So it's all done. Seven hours of political commentary, and we're finished. So, what have we learnt?
That the Welsh Assembly is a giant cocktease. After all the discussion about Plaid Cymru and Conservative gains, it's all been a bit disapointing in truth. It's often like this for me, I get all excited about the mechanics, but once it's all done I'm drained and want a bit of a snooze. Rather like sex then.
I have learnt something else. Jeremy Vine is a tosser, and isn't one tenth of the man that Peter Snow is. I hope to god that he returns when the next general election rolls around.
Lastly, an update on Swindon's E-vote nightmare - it's still not working properly. Try not to laugh too much at anyone you know from Swindon.
Showing posts with label Electionfest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electionfest. Show all posts
Friday, 4 May 2007
Electionfest, part almost finished
Well the beeb have their projection out for what the assembly's going to look like. Well I hate to say it, but this hasn't been quite the huge swing that some people had been predicting. Labour are going to be the largest party in the assembly, but don't have an overall majority.
For Labour, I think it can all be summed up as "Bad, but not a disaster". Rhodri's bones are probably going to tell him that he doesn't need to quit, and it'll be another case of powersharing in the assembly.
For those Nazis out there reading this - well it looks like you're not going to get any seats in the assembly. Well, isn't that a terrible shame. Don't forget to blame it on the "quasi-Marxist multi-racial experiment".
For Labour, I think it can all be summed up as "Bad, but not a disaster". Rhodri's bones are probably going to tell him that he doesn't need to quit, and it'll be another case of powersharing in the assembly.
For those Nazis out there reading this - well it looks like you're not going to get any seats in the assembly. Well, isn't that a terrible shame. Don't forget to blame it on the "quasi-Marxist multi-racial experiment".
Electionfest, part bollocks
So the results are in for the place where I live. After an 8.2% swing from Labour to Conservative, I now am in the gloriously happy position of living in a tory constituency.
Arse.
Between this and the local council removing the skatepark after complaints, then I'm starting to think that the people of Cardiff North are a bunch of fuckwits.
Arse.
Between this and the local council removing the skatepark after complaints, then I'm starting to think that the people of Cardiff North are a bunch of fuckwits.
Electionfest, part shit loads
Well, it's into the final stretch of the beeb's coverage of the election and we're now on commentary team number 4 for the election show, with a couple of campaign bods for Libdems & the Conservatives though the Labour rep is the Labour Chairman Hazel Blears (I'm surprised that she's out for this one - perhaps Labour wanted a strong personality to fight back if they were getting beaten up in the polls?).
In terms of voting, 29 of the 60 seats in the assembly are decided. Considering this was supposed to be a disasterous night for Labour, then it's certainly not living up to the hype. Labour have so far lost a massive 2 seats. Wowzers.
Even on the national scale, it does appear that this is a bit of a disapointment. The SNP are ahead in Scotland, but only just and it certainly doesn't appear that they're barnstorming ahead as was predicted. The Conservatives have made around a one percent gain in the popular vote, but so have Labour.
This is a little bit like staying up late to watch a big title boxing match, and then getting a knockout in the first round.
In terms of voting, 29 of the 60 seats in the assembly are decided. Considering this was supposed to be a disasterous night for Labour, then it's certainly not living up to the hype. Labour have so far lost a massive 2 seats. Wowzers.
Even on the national scale, it does appear that this is a bit of a disapointment. The SNP are ahead in Scotland, but only just and it certainly doesn't appear that they're barnstorming ahead as was predicted. The Conservatives have made around a one percent gain in the popular vote, but so have Labour.
This is a little bit like staying up late to watch a big title boxing match, and then getting a knockout in the first round.
Electionfest, part confused
So the leader of the SNP is complaining that voting in the Scottish elections was confusing because there were 3 different ballots involved (perhaps this explains the ninja attack).
Now, I'd be tempted to say that this is a huge load of bullshit, and just leave it at that, but to give you an example -
The majority for Labour in Airdrie was 1446.
The number of rejected ballot papers was 1536.
So there we have it, the Scottish ballot papers are very confusing. The problem is compounded by the fact that it's looking like the Scottish elections are going to be very close overall, so the number of spoilt papers are really important. Of course, it could just be because the Scottish voters are all drunk.
I also want to mention that 5 minutes after I bitched about Wales not having any results yet, the first results started to come through. 15 of 60 seats are now declared, Labour are down 1, which was lost to an independant. Not quite the swing that some would have expected.
Rhodri Morgan still won't say what will be a 'bad night' in terms of numbers (if Labour have a bad night, he's said he'll quit).
Now, I'd be tempted to say that this is a huge load of bullshit, and just leave it at that, but to give you an example -
The majority for Labour in Airdrie was 1446.
The number of rejected ballot papers was 1536.
So there we have it, the Scottish ballot papers are very confusing. The problem is compounded by the fact that it's looking like the Scottish elections are going to be very close overall, so the number of spoilt papers are really important. Of course, it could just be because the Scottish voters are all drunk.
I also want to mention that 5 minutes after I bitched about Wales not having any results yet, the first results started to come through. 15 of 60 seats are now declared, Labour are down 1, which was lost to an independant. Not quite the swing that some would have expected.
Rhodri Morgan still won't say what will be a 'bad night' in terms of numbers (if Labour have a bad night, he's said he'll quit).
Electionfest, part Ninja attack!
This story from the Beeb caught my eye.
I realise that I'm seriously geeking out about this election and the stuff that's going on, but let's be honest here - at least I'm not taking it quite that seriously.
If you're wondering why I'm commenting on a Scottish election story - it's because no Welsh seats have announced yet. There's a pretty obvious joke that the Welsh are naturally bad at counting, but let's be honest - the Scottish are fucking drunk and they can manage this counting lark. How thick can we possibly be??
I realise that I'm seriously geeking out about this election and the stuff that's going on, but let's be honest here - at least I'm not taking it quite that seriously.
If you're wondering why I'm commenting on a Scottish election story - it's because no Welsh seats have announced yet. There's a pretty obvious joke that the Welsh are naturally bad at counting, but let's be honest - the Scottish are fucking drunk and they can manage this counting lark. How thick can we possibly be??
Electionfest, part posh as fuck
Iain Duncan Smith's been on the beeb prattling on about how the conservatives are moving toward being a party for the people.
In what can only be described as a masterstroke of direction, we then cut to a Conservative candidate in Bath called Fabian. Yeah, he's not a posh fucker now is he?
Also, for those who are interested in the Swindon technovote palaver, we've just been told that their computers have crashed. Apparently every single E-vote is being manually recounted.
I'm trying not to piss myself about that one.
In what can only be described as a masterstroke of direction, we then cut to a Conservative candidate in Bath called Fabian. Yeah, he's not a posh fucker now is he?
Also, for those who are interested in the Swindon technovote palaver, we've just been told that their computers have crashed. Apparently every single E-vote is being manually recounted.
I'm trying not to piss myself about that one.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Electionfest, part lost deposit.
David Dimbleby has just made an aside on how it's starting to seem as if the Lib Dems aren't doing very well (it is starting to look that way), and the Libdem representative chirped up (rather meekly) "It's still early".
Also interesting to note that according to a man who looks like George Galloway at 85, the conservative candidate in one of the wards in Sedgefield (that's Blair's constituency) got a grand total of no votes. Ouch.
I also want to say that I'd much rather have Peter Snow and his swingometer than Jeremy Vine and his crappy building renovation graphics.
Also interesting to note that according to a man who looks like George Galloway at 85, the conservative candidate in one of the wards in Sedgefield (that's Blair's constituency) got a grand total of no votes. Ouch.
I also want to say that I'd much rather have Peter Snow and his swingometer than Jeremy Vine and his crappy building renovation graphics.
Electionfest, part tree
Here's a quick one for you. The Beeb have just said that results for Swindon, which are being counted by a new technologically advanced system have been delayed because of technical difficulties. Yes, that is the sound of me laughing my arse off.
Also worth noting that the BNP have been wiped out in Broxbourne. Yeah, I'm still laughing, just now a little bit harder.
Also worth noting that the BNP have been wiped out in Broxbourne. Yeah, I'm still laughing, just now a little bit harder.
Electionfest, part die!
Which is Welsh for two!
Seeing as I take so much information from the Beeb, it seems somehow appropriate that I also take their approach to even handness on board. So after I've been so mean to the nazi party, let's be mean to someone else.
The Christian People's Alliance.
I could comment on the fact that they've been accused of being anti-gay, but I feel that there's no real need to do that. Instead I'm going to mention one of their principles..
"Respect of God's law as the basis for constitutional government."
Well there's no red flags there now are there? At this point I will direct you to read this letter. So yeah, God's law as a basis for governance couldn't cause any problems could it?
I'm going to enjoy seeing the CPA campaign for the banning of rugby in Wales.
Seeing as I take so much information from the Beeb, it seems somehow appropriate that I also take their approach to even handness on board. So after I've been so mean to the nazi party, let's be mean to someone else.
The Christian People's Alliance.
I could comment on the fact that they've been accused of being anti-gay, but I feel that there's no real need to do that. Instead I'm going to mention one of their principles..
"Respect of God's law as the basis for constitutional government."
Well there's no red flags there now are there? At this point I will direct you to read this letter. So yeah, God's law as a basis for governance couldn't cause any problems could it?
I'm going to enjoy seeing the CPA campaign for the banning of rugby in Wales.
Electionfest 2007!
That's right, it's that wonderful time of the year when democracy goes into action.
For those who don't know, today has been election day for the Welsh Assembly. For those of you who don't know what the Welsh Assembly is, it's a secondary legislature dedicated to Wales. This means that for the assembly has the ability to edit laws passed to it by Westminster (there are limits). A couple of quick real life examples of this power in action for you - In Wales smoking is already banned in all public places, and NHS prescriptions are free.
Now, onto the fun bit. I love voting, I know how important it is, and it boggles my mind that in an age when so many people rail against oppresive regimes elsewhere they consider not excersing their right to participate in democracy by voting.
For some reason though, there are some people out there trying to get elected who really do seem a few sandwiches short of a picnic. As an example, the BNP have put forth candidates for the Assembly this year. This means that I had the distinct pleasure of receiving a campaign leaflet from everyone's favourite fascists.
One of the most amusing parts is that they claim that all the main parties have signed a "Politically correct Pledge Card produced by various taxpayer-funded 'bleeding hearts' groups." So that's not a loaded statement at all.
What they're referring to is Keepawelcome.co.uk, an initiative to help the 0.1% of the Welsh population who are immigrants to get themselves above the poverty line (the vast majority of immigrants to Wales are currently below this line).
Keep A Welcome have come up with 4 pledges. This is directly copied from their website...
1. Welcome people seeking safety from persecution
2. Empower refugees to rebuild their lives
3. Provide fair and equal access to services
4. Protect children and young people
5. Develop a strong evidence base
And here is what the BNP say the pledges are (the smartarse comments in brackets are mine)...
1. Help even more foreigners flood Wales (0.1% is not a flood! If you had a 10 metre deep swimming pool, adding 0.1% is one centimetre extra. NOT A BLOODY FLOOD!)
2. Put asylum seekers before Welsh voters and their families (well that's a bit of a lie isn't it)
3. Keep using taxpayers' money to fund Politically Correct multiculturalism (hang on - number 3's about service access isn't?)
4. Encourage more cheap foreign labour into Wales to drive down wages (well, I suppose that children are traditionally paid less. Are we giving them hardhats and high-vis jackets?)
5. Plot to deny you a democratic choice on their sceme to 'multi-culturalise' Wales (Plot & scheme? The BNP seem to want us to believe that those in favour of multiculturalism are supervillains with fu-manchu beards to stroke while they connive to conquer the world).
So there you are - a quick look at one of the parties standing in today's Welsh assembly elections. To summarise for you all - The BNP - a gang of facist liars who will make anything up to be elected.
For those who don't know, today has been election day for the Welsh Assembly. For those of you who don't know what the Welsh Assembly is, it's a secondary legislature dedicated to Wales. This means that for the assembly has the ability to edit laws passed to it by Westminster (there are limits). A couple of quick real life examples of this power in action for you - In Wales smoking is already banned in all public places, and NHS prescriptions are free.
Now, onto the fun bit. I love voting, I know how important it is, and it boggles my mind that in an age when so many people rail against oppresive regimes elsewhere they consider not excersing their right to participate in democracy by voting.
For some reason though, there are some people out there trying to get elected who really do seem a few sandwiches short of a picnic. As an example, the BNP have put forth candidates for the Assembly this year. This means that I had the distinct pleasure of receiving a campaign leaflet from everyone's favourite fascists.
One of the most amusing parts is that they claim that all the main parties have signed a "Politically correct Pledge Card produced by various taxpayer-funded 'bleeding hearts' groups." So that's not a loaded statement at all.
What they're referring to is Keepawelcome.co.uk, an initiative to help the 0.1% of the Welsh population who are immigrants to get themselves above the poverty line (the vast majority of immigrants to Wales are currently below this line).
Keep A Welcome have come up with 4 pledges. This is directly copied from their website...
1. Welcome people seeking safety from persecution
2. Empower refugees to rebuild their lives
3. Provide fair and equal access to services
4. Protect children and young people
5. Develop a strong evidence base
And here is what the BNP say the pledges are (the smartarse comments in brackets are mine)...
1. Help even more foreigners flood Wales (0.1% is not a flood! If you had a 10 metre deep swimming pool, adding 0.1% is one centimetre extra. NOT A BLOODY FLOOD!)
2. Put asylum seekers before Welsh voters and their families (well that's a bit of a lie isn't it)
3. Keep using taxpayers' money to fund Politically Correct multiculturalism (hang on - number 3's about service access isn't?)
4. Encourage more cheap foreign labour into Wales to drive down wages (well, I suppose that children are traditionally paid less. Are we giving them hardhats and high-vis jackets?)
5. Plot to deny you a democratic choice on their sceme to 'multi-culturalise' Wales (Plot & scheme? The BNP seem to want us to believe that those in favour of multiculturalism are supervillains with fu-manchu beards to stroke while they connive to conquer the world).
So there you are - a quick look at one of the parties standing in today's Welsh assembly elections. To summarise for you all - The BNP - a gang of facist liars who will make anything up to be elected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)