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Holyrood2016

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Your regional list vote –
    The general rule here is that you vote for your preferred party since in most parts of Scotland most of the main parties (including the Greens) have a good chance of winning one or more regional list seats. To help you decide which party you prefer, see 2 above.
    The only exception – and it is contentious – is that in a region such as Lothian where it is widely expected that the SNP will win every constituency seat (or, possibly, all but one seats) the SNP will then have no hope of winning any regional seats because of the way the regional list formula works. This argument is put forward strongly in section 3 of a report for the Electoral Reform Society by election expert Prof John Curtice. If you accept his argument, then a vote for the SNP on the regional list will have no effect, so even if you support the SNP you are better to vote for your next most favourite party. The main argument against is that if the polls are badly wrong, and the SNP miss out on 2 or 3 constituency seats, then the formula would give them a chance to pick up a regional list seat.

    "

    http://www.spokes.org.uk/2016/04/election-who-shall-i-vote-for/

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. kaputnik
    Moderator

    One for the anoraks, share of vote of the "Big 4" (how long will that include the Lib Dems, I wonder?) parties in Edinburgh at General Elections;
    The Strange Death of Liberal Edinburgh by andy a, on Flickr

    2016 to be added on Friday.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. amir
    Member

    Interesting smoothing!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  4. chdot
    Admin

    http://m.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14466562.Ruth_Davidson_is_missing_from_Evening_Times_leaders_interviews/

    Posted 8 years ago #

  5. HankChief
    Member

    Last shout out for my blog linking voting for MSPS with getting Roseburn-Leith Walk built.

    https://hankchiefblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/all-politics-is-local/

    Just had a response from Alex.

    @hank_chief won't compel anyone in my party (we aren't SNP) most dynamic active travel policy of any party & I support WE path. Your call

    Posted 8 years ago #

  6. barnton-to-town
    Member

    @chdot
    Apologies for politicking on the wrong forum, tho I certainly wasn't the first and had only posted what I thought was an in-context riposte to other posters stating their voting intentions.

    @gembo
    I'm not sure on what grounds I can be accused of ignoring various discussions on cycling politics on CCE. I may not have responded thus far, which is hardly evidence of ignoring the discussion. My post may not have been in agreement with your perceived consensus of the forum, which again doesn't show ignorance of the discussion.

    I certainly don't believe independence will immediately, or ever, result in us living in the "land of milk and honey". I don't know any nationalists who make such a claim. I have heard it thrown about by unionists in a usually accusatory, disparaging way.
    However, I do believe, on gaining independence, that we'll live in a far fairer society, something I don't believe we'll never again get in the UK, given its relentlrss march to the right.

    You should also note that anyone's cast vote is and can only ever be in the hope that something might happen in the future. That's just how it is.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  7. chdot
    Admin

    "Apologies for politicking on the wrong forum"

    Not a problem, this is CCE.

    "I do believe, on gaining independence, that we'll live in a far fairer society"

    Let's hope so! I hope some progress can be made via the current Holyrood set-up - whether or not Independence looks possible (or becomes so).

    I'm just disappointed that the SN Party/Scottish Government which choose the following words (presumably) as its guiding principles - Healthier, Wealthier, Safer, Smarter, and Greener - has been more successful (not being Independent is a factor but also an excuse).

    Obviously my way of interpreting these guiding 'pillars' will be different from Swinney, Sturgeon and co, but if they can't even grasp the notion that 'active travel' might actual help, then I am likely to remain disappointed.

    This is a random Google find, and unlikely to be entirely 'balanced' -

    "

    Competent but unspectacular. It’s underwhelming but is it the best we can expect from our Government?

    "

    https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/100240/snp-government-sneaks-a-c-pass-in-report-card/

    Posted 8 years ago #

  8. gembo
    Member

    @barnton to town, digging your more Zen like approach on this thread compared with the other SNP as battering ram point on the POP16 thread.

    Check out hankchiefs blog above if you haven't already. If someone was deciding how to vote in Edinburgh based on who was doing anything positive for cycling SNP would not feature.

    The biggest predictor of future behaviour is current behaviour. In an independent Scotland run by the SNP there is little likelihood of segregated cycle routes.

    Not sure if anyone decides how they will vote based on cycling policies but if they do then I would guess they might be on here.

    I think an independent Scotland would be run by the SNP. The bloc switch from labour will take decades to change to another party. SNP will be in control for a couple of decades in my opinion either with power devolved or independence.

