Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Options

politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Lucian Fletcher on the latest Northern Ireland assembly poll

SystemSystem Posts: 11,690
edited February 2017 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Lucian Fletcher on the latest Northern Ireland assembly poll

The heat is on… Exclusive insight on state of play for parties ahead of crucial March 2nd vote #AE17 @LucidTalk https://t.co/CpXUbu1rLR

Read the full story here


«13456

Comments

  • Options
    On topic another superb contribution from you Lucian.
  • Options
    @TSE - too close to call?
  • Options
    DanSmithDanSmith Posts: 1,215
    Does Leave.EU still have the phone banking infrastructure in place from the referendum? If yes I'm inclined to take this poll seriously, they know what they are doing.
  • Options
    Is there any chance that the DUP might find a way to edge Ms Foster out?
  • Options

    @TSE - too close to call?

    I'm calling it for UKIP now.
  • Options
    dr_spyndr_spyn Posts: 11,288
    @Casino_Royale Thanks ftp.

    The New Dawn posts on Twitter are good, news summaries from 1997. Oddly enough EU & UK relations keep cropping up.
  • Options
    DanSmith said:

    Does Leave.EU still have the phone banking infrastructure in place from the referendum? If yes I'm inclined to take this poll seriously, they know what they are doing.

    Leave.EU used Survation in the past who were way too optimistic on Ukip in the constituency polls in the 2014 by elections and the 2015 seat polls.

    Though their pollster got their exit poll on the EU ref spot on.
  • Options
    brokenwheelbrokenwheel Posts: 3,352
    isam said:
    Believable, maybe an underestimate given the history of this seat and local politics.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082
    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.
  • Options

    @TSE - too close to call?

    I'm calling it for UKIP now.
    Assuming its accurate, the MoE is reasonable, and UKIP's ground game is better than Labour's (or not as bad).

    If it is true, the Betfair price is a steal and UKIP should prob be down to 1.4-1.5 off the back of this poll.

    PS: I don't think Stokies could give two flying figs whether Nuttall lives in that house or not. Even assuming they hear it (most won't) everyone knows he's a national leader and not local.
  • Options
    Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 2 mins2 minutes ago

    If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?
  • Options

    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.

    You couldn't make that comment up. The conservatives have no chance in this seat, have selected a 25 year old novice, and are putting their efforts into Copeland. If, and it is a big if, Nuttall beats labour the terrible result is for Corbyn while TM adds another pro Brexit voting MP
  • Options
    White Paper introduced to HOC by David Davis at 12.30
  • Options
    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html
  • Options
    MortimerMortimer Posts: 13,946

    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.

    No. it means you're massively out of touch with Britain. People really dislike the EU and are, in many areas, far more socially than the Tories, let alone the parties of the left.
  • Options

    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.

    Eh? It would be a great result for the Tories and an unmitigated disaster for Labour.

  • Options

    @TSE - too close to call?

    I'm calling it for UKIP now.

    Given that the removal of Corbyn is a pre-requisite for any possibility of a Labour revival I would love that poll to be accurate, but the lack of any data around it is suspicious. It may also play into Labour's hands. It shows them behind, but not behind enough to definitely lose. It may help to bring out some anti-UKIP voters.

  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,933
    edited February 2017
    Gareth Snell's comments re Brexit and the people who voted for it surely win this for Ukip? How on earth did he think they wouldn't come back to haunt him, labour supporters should be furious with him for standing
  • Options
    Completely OT.

    Very sad to hear of the death overnight of Desmond Carrington. He was a radio broadcaster for 70 years and continued to present his Music Goes Around show on Radio 2 until well past his 90th Birthday only stopping last October.

    A voice from another era but always a welcome friend on a Friday night.

    RIP Mr Carrington
  • Options

    @TSE - too close to call?

    I'm calling it for UKIP now.

    Given that the removal of Corbyn is a pre-requisite for any possibility of a Labour revival I would love that poll to be accurate, but the lack of any data around it is suspicious. It may also play into Labour's hands. It shows them behind, but not behind enough to definitely lose. It may help to bring out some anti-UKIP voters.

