MNHQ Group 4

[AnnMumsnet]

Many thanks for agreeing to take part in this closed discussion thread. As you'll know, you all have an individual user name, separate to your on-site profile. So please feel free to be as open and frank as you like, without your views being read-across to your site profile.

The aim of these discussions is to discover if, how and why women's voting intentions are shifting and what you think about each of the party leaders.

We'll ask a few questions, allow you to think them over, respond, engage in a bit of discussion with other participants, and then we will pop back on the thread. We might want to tease out the reasons behind particular views or opinions and then will crack on with the next set of questions (on Thursday) and one more set over the weekend. Do feel free to re visit the thread at any point over the next week or so. We'll email you when we add a new set of questions.

Here are the questions to get you started

Thinking about when you decide which party to vote for, how important is the leader of the party in that decision?

Why?

What do you look for in a party leader? What makes a good party leader and what makes a bad one? What makes a good prime minister and what makes a bad one?

Thinking about the party you voted for at the 2010 General Election and the party you would vote for now, has it changed?

Why?
Why not?

Feel free to include any thoughts you might have - they don't have to be the conventional, just true to how you feel!

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you. First of all David Cameron? I think DC has not one iota of concern for women's issues other than getting us to vote for his lot. So many of his parties' policies have marginalised and downgraded the status of women, and yet he seems oblivious to this.

And then Nick Clegg?
I honestly have no idea what Nick Clegg is doing to improve or promote women's issues. His image is all about sucking up to Dave and not being strong enough to fight his own issues.

And then Ed Miliband?
Doesn't say much but he really should be doing more to get women on board with a revived Labour party.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
Well, for a start Natalie Bennett actually IS a woman so that gives her a heads up in my book! She takes on issues which I (as a woman) believe to be important.

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally? First of all David Cameron? I truly despair sometimes of the 'old boys club' state of the House of Commons and the Tories in particular. Of course it is a wasteland as far as women are concerned as I can't think of anything worse than being a female in that environment. His "calm down dear" comments have destroyed any credibility he has wrt his respect for women.

And then Nick Clegg?
I have no idea about the LibDems' efforts to be inclusive to women as I lost faith and interest in them 3 years ago. I suspect NC has similar attitudes to DC - all talk and likes women in their place.

And then Ed Miliband?
Again, when you're in opposition, you can say anything to appease large portions of your voters. Labour, however, have always (imo) been more inclusive and respectful of women's voices. There's still a bloody long way to go though.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why? I don't particularly trust any party to do this. Labour have a much better track record of promoting equality though. The Conservatives have committed heinous crimes against women (and the poor) during this government, stripping away power, financial independence and dignity from them. They will never be trusted with protecting women's rights and status in my house!

The party leader is important. If it is someone that is slimy and unlikable, I would be put off voting for that party. Also, if I feel the leader is completely removed from real life, perhaps having been born with a silver spoon in their mouth and acting superior because of it, I would not vote for them.

I don't tend to stick to the same party each time I vote because I take into consideration recent events.

I haven't got a clue about any of the leaders at the moment though, let alone their views on women!

*1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?

Cameron is so out of touch with ordinary people full stop I have zero respect and low expectation.

And then Nick Clegg?

Insipid, weak leader, I can't recall that he's done anything noteworthy regarding women?

And then Ed Miliband?
Should try to get more women on board as he does some times speak sense....

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?*

Caroline Lucas is my local MP, like her a lot.

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Really the same applies as above - sick of all the Old Boys and Cleggs infatuation with being so close to being in power

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

I think Labour most as this is the party whose policies and ideals I most closely align with and the opposite goes for the Conservatives - they make my skin crawl as a group so I don't trust them for anything really.

Thinking about when you decide which party to vote for, how important is the leader of the party in that decision?

Very important to me as based on the leader you can guess or assume who may be given certain other cabinet positions. I hate to see a minister for education whom has no experience or knowledge of education.

What do you look for in a party leader? What makes a good party leader and what makes a bad one? What makes a good prime minister and what makes a bad one?

Trustworthy
Honest
Clean
Knowledgable
Experienced
Willing to listen
Someone who isn't fiddling their expenses
Someone who isn't employing a family member on a ridiculous salary for goodness knows what

I look for a leader who is able to lead. I want a leader who is honest about their policies and sticks to them, unless they realise they are not working out and would not be afraid to draw a line under them and move on. I like a leader who admits they do not have all the answers and is willing to best utilize the experience and skills of their cabinet.

