Did You Vote Today?

[Hobbit]

I admit to being worried by the number of people supporting UKIP with no knowledge of any of their policies on many major issues. Our regional news programme did a vox pop asking those who stated that they were going to vote UKIP what the party's policies were on the economy, education, defence, health and welfare.

Whilst I accept it may well have been edited not one of the respondents had any idea of those policies. Have any of us?

This is the problem with single issue parties.

I think many who voted for them did so on the single issue of EU membership. And I think many, like me, did so purely to give the main parties a wake up call.

But I wonder how many voters actually know the policies of any of the parties?

Personally, I've visited each of the, now 4, main parties websites. And I've spoken to my local MP on several occasions. I'd like to think I'm not uninformed.

 

[FairwayDodger]

I admit to being worried by the number of people supporting UKIP with no knowledge of any of their policies on many major issues. Our regional news programme did a vox pop asking those who stated that they were going to vote UKIP what the party's policies were on the economy, education, defence, health and welfare.

Whilst I accept it may well have been edited not one of the respondents had any idea of those policies. Have any of us?

This is the problem with single issue parties.

They had a UKIP spokesman on the radio phone in this morning. When quizzed, even he couldn't come up with any policies other than "opposition to the madness of Europe". Fortunately for them, large swathes of the electorate vote on personalities and rhetoric rather than policy.

 

[Imurg]

. Fortunately for them, large swathes of the electorate vote on personalities and rhetoric rather than policy.

Which, when you think about it, is more than slightly worrying..

 

[chrisd]

I admit to being worried by the number of people supporting UKIP with no knowledge of any of their policies on many major issues. Our regional news programme did a vox pop asking those who stated that they were going to vote UKIP what the party's policies were on the economy, education, defence, health and welfare.

Whilst I accept it may well have been edited not one of the respondents had any idea of those policies. Have any of us?

This is the problem with single issue parties.

Does it really matter?

They will not win any amount of MP's next year and will never have to enact their manifesto. I am more interested in the reaction of the main parties who still think that it's purely a protest vote. I'm beginning to think that they don't understand that it's not a protest but a demand that they do something to stem the ever increasing march of the EU that make countries do what doesn't suit them individually and the march of immigration, benefits etc etc

 

[Deleted member 18588]

Does it really matter?

They will not win any amount of MP's next year and will never have to enact their manifesto. I am more interested in the reaction of the main parties who still think that it's purely a protest vote. I'm beginning to think that they don't understand that it's not a protest but a demand that they do something to stem the ever increasing march of the EU that make countries do what doesn't suit them individually and the march of immigration, benefits etc etc

But are your comments not contradictory?

If, as you suspect, it is not a protest vote and their share of the popular vote holds up nationally they are likely to secure seats at Westminster.

What then?

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I am desperately hoping that the 10% of Scots who voted for the Kippers were either white settlers or SNP's voting tactically.

 

[Deleted member 18588]

I am desperately hoping that the 10% of Scots who voted for the Kippers were either white settlers or SNP's voting tactically.

Why?

Are you telling us that all Scots are happy with the EU?

 

[c1973]

Voter apathy is the bigger concern imo. Around 33% turnout?

It would be interesting to see UKIP get a seat up here, might shut Salmond up about Scots wanting to stay in Europe and not acknowledging some might not! That, and it would be a kind of karma for the friendly Scottish welcome that Nigel received up here.

 

[c1973]

I am desperately hoping that the 10% of Scots who voted for the Kippers were either white settlers or SNP's voting tactically.

White settlers? Not sure what to make of that. Is it only 'Whites' who vote UKIP?

Plenty of Blacks etc voting UKIP, even saw some non 'whites' who were standing for election on a UKIP ticket.

 

[SocketRocket]

The trend towards the right is widespread through the elections in Europe. The French National Front did very well on a platform of lower immigration and Muslim influence.

These are protest votes but if the main parties dont take heed and come up with policies that address peoples concerns then they may well move towards something more permanent.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I am desperately hoping that the 10% of Scots who voted for the Kippers were either white settlers or SNP's voting tactically.

White settlers ?!!

 

[2blue]

I think many who voted for them did so on the single issue of EU membership. And I think many, like me, did so purely to give the main parties a wake up call.

But I wonder how many voters actually know the policies of any of the parties?

Personally, I've visited each of the, now 4, main parties websites. And I've spoken to my local MP on several occasions. I'd like to think I'm not uninformed.

BUT..... now look what you've gone and done Bri

 

[SocketRocket]

I admit to being worried by the number of people supporting UKIP with no knowledge of any of their policies on many major issues. Our regional news programme did a vox pop asking those who stated that they were going to vote UKIP what the party's policies were on the economy, education, defence, health and welfare.

Whilst I accept it may well have been edited not one of the respondents had any idea of those policies. Have any of us?

This is the problem with single issue parties.

They aren't a single issue Party but leaving the EU and returning political power to our parliament is what they were formed to achieve.

I agree with the sentiment that most voters don't know the policies of the parties they vote for and vote out of habit or sentiment. If you take a look at UKIP's Web Site it lays down a number of principles that they wish to introduce.

http://www.ukip.org/issues

 

[chrisd]

But are your comments not contradictory?

If, as you suspect, it is not a protest vote and their share of the popular vote holds up nationally they are likely to secure seats at Westminster.

What then?

I can see why you would say that, all I can say is that, if the main parties haven't listened to the protests then they'll put the parties who can change things in to power. No, UKIP can't get into Parliament in significant numbers but will be a nuisance to whoever win, but, rest assured that the mood of the people across Europe seems to be that their fed up with the "master plan" and it's anything but what we voted to join way back. Unless things change then I believe the political face in Europe could be changed dramatically soon!

 

[SocketRocket]

White settlers ?!!

I think its a tablet for indigestion!