[joey_big_nose]

Daftest post I've seen in a while. It will never be changed.

What specifically is daft about what I said?

[broadsword]

I think Corbyn's making the same mistake a lot of politicians have made. It's not what you are, it's what you look like, how you present yourself that matters most.

Dressing like you've just been dragged through a hedge backwards is not teh way forward.

I know it's cynical, but this is the way it works.

[adopted scouser]

What specifically is daft about what I said?

That it should be changed. Anthems are changed in third world tinpot dictatorship shyte holes, and not in developed wealthy civilised nations, Germany, France, USA etc.

Corbyn has already agreed to kneel before the monarch he despises, and he has the odious buffoon Tom Watson as his dep. Did I leave out the disgusting Diane Abbott ? Labour have become a joke outfit, I hear he won't face Cameron at PMQs ?

[joey_big_nose]

That it should be changed. Anthems are changed in third world tinpot dictatorship shyte holes, and not in developed wealthy civilised nations, Germany, France, USA etc.

Corbyn has already agreed to kneel before the monarch he despises, and he has the odious buffoon Tom Watson as his dep. Did I leave out the disgusting Diane Abbott ? Labour have become a joke outfit, I hear he won't face Cameron at PMQs ?

Wow you must be incisive in a debate. All base insults and no insight. "Tin pot", " shyte holes", "bufoon", "disgusting". Pretty blunt stuff.

To the point - Germany, France and the USA have anthemns which are rooted in the celebration of modern enlightenment values and the people as a whole rather than the praising of the head of state. They are as relevent today as ever. They also have considerably better tunes.

As for "it will never change", file that next to "women will never get the vote" or any other empty statement based on the wishful idea that something will never change only because it has to date stayed the same.

I don't expect it to be replaced any time soon, but eventually the time will come. It is a shame a nation as musically brilliant as Britain has such a multi dimensionally awful song to reel out at ceremonial and sporting events.

[Baz]

That it should be changed. Anthems are changed in third world tinpot dictatorship shyte holes, and not in developed wealthy civilised nations, Germany, France, USA etc.

Corbyn has already agreed to kneel before the monarch he despises, and he has the odious buffoon Tom Watson as his dep. Did I leave out the disgusting Diane Abbott ? Labour have become a joke outfit, I hear he won't face Cameron at PMQs ?

Switzerland have been having a national vote on the song to replace theres in the last few months.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/switzerland/11864973/Switzerland-holds-X-Factor-national-anthem-contest.html

Personally whilst I am in favour of the royals, I don't think our national anthem should be for god to save them.

How about Land of Hope & Glory instead?

[Billy McBalcony]

Personally whilst I am in favour of the royals, I don't think our national anthem should be for god to save them.

How about Land of Hope & Glory instead?

"Dear Land of Hope thy hope is crowned, God make thee mightier yet, On Sovereign brows beloved, renowned, Once more thy crown is set"

"Wider still and Wider shall thy bounds be set, God who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!"

All about extending colonial British rule under a beloved and renowned monarchy.

I don't think Mr Corbyn would have joined in with that one either!

[joey_big_nose]

From a melody perspective the only one from the proms I would go for is Jerusalem, although lyrically its a bit god-y. Well very god-y. But a nice tune. Rousing.

The popular and sensible choice would clearly be Gold! by Spandau Ballet. England's poor record at tournaments would be a thing of the past with that belting out during the lineup. The hearts of our sportsmen and women bursting with zeal and self belief. They may as well give us the trophy before a ball is kicked.

I'm not sure Adopted Scouser would approve however.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

I don't expect it to be replaced any time soon, but eventually the time will come. It is a shame a nation as musically brilliant as Britain has such a multi dimensionally awful song to reel out at ceremonial and sporting events.

Why will the time eventually come? Republicans can be as miserable and persistent about the royal family as they want. But their numbers remain the same as they have for a good long while now, about 18% of the population.

God Save the Queen highlights one if the truly unique things about this country, a royal family that is hugely popular and respected by the majority of all levels of its society. And in my opinion they've earnt every bit of that respect, walking the tight rope between non-interference and benevolent advisor to countless governments. They conduct themselves with dignity, they throw themselves into their responsibilities and they pretty much all come across as thoroughly decent people.

And one day in the future if right wing or Islamic radicalism rises to power in the UK, they might have had a part to play in marshaling and also restraining the armed forces in opposition. I read an article the other day about how Egyptians are pining for their lost monarchy.

[Baz]

"Dear Land of Hope thy hope is crowned, God make thee mightier yet, On Sovereign brows beloved, renowned, Once more thy crown is set"

"Wider still and Wider shall thy bounds be set, God who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!"

All about extending colonial British rule under a beloved and renowned monarchy.

I don't think Mr Corbyn would have joined in with that one either!

What would you recommend then Theno?

From a melody perspective the only one from the proms I would go for is Jerusalem, although lyrically its a bit god-y. Well very god-y. But a nice tune. Rousing.

The popular and sensible choice would clearly be Gold! by Spandau Ballet. England's poor record at tournaments would be a thing of the past with that belting out during the lineup. The hearts of our sportsmen and women bursting with zeal and self belief. They may as well give us the trophy before a ball is kicked.

