Some Good Blogosphere Reading

Been reading a few bits and pieces across the blogs and I thought I’d recommend a couple of bits.

Why Labour Shouldn’t Block the Independence Referendum

I agree entirely with this. Number 1, I think referenda is good for democracy. Number 2, it is certainly not in Labour’s political interests to block this. As the author of this piece says blocking this will give the Nats all the impetus they need.

Tories Marriage Policy will hurt the Young and Poor

So much for the progressive politics of David Cameron and the Tories eh?! Implementing policies that will hurt those who are most vulnerable in our society. I’ve always wanted to know why Conservatives find it acceptable to social engineer society within this context but not others. Answers on a postcard please.

Islam4UK shouldn’t be allowed to march through Wootton Bassett

Obviously I disagree with this post (see yesterday’s blogpost). However I think it is important to represent both sides of a debate. So here is Julian’s article, slightly amended on LabourList.

I think I’ll do this every so often. When I see something worth reading I’ll post it.

Bad Day for Dave

Well its all gone a bit wrong for David Cameron day. On the day that he was supposed be launching the draft health manifesto of the Conservative party he ends up back tracking on a promise to incentivise marriage in the tax system.

The Guardian reckons the Labour party has drawn first blood in the general election campaign. It’s all quite funny really. I’m suspect this is a sign of things to come from the Conservative party. Andy Coulson will not be pleased.

I think as time goes by and David Cameron comes under more pressure and scrutiny he will buckle. Yes he is an intelligent man and a good PR friendly politician. But I still don’t think he has the masterful grasp of policy Tony Blair did or Gordon Brown does.

I suspect his inheritance tax cut pledge will fall away if it becomes a political hot potato. Cameron will do anything to win votes. His eagerness will prove his downfall.

1-0 Labour

Pissing on the Parade

So, Labour has closed the gap in the polls. Alright, that’s a slight exaggeration. One poll published today had Labour up by five points, bringing them to within six points of the Tories for the first time in a while. I must say I was very excited when I first heard this.

Then I checked myself and reality kicked in. This is one poll. In the last six months the Tories have been consistently polling double digit leads on Labour. Why should we take this poll as gospel when there are thousands of others out there that double the Tory lead? I mean its not as if the Queen’s Speech recieved glittering praise was it? The negative press coverage must have permeated public opinion.

In the next few days they’ll probably a series of polls, doubling or even tripling the Tory lead. We need to be realistic here. It is one poll. Of course it is encouraging. To suggest otherwise would be ridiculous. However manic excitment will just not do at the moment. That is not to say that with a bit of sustained effort and discipline, we can’t firm up these numbers. Hope maybe?