These television debates, as I have said in previous blogs, have had a very influential say in the outcome of this election, whatever the outcome be. This Thursday's one on the economy is, in my opinion, crucial for two reasons; that it is the last one before voting day, and thus the most likely to stay in the electorate's mind. Also, it is on the economy, which is Gordon Brown's stronghold where in theory he should be at his best.
One of the few downsides to the debates in this election is that effectively all other aspects of campaigning are deemed nearly irrelevant. Leaflets, meetings with the public, going round constituencies: they are all supplementary to the nearest Thursday night.
This may be one of the reasons why the Scottish Nationalist Party are taking the BBC to court because the SNP will not be represented in the BBC's debate this Thursday. Now, independence is something I personally oppose, and it is not the reason why I disagree with their leader Alex Salmond, but to waste £50,000 on this court case is just ridiculous. The SNP are acting like the five year old girl who is crying because she can't go out and play with the big kids as she is just too small and will get hurt. Especially concerning the views on independence. That's the SNP, not the five year old, by the way.
I understand the SNP have a say in Scottish politics, they are after all the Government (albeit a minority) in Scotland. But the clue is in the name - they are in Scotland. This is a British election and, on a UK scale, SNP are but a minority. Also, Alex Salmond isn't even standing in this election, he is an MSP. Therefore, is this election not none of his business? Imagine if I was kicking up a fuss if I couldn't buy an omelette in a resturant, even though I have egg allergies? I would look a right twat. Essentially this is what Salmond is doing - trying to be taken seriously when no action at all would've been far more respectable.
Alex Salmond, in hindsight, should of just kept quiet and waited a year. Next year the Scottish Elections take place and with the success of this year's debates clearly evident it is inevitable that the format will continue into the Holyrood elections. No doubt Salmond will have a podium, but the real question is will the Conservatives? Currently, the Conservatives hold 17 seats in the Scottish Parliament, most of which they have gained through the Additional Member System. Using Salmond's logic they deserve a voice. Anyone who remembers the Poll tax may disagree.
But that's for another election. For the now, let's just focus on this election, and see which horse passes the post first or what have you. Or to rephrase it, who is the most efficient with their journey to the post so that they win the most seats, because being first doesn't always mean you win! Take that Liberals!
DC
x
No comments:
Post a Comment