I'm not sure Adopted Scouser would approve however.

Not quite sure the Scots would agree with Jerusalem.

[ultrablue]

Why do we need an anthem with words? I've got loads of CDs of Dance Anthems from the early 2000s kicking about- we should pick one of them. Imagine the Queen's face when Judge Jules drops the bass, now that's national pride.

[Gav]

Just on Corbyn, he needs to smarten himself up, sing the national anthem, wear a poppy when appropriate and that will go a long way towards him being accepted as the Labour leader.

If he doesn't conform to the simplest of things he's going to struggle, but I for 1 am still happy he's shook up the party and stuck 2 fingers up to the likes of Amuna, Hunt and the rest of career politicians he murdered in the race for leader.

[Paul]

God Save the Queen highlights one if the truly unique things about this country, a royal family that is hugely popular and respected by the majority of all levels of its society. And in my opinion they've earnt every bit of that respect, walking the tight rope between non-interference and benevolent advisor to countless governments. They conduct themselves with dignity, they throw themselves into their responsibilities and they pretty much all come across as thoroughly decent people..

While I agree with this entirely I cannot see why I, or anyone else, should have to stand and sing about it - I rarely do.

There are times when singing the anthem is entirely appropriate and I would join but others when not - cup final for example, does that still happen?

While politically I think it would be wise for Corbyn to sing if he doesn't feel it appropriate he should not be criticised for standing by his beliefs.

As for his appearance? Criticism is ridiculous. In our society we place a strong emphasis on convention, much of it meaningless. I know well, and have met many others, several highly intelligent, informed and knowledgeable individuals who simply have no interest in their personal appearance. It seems it often goes wth the territory.

People have a tendency to make assumptions based on external appearance. It's usually wrong.

In this case Corbyn's disinterest in personal appearance is just another stick to beat him with by a right wing press.

[joey_big_nose]

Managed to find this article by YouGov. Apparently in a poll people "overwhelmingly dislike" the national anthem. However I'd like to see the exact figures and the poll size etc but couldn't find it.

https://yougov.co.uk/news/2012/06/01/jubilee-special-your-views-national-anthem/

What's even more amazing is an article by the daily mail (!!!) calling for the anthemn to be changed.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2975045/DOMINIC-LAWSON-Britain-s-National-Anthem-dirge-t-new-one.html

[adopted scouser]

Wow you must be incisive in a debate. All base insults and no insight. "Tin pot", " shyte holes", "bufoon", "disgusting". Pretty blunt stuff.Stand by every word

To the point - Germany, France and the USA have anthemns which are rooted in the celebration of modern enlightenment values and the people as a whole rather than the praising of the head of state. They are as relevent today as ever. They also have considerably better tunes.

As for "it will never change", file that next to "women will never get the vote" or any other empty statement based on the wishful idea that something will never change only because it has to date stayed the same.It will never change and rightly so. Take a step back from the wall you're banging your head against. We don't need a better 'tune', it's an anthem not an effin pop song.

[joey_big_nose]

Just on Corbyn, he needs to smarten himself up, sing the national anthem, wear a poppy when appropriate and that will go a long way towards him being accepted as the Labour leader.

If he doesn't conform to the simplest of things he's going to struggle, but I for 1 am still happy he's shook up the party and stuck 2 fingers up to the likes of Amuna, Hunt and the rest of career politicians he murdered in the race for leader.

That's whats so fascinating about Corbyn. He's not going to do any of those things.

It really should hurt him significantly in the polls. Personally I don't care if he sings the national anthem or not, as said I can understand misgivings about it, but he should wear a poppy and wear a decent suit to look professional.

Yet to date, if anything, all these "politically suicidal" things he does have if anything made him stronger - just as they have with Farage and Trump.

I wonder when it will bite him.

Also his media strategy seems a bit slow.

He still hasn't given a major interview. Which is pretty concerning.

Wow you must be incisive in a debate. All base insults and no insight. "Tin pot", " shyte holes", "bufoon", "disgusting". Pretty blunt stuff.Stand by every word

To the point - Germany, France and the USA have anthemns which are rooted in the celebration of modern enlightenment values and the people as a whole rather than the praising of the head of state. They are as relevent today as ever. They also have considerably better tunes.

As for "it will never change", file that next to "women will never get the vote" or any other empty statement based on the wishful idea that something will never change only because it has to date stayed the same.It will never change and rightly so. Take a step back from the wall you're banging your head against. We don't need a better 'tune', it's an anthem not an effin pop song.

Time will tell my friend, time will tell. I'll let you get back to polishing your Diana and Queen Mum memorabilia.

[adopted scouser]

As for his appearance? Criticism is ridiculous. In our society we place a strong emphasis on convention, much of it meaningless. I know well, and have met many others, several highly intelligent, informed and knowledgeable individuals who simply have no interest in their personal appearance. It seems it often goes wth the territory.

People have a tendency to make assumptions based on external appearance. It's usually wrong.

As leader of the opposition he has ambitions to be Prime Minister obviously. I'm old enough to remember Michael Foot on Remembrance Day. Appearance clearly wasn't important on that day remembering our war dead and our heroes. Are we to look forward to another tramp standing at the Cenotaph ?

[joey_big_nose]

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