The Christian Party - is it conservative with a small or capital c. Am I also wrong to consider voting for a small pary to keep out BNP?

[flatcapandpearls]

I am doing my research before going down to cast my vote and have am watching all the election broadcasts.

I am always very dubious about religion and politics but as a commited Catholic I thought I would watch the broadcast

They say they believe in low taxes and a small government which sounds conservative with a capital c.

And I am still trying to get my head around PR, will I bet better off voting for a smaller party to keep BNP out? But if we are all doing that will it not backfire?

[nickytwotimes]

I don't know much about them tbh. I lost interest when i realised they were anti-abortion. I am also a committed Catholic but am pro-choice.

I voted Green today.

ANYTHING OTHER THAN BNP IS GREAT THOUGH.

[flatcapandpearls]

I am not pro choice for myself but verge that way for others if that makes sense. I don't think I would vote for them but they are fascinating me. Green is anoher option for me.

[madlentileater]

Anything other than BNP
for this reason

[flatcapandpearls]

On another thread someone is saying that this tactic can backfire.

[nickytwotimes]

Yes, makes perfect sense flatcap.

[flatcapandpearls]

nickytwotimes.

[nickytwotimes]

Not sure about the backfiring thing really. I suspect it may be a FPTP propagana tool? There wasa good article in the Grundian today. Will go and find it.

[nickytwotimes]

Here.

It's even by Tim 'for example .... is a twat' Dowling!

[flatcapandpearls]

But there is a mumsetter saying it is backfiring and I don't think she is Nick Griffin in disguise.

I am reading through the manifesto now. Some of it does not sit well with me which makes me question my own faith. But so much of my life is directed by my own faith that I feel like that is where I should vote.

Am going to vote in ten minutes!

[madlentileater]

hmmm just watched the Christian party broadcast.
Everything on honesty integrity and public service sounds fine, but the combination of christian+conservative rings alarm bells big time, and so it proves....respect for human life, almost certainly means restricting women's reproductive rights. I wonder where they stand on gay rights?
also, odd that they specify judeo-christian values....where does that leave the other abrahamic faith...er...what is it now?
not to mention humanists

[flatcapandpearls]

I read that earlier nicky and it has answered some of my questions but I still don't understand PR. Maybe after a full day of teaching that is too much!

[nickytwotimes]

Oh, no, I meant First Passed The Post system fan, not BNP!
ANd I am only suggesting this as a possibility.

Am looking at your link now.

[nickytwotimes]

Well, I did flip all today and I still don't quite get PR either.
I understand the one we have for the Scottish Parliament.

Am skimming manifesto. DOubt I'll be able to do it any justice in 10 mins!

[Tinker]

Search under SomeGuy who explains how PR works. Very informative

[flatcapandpearls]

madlentileater those are the exact thoughts going through ny mind now.

[madlentileater]

have just scanned the manifesto, at least they are consistent in their right to life stand, but sure enough they intend to 'resist any attempt to redefine marriage'

[nickytwotimes]

Hmm, see, I don't really like the anti-stem cell stuff either. Nah. But, hey, it's a perfectly valid viewpoint to take.
The justice and trade stuff is good.

Also I am a bit meh about the whole 'Europe as Christian' thingy. Makes me a bit uncomfortable re: inclusion of other religions, cultures, etc. A bit anti-inclusion to my mind.

[SomeGuy]

What region are you in flatcap?

[flatcapandpearls]

Dorset - so South West

I am undecided on anti-stem cell I always feel like I don't know enough to make an informed decision.

The Europe as Christian thing rankles me as well

[flatcapandpearls]

I think from what I have read locally that green is the best tactical vote, so may go with that.

[nickytwotimes]

Yah, Flatcap, go Green.

[SomeGuy]

BNP have got no chance in South West.

The order of election last time was:

1. Conservative
2. UKIP
3. Lib Dem
4. Conservative
5. Labour
6. UKIP
7. Conservative

This time there are only 6 MEPs to be elected, so the 7th place (last time Conservatives) no longer gets a seat. Last time the UKIP second seat was earned with 11.3% of the vote (half of 22.6% - their total vote).

For the Tories to take it they would need a 2.4% relative change (increase in Tory vote plus decrease in UKIP vote), Lib Dems would need relative +4.3%, and Green plus 4.1%.

[flatcapandpearls]

Have found the wikpedia link for south west region Very surprised to see Labour in there, not surprised to see UKIP, they are banners and adverts everywhere.

If I am right we have , 3 tory,2 UKIP, 1 lib dem and 1 labour.

Green got half as many votes as labour but I could see lots of labour votes going to the greens so we may end up with a green seat rather than labour. ( Am I still on the right track) This is hard for me as I am a life long labour voter and activist.

[flatcapandpearls]

Thanks someguy

[flatcapandpearls]

Somegy if you are still around how much would labour need to loose to disapear of the list?