Ask a Tory
 

I've noticed a bunch of anti-conservative sentiment here that I feel is unfounded.

There's the whole issue of Thatcher. Sometimes it feels like the only reason people are not voting Conservative is because of what she did or how she went about it, 30 years ago. Can we please talk about present day issues, surely they are what count.

I've noticed some people who just dislike Tories, with no real explanation. Is this a Thatcher issue or are there more underlying reasons, such as disagreement with policy?

If you have issues with the Conservatives as they stand today, a party who has been forced to change after 11 years of Labour, then air them here, let me respond and tell you how I feel about it.

I'll answer questions as honestly as I can because I want people to discover what the modern Conservatives are actually about.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Which differs from the Labour bashing you constantly do on here how?

Unfounded?

It's called democracy.

We, yourself included, are allowed to speak their mind.

Happily, unlike some, I'm not a member of any political party, and therefore have no hidden political agenda.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Firstly, I don't object to people airing their views, or I wouldn't have created the topic. As for a hidden agenda I wouldn't have asked for people's opinions if I didn't believe in political transparency.

I believe opinions should be backed up, so if you feel I've acted out of line on any criticisms then please supply the evidence where I've misrepresented Labour and question me on it.

I started the thread to encourage honest, harsh and direct questioning. If you have a question, feel free.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I'd like to ask how David Cameron plans to address the lack of enthusiasm the modern electorate displays in politics. I was looking at the statistics for local elections in Manchester recently and the voter turnout was less than 30%. I get the feeling modern politicians patronise those who care about issues and pander to people who wouldn't vote in the first place. It really frustrates me, and I don't see Cameron's tactics as being particularly encouraging (not that Labour's have recently either).

I've always believed that those who vote for the candidate they'd like to have a beer with should drink a beer and leave the voting to the adults. I don't think modern Conservative policy addresses this problem, and instead indulges it. How do you feel about this?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

For one, I have a big problem with the Tory leader David Cameron. He swans about the media acting like such a caring person - all the while not really saying anything politically strong. But wait - I thought that this Tory party, allegedly, is a new style Tory party that wants to bring about BIG changes to the New Labour ways we have become accustomed to?

The example that springs to mind is what I saw when I was flicking channels a few weeks ago. It doesn't really matter whether you saw it or not as he is the same in every TV appearance. I put ITV on and I saw Mr Cameron on 'This Morning'. Oh he was lovely; listening to people's sob stories, nodding his head sympathetically, giving incredibly helpful* sentimental statements for change in Britain... urgh.

To me, his leadership of the Tory party gives me the impression that the only challenge they put towards New Labour government is that it's not Tories in charge. It seems to me that the Tories would be doing more or less the exact same things just with a different spin. Every mission statement is so ambiguous, every criticism so obvious, every word just bland and meaningless.

How you don't see beyond his act is beyond me mate.


* (incredibly meaningless and vague)

p.s. This post is coming from a person with no party bias at all. Yes, I did like Gordon Brown when he first stepped into Blair's shoes, but that affection has eroded. He's lost the backbone he promised.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Ok, two questions.

Are you in favour of the weighted candidate lists that Cameron brought in, which has resulted in a larger representation of women, ethnic minorities, and gays, or do you think the best qualified person for the job should be selected for a seat?

The new Tories: out of the blue - Telegraph

Question two.

Are the Tories really in favour of equality for all, when a recent poll of Conservative M.P.'s revealed that...
'on several key questions Tory MPs are deeply divided. For instance, against the view of Mr Cameron, just 46 per cent of Tory MPs agree that gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, with 54 per cent disagreeing. For comparison, 83 per cent of Labour MPs and 92 per cent of Lib Dems agree.'
Have they really changed, or are will they say anything in the hope of once again forming a government?

Tories still not won over by liberal social attitudes - Times Online

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Blimey, this ask a Tory a question is long winded.

Twenty minutes is too long to wait for an answer.

I'll try and contain my eagerness to see the answer to my question tomorrow.

New technology!

Bah, humbug....it's only as quick as Cyfr can type.:D

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Would i be better off under a tory government?

Dont forget im on long term benefits.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I think we have a huge problem with political disengagement. I only need to murmur that I study Politics and peoples faces drop.

I think we should start by devolving more powers to local government, allowing them to have greater control and flexibility. Along with this we need genuine transparency, so we know who is responsible for what, and where the money is going. Transparency is a huge problem, so many people distrust politicians, and so many people have no idea who is in charge of their road upkeep, or who is responsible for something as basic as emptying the bins in the park.

I think people can see through politicians who are all style and no substance. You might have noticed the criticisms in Cameron's first year as leader. He was trying to change the party itself, and had no real policy, making him an open target to the delight of Blair and the papers.

You're right. I don't think either the Conservatives are doing anywhere near enough to promote participation in non-general elections. Another idea I have is to have an even number of councillors per local ward, and have elections constituency wide, rather than having the rag-bag situation of current where some peoples wards are up for election while others are not. People won't feel engaged if they don't always have the chance to vote.

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I hope I've covered your post in the previous reply to Rosencrantz, if you feel I've not adequately responded to something, please expand on it and I'll try again.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Ask A Tory or any other politician but don't hold your breath for a direct answer;)

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I am a complete believer in the best person for the job getting the seat. The lists Cameron put out were completely optional, to force constituency party members to vote on all women vote lists as Blair did, completely undermines women in politics.

At face value it would seem that Conservative MP's are not in favour of equality for all. I'd like to know more about the poll however, as the way it is written could well indicate gay marriage, not civil partnerships. I'd like to see one conducted in direct reference to civil partnerships.

Personally I believe that people should be able to do what they want. It's not the states role to tell people who they can and can't have relationships with and I think Labour have got it completely right with civil partnerships, allowing gay couples to be recognised by the state.

I do think the party has changed. I don't adhere to this position of 'are they just saying it to get in power' no matter which party is accused of it. If a party puts forward a good policy which is therefore popular with the electorate, then fair game to them, because electing them will get that policy into government.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I'd need to know more about your situation to answer the question really. Such as why you're on benefits, your living status, etc.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Long term incapacity benefit. Registered disabled. Live on my own. What else do you want to know? Part time employed.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I struggle to see how this thread isn't just ANOTHER reason to draw upon the negativities on the Conservative Government, so I think this thread is pretty stupid, especially as the person answering the questions may have done his politics assignments but he still has no real ground as a Tory...

I don't think anyone 100% backs a political party and its policies. I for one am against the Tory notion of saving the post offices, but still I vote Conservative, so the fact that there are differing views within the party regarding homosexual marriage is hardly surprising is it? I'd be a bit concerned if an entire party of politicians shared the same views about everything, it'd suggest that they're either lying or they aren't focusing on enough issues, at least that's what I think.

I also think that one person on a forum dominated by everything but tory voters who claims to be able to answer everyones questions in general about the Tory government is naive, and the amount of time people have had to wait for responses pretty much shows this.

Now look, you've turned the tory supporters against you, whatever next?!

Re: Ask a Tory
 

At local council level does the Tory party allow their councillors to vote the way their consciences dictate or do they have to vote according to party line?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

It depends what the incapacity was I guess, as they're trying to get those that can work, into work. However since you already do work then I see no reason for you to be any worse off financially. If you fall within the 10p tax band then the likely hood is you'll be worse off this year than in previous ones, which both Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems have highlighted.

Does that help, if you think I can expand or have a counter question please feel free!

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I presume you're talking about Hyndburn and party line being what Peter Britcliffe says? If so then I don't know. I'm not involved enough in local politics to say how people vote. Sorry!