Thinking about the party you voted for at the 2010 General Election and the party you would vote for now, has it changed?

Yes. I voted labour and I'm not sure I would vote for them again. I think it's just the lack of visibility on their existing policy. It currently seems that Labour are keeping their heads down to watch the colossal mess that the coalition is creating. They appear to have a strategy of let the others sink and we will be the victors who swoop in and win, sadly I believe that the UKIP is gaining in popularity and this strategy won't work.

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you. First of all David Cameron? Absolutely crap. I don't think he understands any issues relating to normal (not super rich) people, let alone women.

And then Nick Clegg?
I have no idea what he thinks. I'm also not hugely bothered what he thinks because I wouldn't trust him not to say one thing and then do the complete opposite at the first signs of pressure/bad publicity.

And then Ed Miliband?
Out of the 3 I think he has slightly more understanding but I'm not sure he truly gets it.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
I'm not sure really. I don't think any of them really get it. I can't think of a single politician that would have problems financially if both of them were working (e.g. they wouldn't be in the position of being unable to afford for one of them to work as they'd have to pay out more in childcare).

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally? First of all David Cameron? And then Nick Clegg? And then Ed Miliband? What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Actually I think they are all useless on this. It often seems that they have a few token women in the party so it's harder to accuse them of being sexist.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Labour. They seem to be the least bad of the three. I also think they have a better attitude to employment laws generally, which in turn bring about more women's rights.

I trust the conservatives least. They seem intent on introducing conflicting policies that manage to affect women more than men. Things like child benefit being means tested, making it easier to sack people (within 2 years of employment rather than one).

Just realised that last paragraph makes it sound like those two things are an example of conflicting policies. That's not what I meant. they were an example of things that affect women more than men.

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you. First of all David Cameron? Good God no. His insistance on the state of marriage being essential and something the government wish to push us into at the moment is whats annoying me most about him at the moment. As a parent in an extremely stable, happy unmarried relationship I find it insulting and patronising to be told I should be married to better fit with society. Oh yes, and lets give a financial incentive to married couples so they feel even more trapped if they arent getting on - it'll be great for their kids to grow up watching them fight. Other people of course, may do what they wish and its good he has supported equality in marriage for same sex couples, but I still resent the implication that he knows what would be best for me when clearly he knows naff all about me or my family. Oh wait, am I more annoyed about his stupid 'Oh everyone can still afford for their children to go to university when its £9000 a year' I trained as a vet when university was still free and there is not a chance that my son will be able to follow in my footsteps. The demographic of our profession will be changed back to its previous privately educated, inherited wealth set. It is madness for anyone who isn't already independently wealthy to consider applying at present - they will earn enough to be made to pay their loan back, but nowhere near enough for it not to matter. He knows nothing of the issues affecting ordinary people on normal wages, and clearly cares less.

And then Nick Clegg?
He understands some of them. I was pleased with the sharing of maternity leave with your partner, this is the last piece of legislation needed to make women as equal in the workplace as we can be without the artificial womb. The rest is all changing attitudes. As a couple with a female breadwinner (and only eligible for statutory maternity pay), this potentially would make a massive difference to us - we would use it more though, if you could divide the total time and cash between us as a couple, but both take it at once, to cover the period when its hardest to care for the child. I'm not really sure why you can't, but think this might be a reason for the poor uptake - it just feels more disjointed taking it later, especially if your partner has taken statutory paternity leave.
He has proved weak though. He hasn't stuck to his guns and has let several things close to the hearts of the Liberals, notably tuition fees, slip through his fingers.

And then Ed Miliband?
He looks slimy and false, but I know nothing about him or his policies to be honest. Who even is he?

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
   First of all David Cameron? Not at all
   And then Nick Clegg? He might if he had the backbone. He tries, I think.
   And then Ed Miliband?Who knows
   What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?
   None of them can be trusted. None can be trusted to do what they say. All of them spin. Makes you wonder what is even the point of voting.

