Answering a question at the launch of the Conservative manifesto, Cameron had this to say:
I think the politicians have been treating the public like mugs for about 40 years.
Presumably, that includes Margaret Thatcher.
Now, compare that statement to the word cloud from their manifesto:
Little or nothing about debt, deficit, tax increases or spending cuts. So, he is also treating us like mugs.
There is an arrogance about David Cameron that is beginning to reveal itself during this campaign, which puts a question mark on his suitability to become our Prime Minister.
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The Conservatives are treating us like mugs, by pretending to be against big government, while proposing favouring one kind of family, more people making sure we're as healthy as the government wants to be, and more contracts with strings attached such as asking intrusive questions for the voluntary sector and social enterprises.
ReplyDeleteWhy does it say on the side panel that you are a right of center blogger.
ReplyDeleteYou used to be until you had your month or so off.
What has happened to your blogging? You are coming over as a Mandelson/Johnson/Brown cheerleader who is very bitter about something David Cameron has said or done to you. Last visit for me sadly...had followed you for so long too.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering about that too, I used to like this blog but lately it has been so Labour biased I don't know how anyone can want the return of Brown and this dreadful government. Biggest change I have seen since Andrew Sullivan, I used to really like him, but he went on holiday as a good centre right fiscally conservative but socially liberal writer and came back as a shrill defender of all things left, very srange, looks like you are going the same way so no longer objective or worth reading.
ReplyDeleteI give Cameron the benefit of the doubt - I don't think he is arrogant. But the 'Don't frighten the horses strategy' which was dreamt up by Cameron and his advisors when he took over is not one for times such as these. It is this strategy that has lead to the lack of any policy that might prove unpopular with any section of the electorate. Dealing with the deficit is bound to be painful and therefore potentially unpopular - hence the lets put our heads in the sand and hope approach.
ReplyDeleteThis is not the kind of leadership the country needs. We don't need an 'Heir to Blair' we need a 'Heir to Maggie'.
Anonymous - I am an observer of UK politics. If you read my memo's to MAndelson you will note I have been fairly critical of Labour's campaign. If Cameron's wins and he doesn't tell the truth on tax, he will not have a mandate for what has to happen after the election.
ReplyDeleteI have now read the Tory manifesto and VAT is not even mentioned, which will have to up after the election.
I am no cheerleader for Brown, as you will know if you have been reading my blog.
There is a lot of doubt about Cameron, which I picked up in all areas of the country, especially in the South East, the North and Scotland.
All the parties are treating us as mugs about debt reduction. The problem is if one of them puts their heads over the top then they get shot at. The tories tried this and went down in the polls, so now they are being more careful.
ReplyDeleteLabour are doing exactly the same thing. They have foolishly ruled out income tax/NI rises so they too are only left with VAT. If some miracle happens and Brown stays in place, he wont have a mandate for what has to happen after the election either.
At the end of the day everybody needs to make a decision about who will do the best job taking the country forward.
ReplyDeleteHoward chooses Brown over Cameron which is a shame, but it's his blog and he's perfectly entitled to do so.
NonnyMouse - thanks for that. Your comment on the mandate is spot on. Yes it is my blog, but others are making the wrong assumptions about my views. I have been very critical of Brown over many months as I have of Cameron of late. Neither leader is cutting through at present. Voters want change, as they did in 1992, but are not convinced about the Tories.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, Cameron should be more than 10% ahead in the polls. If he doesn't get a bounce after today he is deep trouble.
Time to think outside of the three-party box and vote UKIP. No better time than an economic crisis to stop funding useless quangos, French farmers, bloated bureaucrats, open-door EU immigration and health care tourists - to name but a few...
ReplyDelete