Outrageous..

There is very few words that you can think of to sum up the mood of world opinion in light of today’s act of state-sponsored terrorism by Israel on the Freedom Flotilla, some 60km west of the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Are we supposed to believe that the IDF are the fucking victims in this attack?  They had weapons – the protesters were defending themselves and they were massacred.  I see that Comical Ali lookalike – Mark Regev, is trying to say that this was proportional.  Like Jenin then...

When ships are boarded off the coast of Somalia it's called piracy.  Being boarded off Gaza it's called self defence.  How fucking convenient...

The response from countless governments the world over has been one of anger and bewilderment – some such as Sweden has expelled its ambassador, something that I implore the Foreign Office to do likewise.  Others are considering more stringent action.  As of now the US state department has not commented.  I wonder why...

There are demonstrations across the world springing right now, in support of the Flotilla, thousands are outside the Israeli embassy in London right now.  If the British government is not willing to condemn OUTRIGHT this act of terrorism, then we must take the fight to not just Israel but to the ConDem coalition.

Nick Clegg described the situation in Gaza in December last year as a “living nightmare for one and a half million Palestinians squeezed into one of the most overcrowded and wretched stretches of land on the planet”.

Over to you Mr Clegg...

Victim Or Just Desserts?

One thing is for certain, however this looks from a personal point of view, this will not help convince voters that the New Politics that is being peddled by Clegg and Cameron.

The honeymoon - what of it, is well and truly over...

Fighting The Hate...

Afternoon,

The EDL is holding yet another demonstration in Newcastle today following previous demonstrations in Bolton, Dudley and Stoke amongst other towns and cities, the length and breadth of the country. 

In recent demonstrations, the threat of violence and disorder has been growing with time, and there are now serious concerns at just what could happen this coming summer, with plans being released that suggest that they plan to step up their campaign in coming weeks, culminating in marches through some of the UK's most high-profile Muslim communities, raising the spectre of widespread unrest.

It could be a long, hot, painful summer...

Getting Into It...

Morning,

Am at the gym at the moment - actually am in the toilet in the dressing rooms here at the local sports centre.

Considering I don't start work till 12:30 I am here rather early which gives me more time to work out and get refreshed for the afternoon's work.

All in a good cause!


- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

Building Up Expectations...

Good Evening all,

Watching the England – Mexico game at Hackney Marshes Wembley this evening, and the thing that is coming to mind right now, is that whilst we are looking very good going forward, defensively we are looking extremely patchy and poor – woeful at times, the goal that Franco got for Mexico at the end of the first half is a example of that point.

Which is probably a good explanation for Fabio to be desperate for the legend that is Jamie Carragher to return from his self-enforced international exile.  The last time Carra played was in the ill-fated World Cup Quarter-Final in Gelsenkirchen when he missed a penalty in that shoot-out. 

So with England’s farewell match going swimmingly well, the question that needs asking is how far can the team go in South Africa.  It has to be said that the draw has been a lot more kinder for them, than in previous tournaments – and there is the argument that England’s recent nemeses’ Germany, Argentina and Portugal are not in the rudest of health in recent months.

My prediction: Semi-Finalists, but do not be at all surprised if they are participating in Johannesburg on July 11th.

And in other related news, Portugal drew 0-0 against mighty Cape Verde...

Love Will Tear Me Apart...

Evening,

A few years back, I remember a conversation with a wise lady – at that time she was in a stable marriage and I was a depressed singleton and it was during a period when a number of my friends were involved in some messy relationships, which were going south – and I never forget what she said.

“we have it so easy, we do not need to worry about this,”

Hmmm.  I think I now see what she meant when she said that...

Over The Horizon...

Morning all,

Currently sitting on the doorstep outside Chez Bob Bob here in Folkestone - not a cloud in the sky. And after some 12 years in Singleton Valley, things seem to be looking up on the love front.

Had a date last weekend with a lovely girl called Georgia who is of a similar age as yours truly and it seems to be a match made in heaven.

I will keep you abreast of developments!


- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

Britain Is Broke...

In a BBC interview this morning the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Lib Dem David Laws, told of a letter that was waiting for him from his Labour predecessor when he arrived to take up his new role.

The letter was from Liam Byrne and consisted of just one sentence - “I’m afraid to tell you there is no money left.”