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

David Cameron does nothing to speak to women like me, and alienates me on a daily basis. He speaks in soundbites, but frequently contradicts himself. His Big Society and "We're all in this together" is completely at odds with his view that those who don't work full time are failing "to work hard and get on". I work very hard for nothing on a number of voluntary projects. A little bit of help with childcare while I attend meetings with the NHS to debate maternity care or while I support a new mum who is struggling would be a welcome relief.

I hoped Nick Clegg would be able to affect change from within by challenging some of the Conservative's blinkered views. Unfortunately he seems to be nothing more than a puppet.

Ed Milliband doesn't seem to be creating much of an opposition yet. He appears to disagree with the government, but doesn't say what he would offer to voters.

All 3 of the above are preferable to the likes of Farrage and Griffin though...

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

There are so few high flying women in government. Theresa May, Margaret Hodge and Tessa Jowell are the only ones that spring to mind in any party. The female back benchers are often made to appear like "silly little women" - how much of this is down to their treatment by their party leaders and how much is down to the media's portrayal and reporting, I don't know. David Cameron treated Nadine Dorries abysmally not so long ago and appeared to get away with it.

I think all parties need to pay more attention to the issues faced by women and families, and this may not necessarily be by recruiting more female MPs or by making female MPs more prominent. I think the vast majority of women would consider a career in politics to be incompatible with family life, due to the long working hours and amount of time spent away from the family home. The issues faced by women and families need to be understood better by all MPs, not just female ones.

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Right now, none of them. None of them seem to listen, they don't care. I am part of the "squeezed middle" and whilst I am grateful to have a roof over my head and food on the table, no one seems to be offering anything attractive for women and families like me.

Thanks again - we really appreciate all the comments.

The last questions for the weekend: please add your comments to these questions below - ideally by Monday morning but we'll give everyone an extra day to post if needed .

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

once more...MNHQ

1/ understanding issues facing women like me: David Cameron ha ha ha is my first thought. Cameron either has no grasp or more likely wants no grasp of issues facing women like me. I think of the Tory party as women haters. They hate poor women because they are poor and they hate relatively wealthy women like me because we still want to work when we could afford to be SAHM. Imagine actually thinking women should have their own pensions and financial indepence! Having said that I can't understand why a party so against the state supporting people would not want to encourage financial independence in women.

Nick Clegg I see no attempt to address women as voters with slightly different priorities to men. His wife is a senior businesswomen so you think he would have a better understanding of at least issues that middle class women are concerned about which should be a platform to addressing the issues that concern women of all classes. As discussed before by many OP's Nick Clegg has lost his credibility anyway so anything interesting he had to say would always be tainted by his sense of opportunism.

Ed Milliband he doesn't have enough women in his inner circle and this is a mistake. I remember the early days of new labour and there was such a sense of promise that this party could deliver and were listening to women and this seems top have been lost.

women being heard in politics in this respect they are all as bad as each other. There seems to be no real intent to tackle the root cause of under representation of women in Westminster which I suspect is the old boys network again. I just feel that you need to be a certain age to deal with an old boys, patriarchal culture but you are expected to get into politics young and I don't think most women in their early twenties could handle the culture. The entire culture in Westminster needs to change.

trusting a party to look after the interests of women I probably trust labour the most and the conservatives the least although my faith in labour probably isn't deserved on this issue.

managing my household finances gosh, I wouldn't trust any of them with my money! I have no debt aside from my mortgage and I'm keen to stay that way. I save, I don't claim any benefits whatsoever and we both an pensions. I dare say I would earn some sort of gold star but I'd like to think they'd look at our salaries and actually start to have a grasp of just how high the cost of living is in this country and just how much you need to earn to be able to do all of these things. It is scandalous that people on lower incomes have to make the choices that they do and that is mostly driven by the cost of housing which is my biggest outlay by far.

managing on my budget I don't suppose any of them would struggle per say. I hope they would all come away with an appreciation that we aren't rich and don't have a lavish lifestyle despite all three parties placing us in this bracket and looking for ways to squeeze us harder.

Management of household finances
Priorities is the key word here. While I appreciate the difficulties Cameron and Osborne have had to juggle the UK budget/deficit, I seriously question their priorities. As Conservatives they will always have very different priorities to myself and there's no way I'd want to trust them to make good choices for my household finances.
Miliband is much closer to me ideologically, so I'd likely have a little more trust in him.