    You have to say that Nuttall probably needs conservatives tactically voting for him to win
  • Options
    brokenwheelbrokenwheel Posts: 3,352
    edited February 2017
    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.
  • Options
  • Options

    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.

    To build narrative and momentum.

    In 2015 the Tories and UKIP were neck and neck, now they can say only UKIP can beat Labour here.
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760
    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082

    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.

    Eh? It would be a great result for the Tories and an unmitigated disaster for Labour.
    Did I forget to mention that it would be good for Yes? ;)
  • Options
    nunununu Posts: 6,024
    Brom said:

    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.

    Even if Nuttal wins he might have fluffed it up.
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,987
    Aussie diplomacy at its finest. Where's Sir Les Patterson when you need him?
  • Options

    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.

    To build narrative and momentum.

    In 2015 the Tories and UKIP were neck and neck, now they can say only UKIP can beat Labour here.
    UKIP need to learn how to do bar charts.
  • Options
    Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 13,009
    Trump could finish Turnbull if reneges on the refugee deal. Turnbull is already dealing with a good old fashioned donations scandal and dire polls. If he gets tipped out, it won't be for Abbott but probably ScoMo and then an early election which the ALP will win. An ALP government will be absoutely antithetical to whatever Trumps wants as a matter of principle. He can kiss goodbye to the proposed US base in the Northern Territories for a start.
  • Options
    dr_spyn said:

    @Casino_Royale Thanks ftp.

    The New Dawn posts on Twitter are good, news summaries from 1997. Oddly enough EU & UK relations keep cropping up.

    It's been going on since 1988 for Tories/UKIP, from 1972-1983 for Labour, and rumbling in the background amongst a growing minority who voted in the 1st referendum since 1975.
  • Options
    nunununu Posts: 6,024
    Mortimer said:

    If UKIP can win a by-election after May's hard-Brexit and embrace of Trump it would be a terrible result for her.

    No. it means you're massively out of touch with Britain. People really dislike the EU and are, in many areas, far more socially than the Tories, let alone the parties of the left.
    far more socially?

    you must mean socially conservative.
  • Options
    Dura_Ace said:

    Trump could finish Turnbull if reneges on the refugee deal. Turnbull is already dealing with a good old fashioned donations scandal and dire polls. If he gets tipped out, it won't be for Abbott but probably ScoMo and then an early election which the ALP will win. An ALP government will be absoutely antithetical to whatever Trumps wants as a matter of principle. He can kiss goodbye to the proposed US base in the Northern Territories for a start.

    Yep - Trump is busily burning bridges with people he will need at some stage further down the line. It's not a great strategy.

  • Options
    Brom said:

    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.

    Snell may have shot himself in the foot with his stupid tweets.

    People get that in a way they don't get/care about due process.
  • Options
    It is interesting we've not had a single proper methodologically sound poll released that shows UKIP ahead in Stoke.

    All we've had is that facebook poll and now this.

    I think we know what conclusion to infer from that.
  • Options
    weejonnieweejonnie Posts: 3,820
    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    La La Land is obviously not just a film.
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383

    Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 2 mins2 minutes ago

    If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

    It needs saying.
  • Options
    weejonnieweejonnie Posts: 3,820

    It is interesting we've not had a single proper methodologically sound poll released that shows UKIP ahead in Stoke.

    All we've had is that facebook poll and now this.

    I think we know what conclusion to infer from that.

    No one wants to admit publically that UKIP has a chance?
  • Options
    FPT:

    James Forsyth:
    It is a striking feature of British politics that we care more about statements by the US President than those of the leaders of the countries with whom we have been in ‘ever closer union’ for 40-odd years.

    http://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/02/what-no-10-has-learned-about-dealing-with-the-donald/

    The truth is that every country in Europe cares more about statements by the US President than those of the leader of a randomly chosen European neighbour.
    Angela Merkel is a 'randomly chosen European neighbour'?

    I thought she was 'wisely biding her time (she wasn't - Trump didn't return her calls pleading to visit as soon as) and was now the 'leader of the Liberal West' (who wants to ban Burkas)
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,933

    It is interesting we've not had a single proper methodologically sound poll released that shows UKIP ahead in Stoke.

