Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
In the Sunday Times today there is a Populus poll of the members of Unite with some very interesting results.
52%, of Unite's members consider Cameron is "up to the job" of PM, with just 42% for Brown.
48%, said they voted Labour at the last election but only 34% expected to do so next time.
Tory support up from 22% to 31%, and the Liberal Democrats up one at 19%.
On one comparison of Cameron with Brown, 61%, described the Tory leader as "strong", compared with 49% for Brown.
That from a Trade Union that is one of the biggest Labour donors. Union leadership once again well out of step with its membership.
If that Union's members are feeling that way then the game will certainly be up for Brown at the election.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,696
Interesting as neither myself or any of the other Unite members I know and have spoken to was approached by Populus.
For myself I do not think either of them are up to the job.
Also, as you are well aware, the donations to the Labour party come from the union's political fund; which not all members contribute to, and the use of these funds are regularly voted upon by the members. If the intentions of union members really are changing in this way then over time we will see political funds withdrawing their support of the Labour Party. Equally, if the poll and the trend you are suggesting is a true reflection of intentions, then we will start to see these self same funds offering donations to your party. Personally I think that is highly unlikely, but am prepared to be surprised.
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Ross normally these polls will just survey 1,000 people. That, as I understand it, appears to be the norm. That way they are convinced they get a cross section of the population and get it with accuracy. As pollsters generally seem to know what they are doing I guess this method must be the best one. Thats probably why you and other members were not canvassed.
BBC's Question Time get many more applications for the audience than they let in. They carefully 'pollsterise' the audience beforehand so that they get a cross section of the voting community. I found that to be the case when we went to the one in Dover not so long ago. I just mention this to highlight the same method used.
Sid Pollitt
It isnt often that the Tories use the trade unions to justify their position, if the unions say that reforming inheritance tax is not a high priority for a government what will the Tories say then? Oh, they cant agree on that between themselves can they.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I am not using the trade unions to justify anything. Merely pointing out how Labour support is bleeding away and how support for the Conservatives is coming from places where we would not normally expect it.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
you are right there barry.
labour are sucking up to the rich conglomerates, whilst the tories are concentrating on health, education(closing grammar schools) and taxing the wealthy.
no wonder everyone is confused.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
I think in the end even the unite trade union will come to recognise how anri trade unioin the conservatives are.
Maybe a few of Barryw postings of old would convinve them!
It does though show how sad politics has got where people now are even more unclear of the big diffrences between the two major parties.
I do think once we get diowm to the serious politics and people having to make a choice then OUR GWYN and GORDON will be re elected
I think both major parties have a lot of work to do to convince people to even vote let alone vote for a partt
As they say it will all come out in the wash
who are these THEY people lol
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
Howard - you are getting a bit confused there as well. There has been no suggestion of Conservatives closing Grammar schools. Far from it, DC has said no more will be opened but hopefully that will change for a second term.
As for taxing the wealthy, yes we have never said they should not pay tax. Even Mrs T did not bring in a tax band lower than 40% though, as I say, we now need to work towards simpler, flatter and lower taxes.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
The Tories are denying claims of any split over inheritance tax, sparked by shadow minister Kenneth Clarke.
He appeared to pour cold water on the flagship policy of shadow chancellor George Osborne, describing plans to abolish the tax as an "aspiration".
But the party later rushed out a statement pledging that they would honour the promise and would include it in the election manifesto.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said that Mr Clarke's comments indicated that he was out of line with Mr Osborne and Tory leader David Cameron.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
as far as i can see the chuckle brothers [prosser/cowen]will be licking there wounds shortly.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
Actually the IHT pledge has been downgraded from a first budget to a first term pledge. Understandable given the economy.
Sid Pollitt
If he keeps downgrading his pledges no-one will be supporting him. Does anyone know if it is correct that the Kent business people who are fed up with the Tory Kent County Council's trading practices that encroach on their trade are going to make a stand leading up the elections in June? I've heard that they are going to campaign against the Tories and are even talking about endorsing the main opposition party.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
Well Sid, given that Labour will have left us with a longer recession than the United States or the EU, plus the fastest rise in unemployment since records began and the worst public sector deficit in British peacetime history, it would be crazy not to review options.
History dictated this period of time - government is cyclical. Check it out!
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,696
Ah that familiar old tune is wafting down from up by Dover College - it is the other lots fault
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi