FlyTheNest

ErnstRemarx

It's actually been a reasonable day politics wise. Osborne's had a shoeing from the IFS - and the OBR - over his budget, a budget if presented by Labour would have the subject of scorn the same day, no doubt. He's exposed as a chancer whose evasions were found even by James Naughtie to be too much t...

ErnstRemarx

Maybe it's worth having a FTN poll on whether to disable the thanks button as it does make the page jiggle around every time you use it ? FWIW I like having the Thanks button. You can't respond to every post, and the thanks button lets people know you have read and appreciate. That goes a long way....

ErnstRemarx

And some fun stuff from 2012 for all us door knockers to absorb and use in doorstep conversations.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ramesh- ... 07552.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ErnstRemarx

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... s-19032015" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Beaker gets a stuffing - 31 minutes in.

ErnstRemarx

Jason wake retweeted Gabriel Scally ‏@GabrielScally 4 hrs4 hours ago Biggest #NHS Trust in UK fails & @Jeremy_Hunt fails to appear in Commons for Urgent Question. @andyburnhammp & @UKLabour MPs rightly angry! Methinks Burnham is going to tear him a new one for that. Absolutely disgraceful a...

ErnstRemarx

Sorry for the rant. I think my exasperation with idealistic young people who won't vote Labour because, you know, "Iraq" has been simmering under the surface for a while. If you want to be that idealistic you're gonna have to go live on an island somewhere in the South Pacific and shun th...

ErnstRemarx

Has anyone seen Jack Monroe's piece on the G today? She is 27 - and talks about "campaigning" as though she'd been doing it for years on end. I had some time for her until recently. No more. She's taking some stick BTL. It's a shame, but my guess is that she'll be back in time. Labour sup...

ErnstRemarx

Morning all. Believe it or not I have very little to say about yesterday's budget. I may be drawn but needless to say am unimpressed. One of the things I've found interesting on visits to this site has been the accounts of doorstep canvassing. RebaccaRiots (isn't it?) and ErnstRemarx' contributions...

ErnstRemarx

There's a less promising poll from TNS earlier today... Con 33 (+5) Lab 32 (-3) and the rest, but Smithson says that TNS seem to have changed their methodology and that probably explains the extent of the swing. Labour's 36 with YouGov tonight is their best this year. +5 and -3? If that doesn't scr...

ErnstRemarx

I love this girl, I love her voice and I love her politics - (and I think - don't quote me - she's dyslexic so I feel an affinity with her) "Brit winner Paloma Faith, who went on anti-Thatcher rallies in her pushchair, has asked Guardian columnist Owen Jones to appear with her on stage. It’s t...

ErnstRemarx

Dear We are now just 50 days away from the general election and I want to thank you for everything you're doing to campaign for a Labour victory in May. As always, this report details some of the things I have been up to in the European Parliament and across the South East of England. Campaigning f...

ErnstRemarx

According to the Guardian, the replacement for the two way debate would be this: "Cameron and Miliband would be interviewed by Jeremy Paxman and then questioned by a studio audience in a Sky/Channel 4 special on 26 March. But the two leaders would appear separately – never sharing the stage, d...

ErnstRemarx

RobertSnozers wrote:No gravy Yahyah?

No point if there's no ice cream.

ErnstRemarx

Some thoughts on "tribalism". In the entirety of the MSM, and very much including the Guardian the Labour Party is subjected to a constant barrage of attacks. Twitter is much the same, I have watched one person (who very much fits the Narxist description) hurl a constant stream of spittle...

ErnstRemarx

Ashcroft National Poll: CON 31 (-3) LAB 29 (-1) LIB 8 (+3) UKIP 15 (=) GRN 8 (=) I just don't believe that Labour's vote is no better than 2010. Ashcroft poll, thus those figures are just those "absolutely certain to vote" - said questions almost invariably imply a turnout of barely 50% (...

ErnstRemarx

I've lurked here long enough but have refrained from joining because I've sometimes found this site too tribal. Anyway following is a link to <a href="http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/files/kf/field/field_publication_file/never-again-story-health-social-care-nicholas-timmins-jul12.pdf">N...

ErnstRemarx

Afternoon all.

I suspect that Shapps business is far worse than we all suspected. Ever noticed he's never been seen in the presence of Robert Webb?

ErnstRemarx

You're probably right OhSo. But it's palpable up here. Come up here and I'll show you the Everton valley and areas of Manchester that'll shock you, although I dare say you can do it back to me. The point is we must unite and get rid of this Tory shit. Once it's gone, it's gone for a generation, and,...

ErnstRemarx

If you haven't seen this Willow, it will cheer you up (and not just you) : http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/conlist_r_s.html#SomersetNorthEast" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The thing that strikes me is that the north returns Labour MPs and the south/south west/south eas...

ErnstRemarx

AnatolyKasparov wrote:Or, if anything still worse, "hardworking families"

Nice to see you Anatoly - the Remarx clan is up in Dumfrieshire in mid April, so if you fancy meeting up, PM me and we can do summat.Otherwise, I hope you're chilling and feeling fine.

ErnstRemarx

citizenJA wrote:Who ate all the elk flavoured ice cream.

If I thought it was Eric fucking Pickles, I'd poison the next batch.

ErnstRemarx

I can't get the detail from the front page of todays Times but Tim Shipman has said this in his morning briefing: http://times-deck.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/projects/b056eb1587586b71e2da9acfe4fbd19e.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Len McCluskey, general secretary of ...

ErnstRemarx

DANNY Alexander has called on voters to form a unionist alliance to stop his and other Liberal Democrat seats falling into the hands of nationalists. Speaking to Scotland on Sunday yesterday, the chief secretary to the treasury admitted that he is fighting for his political life but believes he wil...

ErnstRemarx

If anyone doubts that the BBC has assumed the role of state broadcaster they should watch Marr this morning. Balls was interrupted ( as usual) time and time again with Marr trying to major on the SNP issue rather than the economy. Osborne was allowed to talk uninterrupted with Marr even apologised ...

ErnstRemarx

Finance expert Paul Lewis not impressed. Paul Lewis @paullewismoney · 6m 6 minutes ago Not one detail about annuity buyback or tax on it by GO #Marr. Just 'right way to treat people who have worked hard and saved hard'. *sigh* Paul Lewis @paullewismoney · 13m 13 minutes ago Will Osborne say anythin...

ErnstRemarx

Brown seeded bread? HP sauce? What type of coffee? Yes about the bread (you have a choice of that or Lancashire oven bottoms), Aldi's version of brown sauce - I believe it's Rumanian or something - whilst the coffee is Fairtrade Forza Roma: strong enough for you? 8-) And the prices? Well, let's jus...

ErnstRemarx

Am really missing RR2's posts about canvassing for Labour and life with Mr RR on their smallholding. Hope she'll be back after the election. Reminds me, need to get in touch Labour offices down the Vale of Glam this week, I want to spend a few days helping out with the canvassing, there and another...

ErnstRemarx

Yes about the bread (you have a choice of that or Lancashire oven bottoms), I wouldn't mind a barm cake. Aldi's version of brown sauce - I believe it's Rumanian or something - whilst the coffee is Fairtrade Forza Roma: strong enough for you? 8-) Sorry, HP, Daddies or extra dripping only. Coffee is ...

ErnstRemarx

https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HBhdaHR0cDovL3d3dy5pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5jby51ay9pbmNvbWluZy9hcnRpY2xlMTAxMDgxOTcuZWNlL2JpbmFyeS9vcmlnaW5hbC9kYW5ueV9hbGV4YW5kZXIuanBnFMAHFNAFABYAEgA&s=AGqXHx_-mov_xf4hmnA6NRi0lACRRjLyRm0dt1et7ao Not sure what Danny's box has in it. The remains of the last Lib Dem vo...

ErnstRemarx

I have the same misgivings about all this faux guff from the main Parties about hardworking families/taxpayers and get a little frustrated with it. :roll: I am a taxpayer but certainly don't consider myself as 'hardworking'. I do not have a family unless you count my dogs. So... this rhetoric isn't...

ErnstRemarx

https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HBhdaHR0cDovL3d3dy5pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5jby51ay9pbmNvbWluZy9hcnRpY2xlMTAxMDgxOTcuZWNlL2JpbmFyeS9vcmlnaW5hbC9kYW5ueV9hbGV4YW5kZXIuanBnFMAHFNAFABYAEgA&s=AGqXHx_-mov_xf4hmnA6NRi0lACRRjLyRm0dt1et7ao Not sure what Danny's box has in it. The remains of the last Lib Dem vo...

ErnstRemarx

- lunch is smoked bacon butties; you alright with that? Brown seeded bread? HP sauce? What type of coffee? Yes about the bread (you have a choice of that or Lancashire oven bottoms), Aldi's version of brown sauce - I believe it's Rumanian or something - whilst the coffee is Fairtrade Forza Roma: st...

ErnstRemarx

I admit it. I've been on the Graun site this lunchtime, and found, lo and behold, that rarest of things: a Graun article hinting that perhaps, things aren't actually hunky dory economically speaking. It's set warning bells going with me. Let's see if these figures, this story, makes it into any othe...

