Vote 2011 - anyone else watching?

[GastonTheLadybird]

Or am I the only massive politics geek who adores election night coverage?

I just find it so exciting!

I'm watching. Really ought to be in bed but I love the excitement of the results and the discussions round the table in the studio.

Me too! Just love election programmes with all the whizzy graphics and blustering politicos. I should be in bed though. Poor Ming is struggling to put a brave face on it.

Me too! DP is in bed with a "Tummy Bug", so I'm opting to snooze in front of the box, checking up every now & then.

Yes, looks like there's been lots of anti-Libdem tactical voting going on. Can't help wondering if it's really bad news for the Libdems, will they ditch Clegg and pull out of the Coalition?

Oh Sayeeda Warsi is so annoying. I wish she wouldn't shriek. And Caroline Flint is not much better.

A very bad night for the Libdems I think.

I'm watching too. 2 major scalps to the SNP so far. This is looking like it could be a major shift for the SNP, and some head scratching ahead for Labour.

Looks like results in Scotland a little disappointing for Lab.

As predicted, lib dems having a shocker. Cameron and pals will pay them approx no attention from here. Wouldn't be surprised if Tories wanted coalition to fail so another election and majority for them.

I've got it on. Nearly fell asleep but woke up by shock SNP result.

As a feminist it's nice to see women winning seats.

Iain Grey's def on his way out. I dont think Ed Milliband has gone down too well in Scotland either. Labour are trying to blame their defeats on the libdems but they've had a really poor and negative campaign.

watching, here. According to a good source, SNP about to take Cumbernauld and Airdrie and Shotts.

SNP also to take Cathcart, Shettleston.

I've been watching - must go to bed now though.

struggling to stay awake as well.

Labour has lost in my constituency, first time ever in my lifetime AFAIK.

Not really up on Scottish politics but following with interest. Can anyone tell me, is the main difference between the SNP and Labour that the SNP support independence for Scotland? Is Labour more left wing or more right wing than the SNP?

SNP are a pretty socialist party. I would say you are right the main difference is the independence issue. I do suspect that many SNP gains are due to annoyance with Labour rather than full support for independence IySWIM. Former labour voters are less likely to turn to the tories or lib dems.

So, if the SNP got a majority in the Scottish Parliament, would they hold a referendum on independence? Would they win?

Also, if Scotland voted to be independent, can England say "no, you can't be"?

A referendum will be on the cards eventually, yes, and if SNP have a majority government then it's hopefully on the horizon sooner rather than later.

And no, why would England be able to say no to Scottish independence?

Yes there will be a referendum, and sooner rather than later I expect, because the SNP are riding high at the moment. Still don't think they'd win it though, as I agree that the results of this election are probably just reflecting a disgust with Westminster politics. But stranger things have happened ...

The SNP is described as a 'social democratic' party. They are to the left of (new) labour but aren't as left-wing as some other smaller socialist parties in Scotland.

They wont be rushing for a referendum because it is a one in a generation shot and atm they would lose it. There is a bill going through now to devolve more powers to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood- that is probably their main constitutional concern for this parliament.

Late to the party, but I was glued to all the political shows last night. I'm a bit obsessed with Question Time anyway, but to have hours upon hours of election coverage was heavenly.

I'm aware I should probably get out more.

And no, why would England be able to say no to Scottish independence?

No idea, but wondered if it would be in the original rules of the union. I imagine the devil will be in the detail though, in terms of thrashing out the terms of independence- who keeps what etc.

I am not Scottish, but if the Scots want to be independent, I don't see why they shouldn't be. The current situation seems to be a bit of a half way house which no-one likes.

Darlene- why do you think the referendum would result in a "no to independence?"

polls have shown only a third of Scots are in favour atm.

For that to get shifted up would need more support from the media esp the press.

I think the Sun switching to the SNP has been a big factor in this election.

"It's the Sun wot won it"