Managing on my budget
Well, all 3 have come from wealthy, highly privileged backgrounds, so I don't think any of them would be particularly happy with managing on my measly income. However, I have to credit the 3 of them with a modicum of intelligence and nous, so hopefully they'd know how to get the most for their money. I'm sure they could all manage for a week, even a month, but a year.... I don't think so.

Answering second set of questions:

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.

First of women like me I am taking to be women who are working single parents, studying at degree level, living in social housing, with a disabled child. There arent many of us, but thats what I am basing it all on.

First of all David Cameron? - He seems very old school, basing women's jobs as "pocket money" and single mothers as teenagers with 2 kids by two fathers, being a drain on society. He just cant seem to shift the perception of 2013 single parenthood. He'd much rather reward someone and trap someone into a bad marraige than realise times have changed. I worry with the marriage tax gain and the child benefit changes that women will feel trapped to stay in very dangerous, or even just sad, marraiges.

And then Nick Clegg? - I have very little opinion one way or the other tbh, as I know very little about him. I did dislike the student tutition fee raise, but thats all I can judge.

And then Ed Miliband? - He seems most open minded tbh, but thinks again the issue is with teenage parents and labour need to target those. They dont think of the bigger picture. And his idea is to throw money where there isnt any. :-/

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally? First of all David Cameron? And then Nick Clegg? And then Ed Miliband?

I honestly dont follow politics enough to comment. To me, politics still seems to be an Old Boys Club. Cigars in the bar without women after supper kind of shite.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why? I'm going out on a limb with Lib Dem. I'm scarily warming to them, and would be interested in reading up more on their policies. Least? Conservatives, they just dont seem to have changed their views and opinions for 30 years. I almost feel like DC would pat me on the head and say "Thats nice dear"

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively? Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I'm not sure that I can separate them tbh. I dont think any of them have a real idea of juggling finances, money, paying bills and running everything. Budgetting for changes and rainy days, whilst spending wisely. Running cash and card and credit.

As for living on my budget? Pah! I mean, I am by no means poor. I am lucky to live in substidised social housing, which is the right "size" for my family. I am lucky to work, and get school holidays off. i am lucky to recieve ctc, wtc, cb. I receive minimal Child Maintenance, and of course DLA for one child. I get paid CB and DLA every 4 weeks, tax credits every week, wages once a month. I juggle, I budget, I check my bank account daily. I just cant imagine that any of these people have a real idea what it is like to have to log into your internet banking daily. To think "oh shit, I've overspent on a birthday cake, have I enough in my rent account to cut this weeks payment" To realise your electric has 3p on so you stick the emergency on.

I have been on the complete poverty breadline and would no way say I am now. But that is part because I budget, budget, juggle, budget, and scrimp on some things others would say were essentials. But I do not think any of these guys could do it, they have always had money somehow. And I think thats why I struggle to really trust any of them, their words have no backing.

I would love, absolutely love, to have one of them or all of them in my life for a day. 2 days. Even 3 hours. To go through my home. To go through my life. My budgets. To see that some of us down the bottom arent here by choice, we work bloody hard and we make up a big group of their voters. And they need to open their eyes more.

. understanding issues facing women like me David Cameron - No way. He does not have a clue!

Nick Clegg -Hmm I thought he would be better than he has turned out to be, he just seems like another Conservative now! I would have trusted him before, but now NO!

Ed Milliband - I suppose he is the most likely to understand issues, but I am not convinced!!

Same for the second question.

They would not have a clue how to cope on what I have to cope on. I would not say that any one of them would do it, or understand the problems I have trying to juggle family finances. I have 1 disabled daughter who cannot go out alone and cannot walk out of the house, she cannot be left for any amount of time, nor eat or drink without supervision.....but since the Conservatives have been in power she is not disabled enough for DLA! (She went from highest rate to zilch but with the same problems! )It costs me loads to care for her and do everything I do just to make her life a little more comfortable for her, but with no DLA now she has a miserable lonely existence! Thanks Mr Cameron - you had money to look after your disabled child, I don't!!! Sorry, slightly bitter rant there!
No, none of them would have a clue how to budget, budget and budget and work out whether the family eats meat today, or we put money for a bill.