It might have been a joke but with the coalition seeking to make Labour’s financial record the first battle-ground post election, I cannot help but see this being used time and time again as the shit begins to hit the fan.

- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

Business As Normal...

It was only a few days ago that everyone in the country was being told that we are entering a new era – a new politics.

Going on today’s moves to amend dissolution plans for parliament, I think not...

The funniest aspect of this story, particularly from the BBC’s point of view is that they have got none other but Lord Andrew Adonis to comment on the story.  Now considering he was up till about 8pm on Tuesday, the Transport secretary, and even then an unelected one at that – I think that he is probably one of the last people in the country who should be allowed a comment regarding anything to do with parliament...

So a week where the new era of politics was heralded from all above high, it seems that it is truly is business as normal...

Summer Of Chaos...

So now Call Me Dave is in power, as was their birth right in the first place – it will be fucking hilarious to see just how on earth they are going to be able to work in hock with the Liberal Democrats.  Rumours abound tonight that Nick Clegg will be given the role of Deputy Prime Minister, a role as powerful as the Tea lady, who comes up with the Bourbons at 10am each morning.  Know your place, Nick...

Still, the Liberal democrats have probably going to only have one go at being government because make no mistakes – the moment those £6billion worth of cuts come and burn the public sector, all bets are off. The workers are going to be in revolt rather quickly.

New Prime Ministers are supposed to have a honeymoon period. That ended, the moment he left the palace...

Inevitable...

Evening all,

So it has come to past.  Noooo, not the Rainbow Coalition, come on that was never going to happen.  Brown has quit as PM, Cameron is now in No. 10 – and now the fun and games truly do begin.  Let see what Darling has left behind...

...and Still We Are Not There Yet!

Evening,

What an astonishing day in this country.

It started with ever increasing expectations that the Lib-Con coalition talks were getting close towards an agreement of some sort. One of the main negotiators of the Lib Dem team pretty much said that.

Then Big Ben tolls at 5pm...

It has been reported this evening that the first draft of Chairman Brown's resignation speech had been completed by Saturday evening - proof that there was some form of movement going on between Downing Street and Cowley Street.

This evening, many of Labour's old guard such as John Reid and Diane Abbott have stated that such of a coalition of the Losers would be catastrophic for the Progressive Left. There can be no doubt that such a coalition would be extremely unstable and it looks like highly unpopular in England.

Elections will probably be called within six months - The Tories will win handsomely. There will be parts of Southen England where they will just have to weigh the Tories vote...

And it will be all OUR fault.

We should have got rid of Chairman Brown, 12 months ago - after the car crash at the European elections. We didn't and now we are going to get fist-fucked.

But no. We have got ourselves into this deep shithole and now we are going to have to reap the whirlwind.

One person will be pissing himself laughing tonight.

Tony Blair.

And with that depressing thought, I will bid you farewell for tonight.

Night, Night.


- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

Will They Or Won’t They?

Afternoon,

In the words of a Liberal Democrat source this afternoon, the first substantive talks regarding a possible coalition have been taking place this afternoon between Conservative and Lib Dem negotiators.

The thinking is that with the markets opening at 8am tomorrow morning, there is the urgent need to get something concrete on the table by the end of play tonight, whenever that is perceived to be.  As Paddy Ashdown said, it seems that events in Greece “have concentrated the mind”.  No doubt, some people in those negotiations have a lot to lose...

This can only mean one thing - that being that Clegg and Cable are coming round to Osborne’s thinking on the need to reduce the deficit to calm the markets. On Friday, I would’ve said that a Lib-Con pact was unthinkable; it is looking a little more likely this afternoon. 

And with Mr Brown having returned to Downing St, without warning – it makes the talks that bit more urgent on the Tories part.  They cannot afford any mistakes...

Rainbow Coalition or A Carve-Up?

Morning,

As things stand some 36 hours after the last but one seat was declared we are no nearer to seeing what hue of government the British population are going to have next.

Both Clegg and Cameron spoke face to face to each other at Admiralty House last night - minutes after Chairman Brown spoke to the Lib Dem leader - Brown seems to be feeling a bit left out of the fun and games.

However, Labour sources continue to plug the possibility of a so-called Rainbow Coalition, if Clegg is not able to come up with a viable plan of action with Mr Cameron.