    I see little evidence of a fairer society in Scotland and I do not think complete independence would result in greater fairness. I think devolved powers could be used to make Scotland fairer now. I hear rhetoric about Scotland being a fairer country I just don't see the action. The SNP uses left of centre rhetoric but their policies are a kind of pick 'n'mix. Obviously the Tory rhetoric in Westminster is extremely nasty. As are most of their policies and actions.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  9. chdot
    Admin

    "SNP would be in control for a couple of decades in my opinion."

    That only works if you believe an Independent Scotland would have a binary SNP/Labour option.

    No longer true now, and even less likely after Independence - not least because the current version of the SNP would be unlikely to survive as a single party.

    After this election the SNP would be wise to cultivate the other 'pro-Independence' party more.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  10. gembo
    Member

    @chdot, not sure where your opinion on the splintering of the SNP comes from. You have mentioned it before and you might be right. The SNP have a very tight grip at the moment on their internal divisions. And have had this grip for a good while. Unlike the other parties which are all split already. I guess it could all be about holding their breathe until independence is achieved and then all splitting into factions. Can't say I am thrilled by that type of future either.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  11. chdot
    Admin

    My opinions come from me.

    Some people think opinions come from the Sun.

    Some (now former) SNP people think that's a mistake -

    "

    Philip Sim (@BBCPhilipSim)
    03/05/2016, 11:45 am
    Former (Labour) MEP Hugh Kerr has quit the SNP over the photograph of Nicola Sturgeon holding a copy of the Sun.

    http://pic.twitter.com/zE0t1LQYyr

    "

    Posted 8 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/a-short-history-of-scottish-parliament-elections-1999-2011-1-4117797

    Posted 8 years ago #

  13. kaputnik
    Moderator

    MEP Hugh Kerr

    That would be Hugh Kerr who was expelled from Labour, formed his own party Independent Labour Network, then joined the SSP, stuck with Tommy, joined Solidarity, left Solidarity, joined the SNP, left the SNP and who has apparently been in the Greens also. Looking forward to him tantruming out of the Tories in future.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  14. gembo
    Member

    Hugh could try to form a party with Jim Sillars?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  15. Stephan Matthiesen
    Member

    Has this article about Jeremy Balfour in the Edinburgh Reporter been mentioned yet?

    Quote:

    Balfour is hailed as a local hero by the campaigners who oppose a cycle path through Roseburn: “Councillor Jeremy Balfour, who is fourth on the Tory list for Lothian- but should be, in truth- for his steadfast opposition to the track and profound commitment to social justice, number 1.

    “Jeremy was the man who brought the impending disaster of the track to his constituents’ attention in early December (when the Council neglected to notify the residents of its plans) and was the first to sign the petition. For these actions alone, he is a local hero.”

    High praise indeed!

    (end quote)

    Posted 8 years ago #

  16. Rosie
    Member

    "Balfour is hailed as a local hero by the campaigners who oppose a cycle path through Roseburn: “Councillor Jeremy Balfour, who is fourth on the Tory list for Lothian- but should be, in truth- for his steadfast opposition to the track and profound commitment to social justice, number 1.

    “Jeremy was the man who brought the impending disaster of the track to his constituents’ attention in early December (when the Council neglected to notify the residents of its plans) and was the first to sign the petition. For these actions alone, he is a local hero.”

    I hear the voice of Gr*gson behind that. And the Council didn't neglect me when to my delight I received the leaflets about the route. Why was I singled out as the only recipient?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  17. Rosie
    Member

    Come to think of it, he will do less damage to the route as an MSP than as a Councillor. Vote for Jeremy!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  18. chdot
    Admin

    "Why was I singled out as the only recipient?"

    I think there should be a public enquiry, that sounds like blatant favouritism.

    Did you pay someone in CEC?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  19. chdot
    Admin

    "

    High praise indeed!

    "

    I hope the Edinburgh Reporter thought it was trying to be ironic.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  20. HankChief
    Member

    That endorsement was taken straight from one of PG'S petition updates.

    Shame that the MCC heard about it in early 2015, so Jeremy & others knew about it much earlier on (okay not the final design, but still)...

    Posted 8 years ago #

  21. Stickman
    Member

    I've never quite figured out what the Edinburgh Reporter is and who writes it. Is it just a blog?

    The quote is indeed from PG's press release. Must have given an early copy to either Balfour or the Reporter.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  22. chdot
    Admin

    "

    The Edinburgh Reporter is the hyperlocal news website for Edinburgh and provides news, events and sport features. It is aimed at people living , working or visiting the capital of Scotland.