*How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?*

I'm guessing that at least part of the point of this survey is to separate out now women feel about individual parties and their leaders but I really am so disillusioned by the state of the nation, the old boys club, the complete distance from reality that our supposed leaders are. I never realised I am so cynical! But how can old Etonians like Cameron et al truly comprehend the reality of living hand to mouth?

*Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?*

They would probably be incredulous that I am such a mug - I work for a loss. Returning to work after my second child means the cost of 2 in childcare, a prohibitively expensive commute and a pay cut means that until my eldest starts school next year, it is actually costing me to work and line the governments coffers through my taxes.

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.

I think all of them are incredibly removed from what women want or need. Their political personas appear to support women and they use their spouses to show that they are 'family men' but very few real policies have been implemented recently or even discussed that will help women.

First of all David Cameron?
No idea of the reality of life of the average Joe, let alone the average female. I believe he really hates women otherwise how has he allowed some of his current policies to continue.

And then Nick Clegg?
I don't think he cares about women. I have yet to see any sign of him actually understanding my needs.

And then Ed Miliband?
Meh. See my previous comment about his keeping the party's head down.

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?

It seems like lip service to me. The reality of women in politics Vs what actually happens is vast. The Labour Party appears to consider women's needs more in policy development but I'm not sure if this is just that they are demonstrating a more human approach or actually considering women.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

I would say that I trust the Green Party most of all with the interests of women, however I'm not sure they have the ability or experience to run the country. But then I guess neither to the incumbents and it hasn't stopped them.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?

I don't think any of them could manage my family budget better than I could. I doubt they are even aware of what the inside of a Lidls looks like and certainly would not be able to find the best deals for school clothes and cat food etc.

Cameron would probably be insisting that I should be returning to work to earn more without considering the emotional benefits my DCs gain from having me nearby.

I'd love to return to my previous job but it involved extensive travel so that's not an option with small children. I have had 2 other part time roles since having my DS and both of these roles have been withdrawn due to removal of funding for services. What's annoying about this is that I was happy to work for a low pay despite being massively over qualified as I believed the services were much needed in a heavily deprived area (think Tia Sharp) and I could see the longer term benefits of being in these roles. I'm sick to death of hearing about the 'Big Society' and how we are "all in this together" when actually we aren't in this together as all the party leaders are so far removed from the reality of life for many that it scares me to think about how this can or will be changed.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

I'd like to see them live a relaxing life on my budget. I can survive but some months it feels as though we are just existing rather than thriving. I'm aware that this probably sounds bitter but I'm sick of taking the red pill. I'm an educated woman who used to be a company director but now that I'm a SAHM I've fallen off the radar politically. As far as all are concerned I'm just another drain on society. My husband earns an excellent wage yet as a family we struggle from month to month. I know others are much worse off than we are but it's not a bloody competition. It's not acceptable that the banker fuckers who got us into this mess are not being penalized as much as they should. Instead it appears that we are being encouraged to blame the poor, the women, the migrants etc. it's just not on.

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you. First of all David Cameron? I think he has no idea. He's so far removed from the real life of most people in this country - and importantly - always has been, living a life of privilege from an early age. He tries to appeal to us, with talk of the importance of the NHS - ha! It's being systematically destroyed/privatised (same thing) and so is the education system with the ever increasing demands placed on educators, unless of course you're in a 'free school' where suddenly, the same rules no longer apply. Bonkers.

And then Nick Clegg?
I think he probably has some more of an idea, purely because of his wife and her seemingly more accurate grasp of reality away from the Westminster machine. However, still privileged to the extremem and part of the same old boys' club, in essence, as Cameron.

And then Ed Miliband?
Also led a privileged existence. I'd like to think he has some more of an idea of the real world and integrity, considering his background/upbringing but not made particular strong impression on me. Why isn't he seizing the momentum and actually LOUDLY OPPOSING the austerity policies???

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
To answer the question accurately, I actually think Nigel Farage (for all that I disagree with his policies) understands (read: is willing to manipulate) the issues facing many women and men. SO much support for UKip has flooded form the Right and Left because they are offering a voice for those who feel they are excluded from/ignored by the political elite. I would never vote for him, but I am beginning to understand why many do/will...

