The General Election Debates.....What do you think?

[boatbuilder]

What are your thoughts about the proposed election debate(s)? Do you think one debate involving all the major seven parties - (or eight if the DUP get their way) - is adequate, or do you think the proposed three debates that the TV channels are planning is a better proposal or is that two too many? You may even think that none would be better and that you are able to make up your mind from what is included in the individual manifestos when they are published.

Have you ever bothered to read any of the manifestos before previous elections? Let's know what you think, irrespective of who you are likely to vote for, and what helps you make your mind up which way to vote or do you always vote for the same party and why? You don't have to say which party.

[Mel]

I would be quite happy with no TV debates, we would learn nothing new and I don't think we need to elect our politicians on whether they come across good on the television it is their policies that count; and if you are going to vote you should make yourself aware of each parties manifestoes. If there has to be a televised debate, there should be just one with the leaders of all parties with a sitting MP in Parliament taking part.

[boatbuilder]

I am with you on that Mel, although I'm not sure what you mean about a sitting MP being involved. Which party would he/she be from, and why?

[Mel]

I am with you on that Mel, although I'm not sure what you mean about a sitting MP being involved. Which party would he/she be from, and why?

I have probably not explained properly what I meant Boatbuilder. For instance if the leader of the Raving Looney Party wanted to be part of the debate he would be barred because there is no MP from his party sitting at Westminster.

[boatbuilder]

I see what you mean Mel, but I think it is only intended for the major parties - which should also include the main party in each of the smaller countries such as Plaid Cymru, SNP and DUP (if they are included as want to and should be). Maybe any party leaders like Mr Farage shouldn't be included as he isn't a standing MP. even though he is the party's leader. Perhaps they should be represented by a standing MP.

Perhaps they should have a 'Party' and invite ALL those who hold seats.

[George]

Seems to me that our Dave is running scared of going head to head with Ed.
If Ed is so poor a politician, then why is Dave so keen not to debate with him?

[frankiesays]

Seems to me that our Dave is running scared of going head to head with Ed.
If Ed is so poor a politician, then why is Dave so keen not to debate with him?

What would he gain from doing so?

[George]

What would Dave gain?
he could tell us what he has achieved in the last five years, such as

Keeping our AAA credit rating, opps maybe not.
The clearing of the deficit, ah, well um, maybe in another five years
Reducing immigration to tens of thousands, move on, nothing to see here
Greenest government ever, well apart from cutting all the green crap

Oh well, maybe there is a good reason or two that Dave wishes to keep away from the debates