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Original poster

N Ireland mumsnetters. How on earth do we change the situation?

187 replies

isabellerossignol · 08/12/2019 20:57

With the election coming up, this has been really playing on my mind. We need a functioning health service. How do we get one? I don't vote DUP or Sinn Fein, but nearly everyone else in my constituency seems to and I feel so powerless.

I feel pretty horrified by the education situation too, but the health service is on a whole other level, it is properly scary.

I don't want to be in politics myself, I am not robust enough for that, but I want someone to step up and say 'enough is enough' and yet I don't even seem to have anyone to vote for who is willing to do that. I have been reading all the election literature through my door and there is very little mention of the health service by any of the parties, how can they be ignoring such a huge issue?

OP posts:
Original poster
isabellerossignol · 12/12/2019 19:09

I've just been. Polling station was crazy busy, last time I saw queues like that was for the GFA referendum.

They had a notice on the door that I've never noticed before saying the total number of people eligible to vote at that polling station and how many had done so by 3pm and 6pm. About a third of eligible voters had voted by 6pm, and the evening is always the busiest when people get back from work so maybe the turnout will be good?

OP posts:
Original poster
isabellerossignol · 12/12/2019 19:14

Also, there was an independent candidate in my area that did not do any campaigning, didn't put up posters, didn't send any mailshots out and even googling hasn't brought up any information beyond his name and address. What's that all about? Presumably standing as a protest but surely even then you'd need to have some sort of policy, even if it was just one issue?

OP posts:
ChipsyChopsy · 12/12/2019 19:14

Alliance here. And very quiet at polling station at 3pm.

IWorkAtTheCheesecakeFactory · 12/12/2019 19:16

Oh that sounds promising isabelle! I really hope there is a big turn out. It’s normally around 52-54% overall in NI isn’t it? I’ve imagined that haven’t I? Grin

FlaviaAlbia · 12/12/2019 19:20

God knows about Iris Dione. They'd never get away with avoiding scrutiny now with smartphones everywhere. Anything to raise an eyebrow and her photo would be plastered all over before an hour was out.

DH is away to vote now, wonder if it'll be busier.

FlaviaAlbia · 12/12/2019 19:30

And he's back, not very busy apparently.

maidenover · 12/12/2019 19:59

Just off to cast my vote. All I can hope for is one less DUP MP to prop up the Tories if they need it. I’m dreading tomorrow morning.

Purpletigers · 12/12/2019 20:00

Heading out in a few minutes. I’m in a strong DUP seat but will be voting Alliance . I grew up in a unionist voting family but have very different political views from my parents . I’d just like long term peace.

ihateryansworld · 12/12/2019 20:28

I voted at lunch time and there was a queue.....I have never seen that before. There wasn't any candidates or reps outside. I'm in East Antrim a safe DUP seat but in recent days through work have heard lots of locals who are ardent DUP saying they wouldn't be giving Sammy their vote. One of my clients is a hairdresser in A strong unionist area and she said there is descent in the ranks! I am so hopeful for this election. I voted Alliance fingers crossed.

ClinkyMonkey · 12/12/2019 20:28

Busier than usual in our polling station. I voted tactically for the SDLP and, to be fair, the candidate has a good reputation for getting things done. But on this occasion I probably would have voted for her even if she was bloody useless. I hate the shit show that is our political representation.

Linwin · 12/12/2019 20:30

Just back from voting, polling station not busy at all, DH voted around 2pm and it was quiet then too.
We are in Sir Jeffrey’s constituency though, so hardly much point in voting at all, but still we did our duty and voted Alliance.

ihateryansworld · 12/12/2019 21:05

Husband thinks I am naive to think sammy won't get in and Alliance will. Sad

AravisQueenOfArchenland · 12/12/2019 21:10

I've just seen on FB, that a man in his 20's, was shot behind a community centre, being used as a polling station, in West Belfast. 7.30pm this evening. I've voted alliance. I have a feeling a lot my family have voted DUP Sad

Linwin · 12/12/2019 21:39

I’m hearing turnout in East Belfast is up on 70%, which is amazing. Crossing all fingers that the DUP end up with no seats in Belfast. Wishful thinking probably!

powershowerforanhour · 12/12/2019 21:56

Smash the patriarchy hegemony!

InTheShiteGardenn · 12/12/2019 22:04

I voted Alliance, it is the first time ever that I have voted anything other than Green, so I hope it is worth it. Had a big discussion about tactical voting with DH, who just came back there now and proudly announced he'd voted Green (I've been trying to wean him off SF for years) oh well, close enough I suppose. Apparently it's been unusually busy at our polling station all day.

InTheShiteGardenn · 12/12/2019 22:07

Also a girl at work today said that she'd been to a church meeting last night, where they were told "the truth" about "all the lies that have been told about the DUP" and although she had doubted them too, it reassured her so much that she'll be voting for them today.

I've also heard from at least half a dozen people that they don't like any of the lot of them, but they're voting DUP because they're the only pro life party.

For God and Ulster, eh. Hmm

IWorkAtTheCheesecakeFactory · 12/12/2019 22:12

Aontú are also pro life but I suspect the name alone might be too big an obstacle for those voters InTheShiteGarden Grin

InTheShiteGardenn · 12/12/2019 22:15

Christ, I wish I'd suggested it Grin

DioneTheDiabolist · 12/12/2019 22:33

I voted at 4.30pm today. It wasnt busy, but that's why I go at that time. SF had 3 people at the polling station, normally there are many more than that. The only other party with a presence was PBP.

I'm hoping for a miracle Aontú will split the vote and enough unionists will vote tactically to unseat Maskey.

maidenover · 12/12/2019 22:35

There are no NI exit polls are there?

Not that it matters.

ihateryansworld · 12/12/2019 22:38

Maidenover no they only questioned voters in England Scotland and Wales

MissisBee · 12/12/2019 22:42

I went at lunchtime. Polling station was busier than I've ever seen it,which isn't saying much as it's usually empty. Voted Alliance, I think best I can hope for is they come a good close second to the DUP.

GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 12/12/2019 22:45

I voted at 8am and it was busier than I've seen before.
I think one of the big issues is that in lots of places whilst people don't agree with party policies they do appreciate when a politician (or local councillor) gets something done locally and so vote to reflect that. A loyalty of sorts but without looking at the bigger picture. I'd love to see Alliance get bigger numbers...not going to hold my breath though.

dramalamma · 12/12/2019 23:03

See this is what I don't understand - I mean I do kind of but it's exasperating - all the alliance votes on here - all the tactical voting to get tories out from friends in London, all the "anything but Tory" that I'm
Hearing from friends and the you see that exit poll and think WTF. 🤷‍♀️ So many people are saying they want change but where is it?

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