So who and what would the Rainbow Coalition consist of?

Apart from the obvious, the SNP and Plaid Cymru would be possible kingmakers of any potential PM of the coalition. It is said that members of the SDLP and the solitary Alliance MP of Northern Ireland would take the whips of Labour and the Lib Dems respectively due to both parties links.

Also being mentioned is the Greens solitary MP, Caroline Lucas and again from Northern Ireland, Lady Sylvia Hermon, who walked out of the Ulster Unionists earlier this year, because of the re-establishment of links with the Tories.

Now, this seems all good.

But, with assemblies and parliaments already formed in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - and Labour being a extremely poor second in England - my fear is that this could cause the break up of the Union, because make no mistake, the English electorate voted in remarkable contrast to the Celtic nations because of the total dominance of the Scots and the Welsh in power.

Be very careful what you wish for...


- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

An Initial Meeting...

As I write, George Osborne, William Hague, Oliver Letwin and Mr Cameron's chief of staff, Ed Lewellyn has just left the cabinet office in Whitehall following what is being described by Mr Hague as an initial meeting.  Chris Huhne, Danny Alexander, Andrew Stunnell and David Laws will represent the Lib Dems....

I get the feeling that the Liberal Democrats recognise that some arrangement with the Tories is pretty much the ONLY way we’re going to get a good majority government – which is what is needed at this critical time - and anything else at this time risks fiddling while Rome burns.

The fact that high-level talks (not just niceties, not just ‘we may get back to you’s) have already begun between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems suggests to me they know it. 

Gordon, you better start packing...

Hanging In There...

Evening,

Apologies for the lack of posting since last nights initial exit poll - and even though everyone was cynical about it, including my good self, it has turned out to be remarkably accurate. A good day to be a bookie...

Now the thoughts are turning to the future and who is going to be given the uneviable task of taking us through what will be the most austere of cost cutting since Rafa was told there was no transfer budget at Anfield.

There can be no doubt that people have voted for change and that will no doubt mean for some that Chairman Brown has to leave Number 10.

Others will beg to differ...



- Posted Straight From The iPhone...

HUNG PARLIAMENT - Exit Polls

Tories: 307

Labour: 255

Lib Dems: 59

Oh Fuck...

That Sinking Feeling...

Hearing rumours abounding from one group and another regarding what they are hearing across the country.  We won’t hear anything for sure until 10pm, when the Sky/BBC/ITN exit poll comes out.

I have a bad feeling about tonight...

Some Numbers...

4,149 - The total number of candidates battling it out for seats in parliament.

315 - The number of independent candidates.

650 - The number of seats in the Commons.

632 - The number of constituencies in mainland Britain.

50,000 - Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm.

150,000 - Staff running them.

One - constituency (Buckingham) where all the main parties are standing aside for Speaker John Bercow.

44,000,000 – The number of people eligible to vote.

325 – Number any single party need to have a working majority.

50,000 - Council workers counting votes

627 - Westminster constituencies that start counting overnight

4 - Hours within which returning officers must begin counting after polls close

164 - Council polls in England, including those for 32 London boroughs, 36 metropolitan authorities and 20 unitaries

15,785 - Candidates in the running at local level

4,222 - Council seats up for grabs, with five already returned unopposed

4 - Mayoral elections

I Voted...

And I voted for the Liberal Democrats’ candidate down here in Folkestone and Hythe, Lynne Beaumont.

The alternatives are too hideous to think about...

Nothing Else To Do...

Evening all,

The campaign is pretty much over - and all the party leaders have just about got back to their home constituencies.  Brown in Dunfermline, Call Me Dave in Witney and Mr Clegg in Sheffield Hallam.

In little over 24 hours, we will have the first exit polls coming in.

Good Luck, unless you're a Tory.

...or for that matter UKIP or B*P...

Keeping The Tories Out...

Interesting link here

It is pretty self explanatory.  Where the Tories are favourites in that particular constituency, it shows you which party has the most realistic chance of usurping them out on the big day.

Use it wisely!

Does Newspapers Matter Anymore?

Britain's national newspapers are hardly known for their political reticence. Historically, most of them have been blatantly partisan, propagating the opinions of the party that they support according to the bias of the editor or proprietor.

