The Start of Campaigning

Written by Colin Breed and published in Lowdown Article on Tue 5th Jan 2010

I suppose it was inevitable that the start of the New Year and the return of Parliament after the Christmas recess would signal the commencement of what is likely to be a long drawn out election campaign. Whether or not it adds to the general sense of hostility to politics within the country, or conversely encourages more people to exercise their democratic right at the General Election, we will have to wait and see.

Much of what we have heard so far brings no surprises and must be taken with a pinch of salt, whether this is absurd pledges on spending or tax cuts or vitriolic attacks on opponents. Whatever is said or promised, the facts relating to the current fiscal deficit are clear, the Government has borrowed enormous sums of money which will have to be repaid.

Most independent commentators agree that this debt can only be tackled by reducing public expenditure and increasing taxation. The arguments therefore relate to how this is achieved and over what timescale. This could at least create some clear water between the Parties as they deploy their policies and arguments. Perhaps some will think that the Parties are now so close together, jostling for the middle ground that there is little to choose between them. I hope at least the rather long period leading up to the election will provide more opportunities for real understanding of the policies and choices on offer.

After thirty years of both Conservative and Labour administrations it is little wonder that support for the two main parties has reduced considerably. In fact, fifty years ago only two per cent of voters chose a party other than Conservative or Labour. At last year's local elections this had climbed to forty per cent and at the last General Election six million voters decided to support the Liberal Democrats.

Most people now recognise we need real change but this should be an informed decision. I welcome the news that there will be television debates with the three Party leaders which is long overdue. Policies should be based upon firm and clear principles, which run through the whole manifesto, like wording through the proverbial stick of rock. Domestic and foreign policy, and tax and spend, should reflect core principles and beliefs. Obviously, the main parties have rather different historical foundations and have relied upon different sectors of the community for their support, but all this is now breaking down. Previous tribal allegiances have eroded, differential voting between local and general elections and the creation of devolved Parliaments and Assemblies have all contributed to a more pluralistic electorate which at the some point must be reflected in a new and fairer voting system.

Having announced my decision not to seek re-election some two years ago I can of course approach the next election from a rather more detached perspective. I do not intend to comment specifically on individual party policies or engage in any unnecessary political attacks but hope that voters both locally and nationally take their responsibilities seriously, engage in the process, seek understanding and make an informed decision when the day arrives.