Looking to a smaller party to demonstrate your dissatisfaction with the political classes? Disenfranchised traditional Labour voters should bear in mind that the BNP are the most unBritish of any party – and UKIP, who have a stronghold in South Devon, have already been sullied by expenses issues. Which could mean The Greens pick up a growing support from both camps.
For some, the Greens are the natural choice of a smaller party. But they are not so small, they have a fairly sizeable standing in the Devon County elections, 42, as opposed UKIP’s 33. And they also have a full contingent standing in the European Elections.
So far we’ve heard of no Green being embroiled in an expenses issue or other scandal.
And according to one citizen of the republic, Benjamin A’Lee: “They have pretty sensible policies all-round, including things like abolishing the constitutional role of the monarchy and replacing the House of Lords with an elected body, and nationalising the rail network.”
Of course, the Lib Dems are pushing their environmental creditials. Apparently, Graham Watson South West MEP, was declared the UK’s greenest MEP during the last election by Friends of the Earth during the last election, and has been crowing about their carbon offset of their campaign.
Which is all very well, but doesn’t escape the fact that even the Lib Dems have been sullied in the expenses row.
Another factor that may be in the Green’s favour is the proliferation of small fry right wingers.
Back to Benjamin: “The wingnuts aren’t really a concern, though, since there’s only so many right-wing loonies who can vote for them; all it’s going to do is split the vote.
“What I’d like to know is why are there so many different small parties all with the same goal? Do they not realise they’re shooting themselves in the foot, competing with people who have ostensibly the same goals?
“Certainly there don’t seem to be any redundant parties other than the right-wing anti-EU types.”
Could be we’re all facing a greener future?
posted by Cptn
To Green or not to Green? Will the Greens pick up support and seats in the coming elections? Comment below
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Try http://bma.subvert.org.uk/journal/2009/05/17#eu-elections for a direct link to my post.
Tom Milburn (who is standing as a Green Party candidate in the Devon County Council elections for the Duryard & Pennsylvania division of Exeter) left us these messages on our Facebook:
We innocently asked: anyone know of any UKIP expense issues? Do they claim any from Europe?
And here’s what Tom replied:
“I’ve read in the past of them publicly declaring how shocked they were at how much they can claim from EU
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6136068.ece
“ha! amusingly, the BNP’s website pours scorn on UKIP MP’s expenses: http://bnp.org.uk/tag/ukip-expenses-scandal
Also, ‘UKIP Watch’ have produced ‘What became of the UKIP Twelve?’ a catalogue of corruption, fraud, jail terms, incompetence, racism and much more. See:
http://ukipwatch.org/What%20became%20of%20the%20UKIP%20twelve.pdf
If that didn’t work, try through the main UKIP Watch site:
ukipwatch.org
Nice article. Its a shame most media focusses on UKIP when they talk about the protest vote. The Green Party offers a positive alternative, and its our policies as well as the caliber of our candidates that is the real difference.
Check out our website and vote for us at the County and European elections on the 4th of June!
http://www.southdevon.greenparty.org.uk
Peter, member of the South Devon Green Party
“The European elections give voters a chance to have their say on the crucial issue of Devon’s place in Europe.
At a time when people may be feeling exasperated with the political system and candidates, the Liberal Democrats are the only party which can make the EU work for Britain. The Green party talk at length about their values, but while we have sourced the materials for our election campaign locally and ensured that our campaign is carbon neutral, the Green party campaign leaflets have been produced over 300 miles away in York.
It’s also important to note in relation to the current row over expenses that MEPs do not claim in the same way as MPs do.
MEPs receive no housing or furnishing allowance, no mortgage support and cannot claim for travel undertaken within their constituency. MEPs receive a staff allowance, an office expenses allowance and an attendance allowance, similar to that in the House of Lords.”
Kay Barnard
Prospective European Parliamentary elections candidate for South West of England & Gibraltar
Put it this way the planet is heating up. The polar caps are melting at an alarming rate, and we are all being washed by stories of untrustworthy mps. Who is surprised, virtually all supported a war to control the reserves of oil, and that really was a big pot to have your fingers in. Can we trust The Green Party, well at least their agenda is not about small minded politics of who might add some more directives to our lives, but about a real positive change to benefit all. I will certainly be voting Green. You’d be a fool not too.