ErnstRemarx

Vince Cable's obviously been at the gin, he still expects to be in the government after the election but he's determined not to let the SNP join him in his fantasy cabinet. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/13/vince-cable-lib-dem-snp-deal-after-election-inconceivable" onclick="...

ErnstRemarx

What about raising living standard for us non-working people too ?!! I have the same misgivings about all this faux guff from the main Parties about hardworking families/taxpayers and get a little frustrated with it. :roll: I am a taxpayer but certainly don't consider myself as 'hardworking'. I do ...

ErnstRemarx

Morning all. So excited to be at the ICC with the Labour Party today waiting with baited breath to see/hear Ed Miliband. Having sat for last 30 min right next to Tristan, Gloria and Liam I have no doubts if Labour get in that Next Generation will have chances. Sitting with Andy and Lord Phil on the...

ErnstRemarx

Swarthlander wrote:
StephenDolan wrote:UKIP leader Nigel Farage: 'NHS almost killed me'

Damn NHS! 'Almost' isn't good enough.

Good morning.

I know I'm late in saying this (been busy), but welcome to FTN Swarthlander - lunch is smoked bacon butties; you alright with that?

ErnstRemarx

Life in California & life the UK are different. The living is easier sometimes in California. Until you have appendicitis, get hit by a car, lose your job or reproduce. Then you up a tree. Good afternoon All........ CJA - There is I am sure a song to be made out of those four lines. I will natu...

ErnstRemarx

Devo-Manch Under the new GMSF (Greater Manchester Spatial Framework) our local council has had to withdraw their own Core Strategy (on housing). GMSF will identify future housing needs for the whole AGMA (Association of Greater Manchester Authorities) area and have decided we need more houses than ...

ErnstRemarx

ohsocynical wrote: One friend is a musician. He got so bad he couldn't remember the chords of a song from one minute to the next.

And that, my friends, is how Hawkwind derived their legendary sound...

(joke!)

ErnstRemarx

You need to draw a distinction between the genetically modified skunk and unmodified cannabis if you are going to say it is harmful. The young lady questioning Ed Miliband made the point that, if it was decriminalised and regulated, access to skunk, which I am perfectly happy to accept is potential...

ErnstRemarx

On cannabis - from someone who worked in the drug/alcohol field! The active ingredient is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and more the plant is processed the stronger the hit from it. Buds are mild, resin/oil stronger. It has 3 phases of psychoactive effect, it can be addictive (although withdrawal is n...

ErnstRemarx

Also, on the point of cannabis and its illegality. It's illegality can be thought of as a class issue. Cannabis is mostly smoked by working people, and, since there is no rational explanation for its illegality, one has to presume that other reasons exist. One of them is almost certainly an urge to...

ErnstRemarx

Regarding the cannabis thing, it is fairly low priority, except if you're an enthusiastic user of the same. There've been many studies over the years that have effectively been scare stories, but when it comes down to it, the worst danger you face with smoking dope is contracting lung cancer. When y...

ErnstRemarx

StephenDolan wrote:After a quick scan of the Scottish polling figures, Labour 2010 voters VI make interesting reading to me.

For the GE
C8, L48, Lib1, SNP41

For the Holyrood election
C8, L87, Lib1, SNP3

Quick Stephen! Post anything!! 666 posts - it's him!

ErnstRemarx

Saw the Ask Ed programme last night, and he was exactly what I thought he'd be - witty, quick thinking, principled and engaging. What's the betting the meeja won't be reporting that. Oh, and props to the majority of the audience - on the whole a good bunch.

ErnstRemarx

They are finished. It's hardly made a ripple on Twitter. They actually made themselves irrelevant to the UK electorate by late 2010, I suspect. I think that many people - not me, I hasten to add - were willing to get the Fibs the benefit of the doubt when they went into coalition with the Tories, o...

ErnstRemarx

letsskiptotheleft wrote:It's the he ''can't be touched'' that gets to me.

I admit I am biased though, I genuinely find him and his views repulsive.

Better than him have been sacked for far less.

I'd like to see him gone from Top Gear, to be replaced by someone fiercely left wing who's actually into cars. Suggestions?

ErnstRemarx

A day when we can agree with Dan Hodges ? ''For all their protestations, the Lib Dems have been caught bang to rights. They are guilty of sleaze. They are guilty of hypocrisy. And in politics — as the Lib Dems themselves never tire of reminding us — both are toxic. '' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new...

ErnstRemarx

Budget 18th March, purdah 30th. Is there typically such a small amount of time in between? (Lazy question I know) :wink: I know about the continuity of government and all that jazz but it's very difficult to see the point of having anything other than a perfunctory budget when there's only going to...

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