    All we've had is that facebook poll and now this.

    I think we know what conclusion to infer from that.

    It would be more interesting if there had been methodically sound polls that had them behind, or any at all.
  • Options
    Blue_rogBlue_rog Posts: 2,019
    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    I think that, more in keeping with the snowflake generation, there should be a national breath holding, until everyone goes red in the face
  • Options

    It is interesting we've not had a single proper methodologically sound poll released that shows UKIP ahead in Stoke.

    All we've had is that facebook poll and now this.

    I think we know what conclusion to infer from that.

    That's why I think they should now be odds on but not the overwhelming favourite.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082
    dixiedean said:

    Aussie diplomacy at its finest. Where's Sir Les Patterson when you need him?
    The Donald did once sit on Terry Wogan's sofa with Dame Edna.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bif7PmlIHwc
  • Options
    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    What do they call people who reject the results of the ballot and resort to strikes and demonstrations to bring down governments?

    Democrats, no, that's not it.....
  • Options

    Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 2 mins2 minutes ago

    If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

    Will they listen, or will there be more protests, more violence and more burnings?
  • Options
    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1
  • Options
    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    If anyone needs me, I will be in the nuclear bunker...

    https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/827119326880813056
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383

    Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 2 mins2 minutes ago

    If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

    Will they listen, or will there be more protests, more violence and more burnings?
    Full Milo interview

    https://youtu.be/-Mg8AVpe6rY
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383
    Blue_rog said:

    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    I think that, more in keeping with the snowflake generation, there should be a national breath holding, until everyone goes red in the face
    :lol:
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760

    Brom said:

    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.

    Snell may have shot himself in the foot with his stupid tweets.

    People get that in a way they don't get/care about due process.
    I agree, and think the tweets are very newsworthy. The Stoke Sentinel have covered the Nuttall story though and I'm not sure they have covered the Snell tweets. I think that though Snell's idiocy is a talking point on PB, twitter and Guido it won't necessarily be an issue people on the streets of Stoke are aware of.

    I think the key factors that will determine the winner is where is the Brexit debate regarding media coverage in 2 to 3 weeks, and how metropolitan and toxic is Corbyn to people in Stoke. I'm not touching the betting markets but my head says Labour on a low turnout because I don't think any of these UKIP favouring polls carry any weight.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,930
    edited February 2017
    Brom said:

    Brom said:

    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.

    Snell may have shot himself in the foot with his stupid tweets.

    People get that in a way they don't get/care about due process.
    I agree, and think the tweets are very newsworthy. The Stoke Sentinel have covered the Nuttall story though and I'm not sure they have covered the Snell tweets. I think that though Snell's idiocy is a talking point on PB, twitter and Guido it won't necessarily be an issue people on the streets of Stoke are aware of.

    I think the key factors that will determine the winner is where is the Brexit debate regarding media coverage in 2 to 3 weeks, and how metropolitan and toxic is Corbyn to people in Stoke. I'm not touching the betting markets but my head says Labour on a low turnout because I don't think any of these UKIP favouring polls carry any weight.
    Yes, but I can taste the sick in my mouth having laid UKIP here right now.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082
    edited February 2017

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England. Now that I think about it, even if Scotland has left it would be a good idea.
  • Options
    brokenwheelbrokenwheel Posts: 3,352

    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.

    To build narrative and momentum.

    In 2015 the Tories and UKIP were neck and neck, now they can say only UKIP can beat Labour here.
    Perhaps, but then why not show Labour and UKIP neck and neck? There is a danger in making undecided voters think it's all over. If the EU ref polling had overestimated Leave I suspect the result may have been different.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    It just needs a few of Trump's rich supporters to go out on a spending spree to balance that out.
  • Options

    Scott_P said:

    Activists are calling for people to stop working and buying things for a day to bring down Donald Trump.

    A national general strike across the US is being called for 17 February – the Friday before President's Day – as a way of protesting the new administration.

    Those behind the strike hope that they can cause enough disruption to bring about change in the political system.


    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-general-strike-us-president-day-when-activists-national-facebook-twitter-a7558851.html

    What do they call people who reject the results of the ballot and resort to strikes and demonstrations to bring down governments?

    Democrats, no, that's not it.....
    Remainers?

  • Options
    Mr. Glenn, carving England into pieces is not on. It could quite easily lead to England eventually separating.

    Mr. Royale, HM has mastered the ancient and underrated skill of knowing how to be quiet.
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England.
    I'm a monarchist who's exceedingly pissed off at how Charles is going to give monarchy a very bad name and ruin it, and is too stupid to realise it.

    He's acquired a number of certainties in his life about how the world works, absolutely believes he's right and - to put it mildly - doesn't exactly relish challenge upon them.

    He brings out the Roundhead in me.
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
    He really does boil my piss.

    You can count the number of months till all the remaining Commonwealth Realms bugger off on the fingers of one hand.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,933
    edited February 2017
    If that poll is anywhere near accurate, & I wouldn't have any idea either way, Ladbrokes 5/1 on UKIP 40%-50% is big
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    Brom said:

    Brom said:

    I think Theresa would much prefer a Labour win in Stoke to keep Corbyn in charge and stop UKIP outflanking her. As a leave voter with UKIPPy tendencies I would like to see Nuttall in parliament as a fresh voice but I would much prefer a smooth Brexit so in a way I would prefer the awful Gareth Snell to sneak home.

    Snell may have shot himself in the foot with his stupid tweets.

    People get that in a way they don't get/care about due process.
    I agree, and think the tweets are very newsworthy. The Stoke Sentinel have covered the Nuttall story though and I'm not sure they have covered the Snell tweets. I think that though Snell's idiocy is a talking point on PB, twitter and Guido it won't necessarily be an issue people on the streets of Stoke are aware of.

    I think the key factors that will determine the winner is where is the Brexit debate regarding media coverage in 2 to 3 weeks, and how metropolitan and toxic is Corbyn to people in Stoke. I'm not touching the betting markets but my head says Labour on a low turnout because I don't think any of these UKIP favouring polls carry any weight.
    You think there won't be leaflets from several of the parties pointing out what Labour's candidates thinks of Stoke's voters? It will be very well known by the time votes start getting cast.
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383
    edited February 2017
    Hollywood...

    Sargon of Akkad
    Jesus Christ, this lunatic is actually calling for a fucking coup. https://t.co/jBqVzlBuSO

    Sarah Silverman
    WAKE UP & JOIN THE RESISTANCE. ONCE THE MILITARY IS W US FASCISTS GET OVERTHROWN. MAD KING & HIS HANDLERS GO BYE BYE https://t.co/Y2WZbL012A
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082

    Mr. Glenn, carving England into pieces is not on. It could quite easily lead to England eventually separating.

    Why? Nobody thinks Saxony or Baden-Wuerttemberg will separate from the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England.
    I'm a monarchist who's exceedingly pissed off at how Charles is going to give monarchy a very bad name and ruin it, and is too stupid to realise it.

    He's acquired a number of certainties in his life about how the world works, absolutely believes he's right and - to put it mildly - doesn't exactly relish challenge upon them.

    He brings out the Roundhead in me.
    Me too. I'm only a monarchist as long as the system works, and the HoS STFU and isn't a politician.
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760

    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.

    To build narrative and momentum.

    In 2015 the Tories and UKIP were neck and neck, now they can say only UKIP can beat Labour here.
    Perhaps, but then why not show Labour and UKIP neck and neck? There is a danger in making undecided voters think it's all over. If the EU ref polling had overestimated Leave I suspect the result may have been different.

    From a psychological point of view I can imagine in a place like Stoke where people vote Labour no matter what for generation after generation it might be an effective tactic to tell people that the masses are voting UKIP this time instead in order to break the cycle and hope some kind of groupthink will push people towards the purples.

    Unlike in a lot of constituencies I don't think having UKIP ahead will motivate Labour voters to come out in droves to keep out Nuttall. The Labour vote is diminishing, old school and clearly quite soft in Stoke & very different to the 'stop the right at all costs' sort of Labour voter we see in London and Brighton.
  • Options
    UKIP/Labour cross over on Betfair again.
  • Options

    I'm more interested in why Leave.EU would release this.

    To build narrative and momentum.

    In 2015 the Tories and UKIP were neck and neck, now they can say only UKIP can beat Labour here.
    Perhaps, but then why not show Labour and UKIP neck and neck? There is a danger in making undecided voters think it's all over. If the EU ref polling had overestimated Leave I suspect the result may have been different.
    If there's one thing I've learned over the years, UKIP are shite at expectations management.
  • Options
    wasdwasd Posts: 276
    Leave.UK's UK wide figures have the con-lab gap at only 11%.
  • Options
    One of the problems of the NI Assembly mechanics is the degree of power given to Sinn Fein and the DUP as the largest-party representatives of their designations. The St Andrews Agreement was a good example of two sides that needed to agree doing so at the expense of third parties. Basically, the government can't operate without either and their position is assured as long as their largest-party status is assured (and for the reasons that Lucien lays out, it will be for the forseeable future).

    I'd suggest that a change is needed, though I suspect that it wouldn't be politically possible at the moment, so that a government can be formed as long as it:

    - Contains both unionist and nationalist designations.
    - Contains parties representing at least one-third of both nationalist and unionist designations
    - Contains parties representing at least one-half of the Assembly.

    A party shouldn't be able to bring the Assembly down if there's a viable cross-community alternative.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,933

    UKIP/Labour cross over on Betfair again.
    This has got to be the best by election betting heat in years hasn't it? Practically 50/50 at all times
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England.
    I'm a monarchist who's exceedingly pissed off at how Charles is going to give monarchy a very bad name and ruin it, and is too stupid to realise it.

    He's acquired a number of certainties in his life about how the world works, absolutely believes he's right and - to put it mildly - doesn't exactly relish challenge upon them.

    He brings out the Roundhead in me.
    Me too. I'm only a monarchist as long as the system works, and the HoS STFU and isn't a politician.
    Charles thinks he matters because of who he is, and doesn't realise people listen to him only because of what he is.
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383
    Guido
    BREAKING: Shiner guilty over Iraqi claims https://t.co/nMUhzm9Wvb
  • Options
    GeoffMGeoffM Posts: 6,071

    Mr. Glenn, carving England into pieces is not on. It could quite easily lead to England eventually separating.

    Why? Nobody thinks Saxony or Baden-Wuerttemberg will separate from the Federal Republic of Germany.
    ...which is a shame. Spain is quite likely to split up, though.
  • Options

    Mr. Glenn, carving England into pieces is not on. It could quite easily lead to England eventually separating.

    I'm not sure it would but if that's what ultimately works for England, what's the problem with it eventually separating?
  • Options
    Mr. Glenn, different part of the world. Germany is a stitching together of lots of little powers, hence why there are big cities dotted throughout the country and mostly regional newspapers.

    England is one country over a thousand years old. London has been pre-eminent for perhaps 800 years or more. The Scottish example is a perfect one of how devolution can lead to division (and might easily lead to separation).

    Imagine we have a Yorkshire Parliament and a London Parliament. Demagogues get elected. Yorkshire's tinpot king claims we aren't getting the same spending per head as London, that's unfair (true). London's tinpot king claims the city exports tax revenues and gets criticism rather than praise, and that's time for more to be spent on the city (also true).

    It'd stoke up political division and discord by entrenching it in the institutions of government. It'd also be bloody stupid given what's happened between Holyrood and Westminster. Not to mention that England isn't the property of politicians to be carved into petty fiefdoms. Was Scotland divided into Lowlands, Highlands and Islands? Did anyone even suggest that?

    I'm English, and I don't want England carving into pieces.
  • Options
    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850

    On topic, I expect that in reality, the DUP vote share will hardly be affected.

    Overall, I'd expect a result like DUP 31, UUP 14, TUV 1, Alliance 8, Sinn Fein 22, SDLP 12, PBP 1, Green 1.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    Democracy and freedom of speech do seem to be in a rather fragile state in the US at the moment.
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England.
    I'm a monarchist who's exceedingly pissed off at how Charles is going to give monarchy a very bad name and ruin it, and is too stupid to realise it.

    He's acquired a number of certainties in his life about how the world works, absolutely believes he's right and - to put it mildly - doesn't exactly relish challenge upon them.