    We welcome contributions from anyone who has something to say about Edinburgh. If you have an article, or even an idea for an article which you could write, then please email us theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

    "

    http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/about-ter/

    Posted 8 years ago #

  23. gibbo
    Member

    @gembo

    "Not sure if anyone decides how they will vote based on cycling policies but if they do then I would guess they might be on here."

    And here I am!

    OK, not 100% on cycling, but I do believe that the 3 biggest dangers to Scotland are:

    #1: Climate change
    #2: Pollution
    #3: Obesity

    And, if I look at what the SNP (who I have been voting for recently) do, rather than what they say, they appear to be in favour of those 3 things.

    They seem hell-bent on speeding up climate change, increasing pollution, and increasing obesity.

    And I can no longer vote for that.

    So, yes, there are some who look at the cycling policy and decide how to vote. And I'm one of them.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  24. crowriver
    Member

    In other news, The Edinburgh Reporter "reports":

    "London based band Yossarian will be playing Edinburgh’s The Wee Red Bar on Friday as part of a Scottish tour including Inverness, Shuffle Down Festival in Falkirk, Dundee, and Perth.

    Yossarian are a band for fans of Joy Division, The National, and Pink Floyd."

    That's an eclectic demographic! Presumably anyone who's read Catch-22 also? For those not in the know, The Wee Red Bar is the former art college union bar.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  25. crowriver
    Member

    @gibbo, good for you! Similarly I cannot support the SNP, though it's not just their profligate spending on dual carriageways at the expense of other travel modes. It's the whole populist, presidential euphoria hoopla thing too. Can't stand it. Oh and the fact that some supporters of the SNP insist on attacking anyone who dares to even mildly criticise their party. We're all a bunch of traitors, or closet unionists apparently, who are Talking Scotland Down.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  26. kaputnik
    Moderator

    I've never quite figured out what the Edinburgh Reporter is and who writes it. Is it just a blog?

    I've met Phylis who runs it and writes most of it, I've never got the impression she has any particular agenda beyond trying to do "proper" local news better than the local rags. Readers will be pleased to know she's often on a bike about town and has been broadly supportive of a variety initiatives in the past, early PoP stuff, the ghost bikes etc.

    I'm not sure how much of it is paying hobby or commercial enterprise, but she does spend a lot of time in dull council committees in the press gallery (the 2 seats at the back that are meant for EEN / Scotsman) etc. doing the journalistic job that the Chipwrapper doesn't even bother sending anyone along to.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  27. wingpig
    Member

    It's quite telling that if you search for CHAOS on the Edinburgh Reporter that none of the hits directly concern traffic, unlike the EEN.

    It's a shame that the EEN's tendency towards inflated descriptions of its 'news' doesn't extend to the personal descriptions it employs - it would be more aappropriate if the people describing the various CHAOSes/outrages/scandals were labelled 'deranged narrow-minded wingnut' or 'grudge-holding headwear-apiarist' instead of 'concerned local resident' and the like.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  28. Stephan Matthiesen
    Member

    I read the Edinburgh Reporter regularly and also don't think they have a particular agenda other than trying to inform about local developments, which they generally do very well - much better than the EEN (I don't just mean in terms of bias; the main point is that the EEN never covers any local event at all unless there is some kind of "scandal" involved that makes the council look bad, whereas the Reporter just reports about all sorts of things happening in Edinburgh).

    These particular paragraphs come from PGs rants, but the whole article isn't put together from press releases. It's a profile of Jeremy Balfour similar to profiles they had about many other candidates from all parties.

    It could just be that when you're trying to search for Balfour's name on the internet, this might be the most prominent thing that comes up.

    I certainly didn't get the impression they are trying to push an anti-cycling agenda here, more they included this quote as a curiosity.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  29. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Owen lives in Edinburgh Western and is going to vote SNP in the constituency vote but is still trying to decide between the SNP, the Greens or Rise on the list vote.

    "

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/holyrood-2016-thousands-of-teens-prepare-for-first-vote-1-4118407

    Posted 8 years ago #

  30. gembo
    Member

    What will help Owen decide? Greens only need a few more votes to get another MSP. Whereas SNP are totally dominant? Surely they could allow Owen to lend his vote to the greens, they are nice, Alison's speech at the grassy knoll was xcllent and Andy wightman know more about who used to own Edinburgh and curiously why they still do than any other human on the planet. How can you not like them more than the SNP who you have already vote for and RISE, despite being totally lovely and foxy in the same foxy gentleman? Go on Owen be a devil and don't toe the SNP twice line

    Posted 8 years ago #

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