If Thursday’s local election results were repeated in a general election tomorrow, 25 per cent of Conservative MPs would lose their seats. Hardly surprising, then, that Tory backbenchers have begun to think hard about how to boost the Party’s standing in the polls. (To read more, click here.)
Re: My column in today
Posted by Fergus Pickering on 07-05-2012 19:10:
The Sun is your rue home, and I mean that in a totally positive way. Splendid stuff, Toby. You were wasted elsewhere.
6 May Sun column
Posted by Craig on 11-05-2012 10:55:
Dear Toby,
Your suggestion for Cameron, "In particular, pledging to hold a referendum on our future membership of the EU would be a surefire vote winner — and would shoot the UKIP fox." slightly perplexed me.
It might work if it didn't just remind voters of the "cast iron gurarantee" Cameron previously gave on this subject. It was unequivocal - “Today, I will give this cast-iron guarantee: If I become PM, a Conservative government will hold a referendum on any EU treaty that emerges from these negotiations.” The caveat that this only applied pre-ratification (a period during which there was zip chance that he would be PM and in a position to carry out his promise), was strangely unmentioned at the time.
Given his track record of jesuitical mental reservation, voters not only wouldn't believe him now, but would take any supporting protestations along the lines of 'this time I promise I really, really mean it', as a sure sign that he simply considers the issue important enough to be worth deceiving them.
I suspect that a promise such as you proposed, would enrage voters by reminding them of other past promises that were reneged upon. Usually they seem to be made for immediate popularity and then dropped when no longer convenient.
You will be far more aware of the political background then I am. So I am curious about how you see the issue of Cameron's previous promises.
Re: My column in today
Posted by <a href="http://www.google.com">google</a> on 05-06-2012 08:47:
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RT @katieodonovan: Twitter can you help? Left my wallet on northern line train (sbound) at Ldn Brdge 1730. Think someone shouted at me. Pls… (15 hours ago)
