Jurors jilt Labour over war
dcthomson.co.uk
By Tom McKay
NOW THE campaign is finally under way, we asked our e-mail jury about their voting intentions.
Of those who gave their preference, 37.9 per cent voted Labour last time, while 29.7 per cent voted Tory. But Tony Blair will be alarmed to hear that this time only 17.1 per cent intend to put their X next to Labour, with 37.1 per cent opting for Michael Howard’s Conservatives.
Defectors
The Lib-Dems captured the lion’s share of Labour defectors, gaining 62.5 per cent of those who had switched allegiances. The remaining 37.5 per cent split evenly between the Tories, SNP and the Greens.
Susan Brockett is first to the stump. “I voted Tory last time but will vote Lib-Dem in May because I don’t like Michael Howard or Oliver Letwin,” she reveals.
“There are two main issues. First, the Iraq War and dishonesty from Tony Blair. The fact the Tories backed the war makes them about as guilty as Labour.
“Secondly, the state of the NHS. People are terrified to go into hospital these days with the risk of MRSA.”
Niall Aslen’s sticking with the SNP, but he’s concerned about the “illegal” war.
“Blair should be indicted as a war criminal along with Bush,” he thunders. “He can’t be trusted. He’s no sense of honour. And Scotland must not become England’s nuclear dustbin.”
Scottish regiments
Munro Ross says, “I intend to vote SNP, as I did in 2001. My opinion is confirmed by the disgraceful treatment of Scottish regiments, the under-performing economy, robbery of our oil resources and taxation increasing by stealth each year.”
“Like many Scots, I’m often confused over what’s decided at Westminster and Holyrood,” says Judi Martin.
“However, I’ve decided to vote Conservative instead of Lib-Dem. For me the main issues are crime — the shortage of police on the beat and the short, often inappropriate, sentences given to offenders.
“Then there’s the state of the NHS — waiting lists, MRSA, nurse shortages and difficulty getting dental treatment in many areas. The lack of discipline in schools, outdated buildings and university tuition fees are also major concerns.”
John Basey’s moving to the Lib-Dems from Labour. “They represent my views better. Blair is becoming more authoritarian and right-wing and the illegal invasion of Iraq was the final straw.”
Money
Patricia Keightley doesn’t agree. “I’ll be voting Labour as I did last time. I want what’s best for the country, not a return to mass unemployment, high interest rates, failing services and stripping of public assets.
“There will never be enough money in health or education, but the majority get better opportunities from Labour.”
But Labour has lost Bill Docherty’s vote. “I’ll vote Liberal Democrat. I don’t trust Blair after the war. I won’t vote Labour again until he is replaced.”
Peter Adams has abandoned the mainstream parties altogether. “I intend to vote UKIP Scotland. The EU produces more than 70 per cent of new laws and regulations for this country, so what do we pay MPs for?”
The last word goes to Labour-supporting Tim Mullen. “Only Labour provides the investment in public services that can right the wrongs of 18 years of disastrous Tory misrule.”
The Sunday Post e-mail jury is a unique body of readers of all ages, backgrounds, political persuasions, interests, etc, spread all across the country. So they are perfect for gauging the mood of the moment.
If you would like to join our jury and comment on a wide range of important topical issues, simply send us an e-mail containing your contact details to SPpanel@sundaypost.com
We’ll get back to you.
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