Which Government Party (1st Time Voter)

[Noble Ox]

Ok, so I'm 18 and have the opportunity to vote for the first time.

I have no political knowledge what so ever, and had decided not to vote.
However at work today my Boss gave me some good reasons to do so, and I am now considering the idea.

He suggested I base my decisions on things which are important to me. I.e. student finance/university or transport, and then with time and knowledge base my decisions on wider areas, until I can understand a party as a whole.

So I have come to the .Org as I have decided to make my vote totally dependent on the most appealing/relevant to me: transport policies.

The things I would like are:

No scameras
No congestion charges
Low tax/insurance
Anti-green (I love engines way too much, V-twins, V8's)
Considerable lowering of fuel prices
Those robbing private clampers to disappear
More bike awareness campaigns
Compulsory CBT for all
More money put forward to maintaining roads
Free public transport for people under 21 (Like OAP's get a bus pass, help make jobs more accessible to those starting employment without a degree)

Can you explain to me what each party is proposing for their transport policy?

Which party sounds like the one for me?!

Thanks, Aran

[ravingdavis]

haha, the monster raving loony party perhaps?

Seriously, problem is, while I would love to see many of the things you have said implemented it will never realistically happen. Problem with politics is everything is based on opinion so best thing for you to do is to form your own. Easiest way to do that is to have a read of the party websites:
http://www2.labour.org.uk/
http://www.conservatives.com/
http://www.libdems.org.uk/

Also have a look at the sticky thread on the election, people are discussing their opinions on what the leaders are saying.

You have to vote, it is your right and your say in how your life will be in this country.

[phi-dan]

I don't think any party is particularly focussed on bikes, but this site http://www.votematch.org.uk/2010/index.php might help you get an idea of which parties to think about

[Nick_69]

If you didnt watch the debate last nite do, and then watch the next 2 they will help you make some sort of choice.

[davepreston]

dont vote ,just join my anarchist movement, to blow up parliment V style
viva la revolution









or just find a honest politician

[Sosha]

I'd have a butcher's at whoever's standing for your constituency & pick out the one you think'll do the best job for you. Might not be the tactical thing but at least you'll end up voting for someone you want to do the job... or not voting for someone you don't want to do the job.

[ravingdavis]

or just find a honest politician

Now thats just crazy talk

[Cumfy]

dont vote ,just join my anarchist movement, to blow up parliment V style
viva la revolution









or just find a honest politician

Dave don't confuse the issue by using honest and politician in the same sentence, almost fell off me chair reading that. lol

But seriously use your vote. It's a right you should use.

Cheers

[RichT]

haha, the monster raving loony party perhaps?

Seriously, problem is, while I would love to see many of the things you have said implemented it will never realistically happen. Problem with politics is everything is based on opinion so best thing for you to do is to form your own. Easiest way to do that is to have a read of the party websites:
http://www2.labour.org.uk/
http://www.conservatives.com/
http://www.libdems.org.uk/

Also have a look at the sticky thread on the election, people are discussing their opinions on what the leaders are saying.

You have to vote, it is your right and your say in how your life will be in this country.

+1 - well put.

[Luckypants]

Also have a look at the sticky thread on the election, people are discussing their opinions on what the leaders are saying.

You have to vote, it is your right and your say in how your life will be in this country.

Well said and here is a link to that discussion

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=149879

[Jabba]

In addition to the parties and their national policies you also need to consider the candidates themselves. Some things that you might want to consider:

1. Does it matter to you whether they live locally as are aware of local issues?
2. Have they been in parliament before and were they a good MP?
3. Have they taken the trouble to knock on your door and talk to you/ask you what you think ans what matters to you?
4. If not 3, have they at least pushed a leaflet through your door?

You might also like to consider your constituency itself. Take a look at the the results from the last election. For example, many people cast their vote against one particular party by voting for the challenger most likely to beat them. It is called "tactical voting".

I will be voting tactically this year despite the sitting MP being a good person, not caught up the expenses scandal, being very visible throughout the last 5 years within the constiuency and fighting her constituents corner on many an occasion. She also managed to get her legislation on the regulation of sunbeds/tanning salons through.

I agree (for once!) with ravingdavis.... it is really important that you vote. It is one of the great freedoms that we have in this Country, the right to a free and private vote.

I also don't think that all politicians are bad. Whether you believe this or not, you will have an MP representing you in Parliament. Have your say in who this might be :thumbsup:

[carternd]

Good decision. We have enough problems with the government eroding our freedom, without the idle public doing the same.