    He brings out the Roundhead in me.
    Me too. I'm only a monarchist as long as the system works, and the HoS STFU and isn't a politician.
    Charles thinks he matters because of who he is, and doesn't realise people listen to him only because of what he is.
    Somebody said to me years ago, Charles as King will be like a real life production of The Madness of King George III
  • Options
    Mr. Tokyo, there's no appetite today for English separation, but creating devolved assemblies and reducing the land to a patchwork of fiefdoms would create that appetite for separation by politically entrenching division through the structure of devolved institutions.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,082

    Mr. Tokyo, there's no appetite today for English separation, but creating devolved assemblies and reducing the land to a patchwork of fiefdoms would create that appetite for separation by politically entrenching division through the structure of devolved institutions.

    A federal system is not quite the same as devolution within a unitary state.
  • Options

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    I'm not a republican per se, but if it came to that, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to create a federal UK (assuming Scotland hasn't left by then). I'd solve the 'England's too big' problem by reverting to a version of the historic kingdoms of England.
    I'm a monarchist who's exceedingly pissed off at how Charles is going to give monarchy a very bad name and ruin it, and is too stupid to realise it.

    He's acquired a number of certainties in his life about how the world works, absolutely believes he's right and - to put it mildly - doesn't exactly relish challenge upon them.

    He brings out the Roundhead in me.
    Me too. I'm only a monarchist as long as the system works, and the HoS STFU and isn't a politician.
    I think it was Sean Fear who said he might call for Caroline Lucas as PM.
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760
    I'm both surprised and delighted. Let's hope the BOE are not wrong with this one.
  • Options
  • Options
    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850
    PlatoSaid said:

    Guido
    BREAKING: Shiner guilty over Iraqi claims https://t.co/nMUhzm9Wvb

    What a shit that man is.
  • Options
    mattmatt Posts: 3,789

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
    He really does boil my piss.

    You can count the number of months till all the remaining Commonwealth Realms bugger off on the fingers of one hand.
    We've been pretty lucky from Victoria onwards (one obvious exception). Dim and with strong opinions is rarely a happy combination.
  • Options
    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,850
    matt said:

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
    He really does boil my piss.

    You can count the number of months till all the remaining Commonwealth Realms bugger off on the fingers of one hand.
    We've been pretty lucky from Victoria onwards (one obvious exception). Dim and with strong opinions is rarely a happy combination.
    And, having an affair with Paul Burrell.
  • Options
    Scott_P said:
    He's used to issuing orders and being obeyed. He's used to 'Yes' men.
  • Options
    mattmatt Posts: 3,789
    Sean_F said:

    matt said:

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
    He really does boil my piss.

    You can count the number of months till all the remaining Commonwealth Realms bugger off on the fingers of one hand.
    We've been pretty lucky from Victoria onwards (one obvious exception). Dim and with strong opinions is rarely a happy combination.
    And, having an affair with Paul Burrell.
    Charles did that?
  • Options
    PlatoSaidPlatoSaid Posts: 10,383

    dixiedean said:

    Aussie diplomacy at its finest. Where's Sir Les Patterson when you need him?
    The Donald did once sit on Terry Wogan's sofa with Dame Edna.

    ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bif7PmlIHwc
    :lol:
  • Options
    matt said:

    Sean_F said:

    matt said:

    I've warned repeatedly that Charles is a dipstick who just doesn't get it. Republicanism will have a huge boost when he takes the throne:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JGForsyth/status/827117737080213505/photo/1

    If he's going to follow Queen Victoria's lead, then we're going to get a new Bedchamber crisis.

    Hurrah for constitutional crises
    He really does boil my piss.

    You can count the number of months till all the remaining Commonwealth Realms bugger off on the fingers of one hand.
    We've been pretty lucky from Victoria onwards (one obvious exception). Dim and with strong opinions is rarely a happy combination.
    And, having an affair with Paul Burrell.
    Charles did that?
    Dang, you beat me to it.

  • Options
    Great to see Lucian back on PB.com again. Like yours truly, he goes back to the very early days of PB. com, often posting through the night under a name I can't instantly remember.
This discussion has been closed.