They did not need to wait until just before an election to tell their readers how they should vote: their daily political agenda was patently obvious. There has been somewhat of a change over the last 20 years – dating from the fall of Margaret Thatcher and the Poll Tax Riots – because almost all papers have tended to proclaim their independence from political parties.

But now as we see the internet and social networking coming into its own this time around, are we beginning to see the decline of power that certain papers have had over their political puppets?

With Facebook and Twitter being used more commonly by the up and coming generation of which I see myself as part of – and of which, where we get our news nowadays instead of the Dead Tree Press, I think that newspapers are going to have to come to terms that the power that they welded, even a decade ago has been eroded irreversibly.

That it has happened so quickly, might be down to people wanting to decide for themselves what is best for them and their families, instead of what Sly Bailey, Rupert Murdoch and Viscount Rothermere tell them to do.

I think on Friday morning, there are going to be some unhappy paper owners.

The Day After The Night Before...

Afternoon all,

I was somewhat hung over this morning as I went into work – as a result of a blowout here in Folkestone last night.  Just like the good old days...

Whilst at work doing some double bubble action, I was trying to do a post on my iPhone regarding how the electorate have become reinvigorated into politics in the last four weeks or so – whether that is through the debates or via the medium of social networking such as Twitter and Facebook.  See a later post for that...

There is one big area that I think needs looking at.  The Dead Tree Press...

That should be on here within a few hours, because I am going to start writing that now. 

Think I better get some caffeine inside me...

This is Change...

Afternoon,

I have been out at the gym, been shopping this morning and have got back in and had my dinner ahead of a night of drinking and other assorted entertainment in Folkestone.  Having looked around the various blogs that concentrate on the British political scene.  Guido’s blog has attracted my eye, purely because I am thinking the complete opposite to him. 

There is no reason at all to be scared of the weirdie beardies that dominate the LibDem activist base – perhaps that’s because a lot of young people like myself actually agree with a lot of what their manifesto, which was majorly written by the activist base – so there is not really a great deal of fear in there – unlike those soft Tories who have a liking to Clegg because he is to them very much different to previous leaders.  Think the term is an anti-statist libertarian...

It seems to me that Tories only want change, but on their terms only...

Labour Losing Friends...

Good Evening,

Now that the debates are out of the way and we are in the home straight of this truly remarkable election, the thing that anoraks, commentators, columnists and politicians are asking is who the newspapers will suggest their readership vote for.  There is no doubt in most of our minds that we are seeing a seismic change in British politics, possibly irreversibly.

Already this weekend, we have seen the Guardian and this evening the Observer pull their substantial weight behind the Liberal Democrats, though they did the same back in 2005 – so that is probably not a surprise all in all.  Could we see other papers, such as the Independent, or dare we say the Mirror pledge their support for Clegg?

Citizens have votes. Newspapers do not. However, if the Guardian had a vote in the 2010 general election it would be cast enthusiastically for the Liberal Democrats. It would be cast in the knowledge that not all the consequences are predictable, and that some in particular should be avoided. The vote would be cast with some important reservations and frustrations. Yet it would be cast for one great reason of principle above all. - Leader in The Guardian

At the same time, the Tories have gained the support of the Times this morning, reports are suggesting that the Sunday Telegraph will do likewise later this evening – and there is opinion strengthening that the Financial Times will put 18 years of Labour support into the archive cabinet next week, and come out in support of Cameron. 

There is no doubt that we are seeing the final rights of New Labour – hopefully we will see the party renew itself and allow itself to revert back to its socialist and working class roots, whilst disowning its links with big business and making the likes of Mandelson and Blair irrelevant.

However, there is the deep and dark fear that for Labour, the White Working Classes could be gone for a generation if not forever, due to the perceived pandering by Labour towards certain minorities – and as much as we hate to admit to their existence, the B*P are doing a good job in encouraging those same disillusioned voters to support them.

That is one thing that comes out of this election that will need to be dealt with...

Labour And The People...

Labour just isn’t listening to the people...

Their campaign has been so controlled, those North Korean rallies look like random acts of chaos in comparison.  Gordon needs to take a leaf out of the other two main candidates and talk to the people instead of ignoring them.

Thursday could well be an Annus Horriblis...

UPDATE, 18:00 – Nick Clegg has been heckled by what seems to be more than one voter during speaking in Malvern, Worcestershire.  Interesting...