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
   First of all David Cameron?
   Terribly. The 'calm down, dear' comment was very telling. Cronies all the way for him.
   And then Nick Clegg?
   Doesn't have enough political leverage to promote women. Not a priority for him. Only able to cling on to power for himself.
   And then Ed Miliband?
   Inherited a talented team of women from the previous government. Not seen that he's done anything major to promote/take account of women especially.
   What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
   I don't blame women for not coming forward to be party leaders or have more of a voice generally as they are often patronised (calm down, dear) portrayed cruelly in the press (Harriet Harman) or worse, by their colleagues and fellow MPs - look at the case of Julia Gillard in Australia.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Labour I feel has a relatively good record of female representation and visibility. I know many women concur with the position held by the Greens so them too. Trust least? Equal mistrust in this regard of ll the other parties!

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I think they'd all struggle. It would be alien to them. Just finished my HMRC form and next year we're predicted an income less than half the national average household income. I don't feel badly off as I have a home and enough money to feed my children and I have made the decision to work part time in order to look after them but mostly that's because I have been fortunate enough to be able to save in the past, had support from our families to get on the property ladder and also because we live relatively frugal lives in that we don't spend excessively on unnecessary items. I doubt any of the above named have the direct experience of managing a small budget and utilising it effectively to look after a family.

I'd guess Natalie Bennett (Green) would have the most experience. She works for a smaller party and is more likely to have had a similar life experience to me than the 3 big partyy leaders.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

As above, I think the three leaders are relatively indistinguishable in this regard. That's part of the problem!

Hmm well think some of the posters above have made very good points and maybe my profession isn't the only one that would benefit from the presence of the normal classes. I won't even say working, just normal people who weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths would do.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
Hahahahaha. We are comfortably above the breadline in my view but it would be like living in poverty to him I'm sure. I suspect tuition fees would be swiftly reduced....

And then Nick Clegg?
I think he would do better. He seems slightly more normal than the others. As others have said, sure his normal wife is an anchor. Or maybe I just feel more connection because his wife has been the breadwinner for them. Or maybe its him and his wife I imagine doing better, rather than him alone. He seems a bit ineffectual.

And then Ed Miliband?
Haven't a clue. Know little about him and nothing I know inspires me to find out. I have noticed on this thread people feel he is slightly more pro-women than the others, but no-one uses any examples - which makes me think he's just a better spin doctor.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
Obama would do fine I think. He seems to understand the ordinary life. Again, how I wish he governed this country.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?
The comments above cover this I feel.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Not a hope for any of them. They all come from very privileged backgrounds and are married to successful partners enabling them to have many choices in life. I'd like to see them try to juggle a "real person's" budget though.

My career with long hours and frequent overseas travel wasn't compatible with raising a family, and wasn't highly paid enough to employ a nanny. I think this concept is alien to them all.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I don't think politicians are aware what a big difference the little perks that they are (still) able to expense add up to. Rail travel into central London (DH commutes daily at huge cost to us), broadband and mobile bills paid, the list goes on... Our income halved overnight when I was unable to return to work after having DS - we have to budget every penny so carefully. DH's basic salary means that we were still entitled to child benefit, but an unexpected employer bonus (which we are incredibly grateful for) pushes us just over the threshold now. It's a real hassle for us to have to fill in a tax return now. The cuts haven't just cost us financially, but it costs us time administrating everything.

Because of 3 burglaries in 4 years we are paying £1000 a year home insurance - no amount of smart shopping can reduce this fee - no other insurer will touch us, despite the fact we have moved away from the cursed house, we are still seen as a risk.

We've shopped around for the cheapest Gas, Electricity, Broadband, Mobile bills we can. We run 1 car and only use it a couple of times a week for essential journeys. DM feeds us on Sundays to keep our food budget manageable. DM also buys most of DS's clothes. We only buy essentials, no luxuries. DM helps us with the cost of a small UK holiday every year.

Cameron and Osborne think we are in the comfortably off bracket. Looking at how many families are struggling, this is probably true, but living in the South East is expensive, and we have no hope of moving to a cheaper area as DH would be unlikely to find work away from London. For the vast majority, London salaries are incompatible with south eastern living expenses.

This thread has been good at making me think more about politics. Unfortunately thinking more about politics has just increased my Goldberg's depression test score!!! There is not enough to distinguish the three leaders, not enough viable alternatives to them, and no-one here with much integrity or who can be trusted. I'm sure running the country is not easy and you can never please everyone but it would just be nice to see someone try and do the right thing for once...