My own personal view is that they should be allowed to vote with their consciences, especially in ethical situations. Although most of the time they'll vote with each other because they have similar political opinions.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

See post #1. I'm not claiming to represent the whole party on every issue, it's about me as a Conservative letting people know how I think. It's already quite clear that I differ from the party on several aspects. I'm only writing about 'the party' in respect to what I feel about it. If they've made policy about something, that's when I'll respond with the party line including my own opinion if it differs. Any questions?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

The question asked was
'Gay couples should have exactly the same rights as heterosexual couples',
which resulted in only 46% of the Conservative M.P.s polled agreeing, compared to 83% for Labour, and 92% for the Lib Dems.

Populus Limited > Poll Archive > Parliament Panel - 09.05.07-01.06.07

Another question.
Considering so many areas of the country are affected by the blight of drugs, isn't David Cameron's repeated refusal to answer the question as to whether he has taken illegal drugs, either at school, university, or before becoming party leader, another indicator that he is just another politican who cannot answer a straightforward question, or is his refusal to answer truthfully for a totally differing reason?
I'm not asking you to answer for Cameron, but do you think he should answer what to all extent and purposes a fairly straightforward question?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle1386936.ece

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Why on Earth is David Cameron elected as leader of the party, when he has the leadership qualities of a sheep???

The only thing on his side is the fact the the labour party are so far up the USA's lower orifice that Cameron cant fit. Dont get me wrong, he may be someone you can nip to the pub with, but to run the country? Maybes not.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

As long as you have a couple of million quid to spare, which would buy you a house in Notting Hill, so you could share his local boozer.;)

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Was planning on inviting up him up here, preferably on a friday night, might open his eyes a tad ;)

Re: Ask a Tory
 

So you would like this present resident of Downing Street to carry on would you, The Ditherer in Chief, I didn't think anybody could be worse than Blair, but this guy is a joke, and the thing is if you went to the pub with Gordon you'd be paying:D

Re: Ask a Tory
 

At the weekend he's more likely to be found on the estate near Scunthorpe where his wife was brought up.

By the way, that's not a sink estate, but the 300 acre Normanby Hall estate, where the family has resided since 1590.

Very man of the people.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Guy Fawkes had a good idea, blow the lot of them up.

I vote conservative, several reasons really, one of which is that we all are being taxed to death by Gordon and his mates. Our lads and lasses out in Iraq, Afganistan and elsewhere are not being given the tools to do the job, no support when they come home, whether or not you agree with the war is not the point our troops dererve our resect and support. Hospitals now in the worse state they have ever been in, I could go on but do I really need to. If we vote Labour back in, I think we will as we are so short sighted, then the country will really go down the pan.
:hidewall::hidewall::hidewall::hidewall::hidewall:

Re: Ask a Tory
 

A Tory advocating terrorism?:eek:

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Next question.:)

Would a Conservative government redress the anomalies where by, in a supposed United Kingdom, Scotland allows it's elderly people free residential care, without the need to sell their homes or use their savings, unlike in England, and gives Scottish students free university tuition fees, again unlike England. In Wales prescriptions are free, which is not the case in England.

We also have the case where Scottish M.P.s vote on legislation that only affects English and Welsh law. Would a Conservative government change this stupid situation brought about by partial devolution?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Not at all, at the present time we may as well be singing the stars and stripes every morning, just if Mr Cameron is the best the tories have to offer, I suggest they start looking for a man with his vitals still attached.

On the subject of devolution also, would the conservatives stop the funding that is issued to Scotland and Wales for the very voter friendly intiatives that are subsidised by the English tax payers, but cannot be offered to them?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Best grounding you can have Mr. Cyfr is out on the doorstep doing a bit of canvassing;)

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Cyfr you'd make a good tory!!:rolleyes:..*coughs*

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Interesting point garinda, no I do not advocate acts of Treason, as I believe that trying to destroy the Houses of Parliment would be classed. I just thought that maybe a bit of light humour was needed.

So you are not a Conservative voter, so on the question of the Scotish rights and for that matter the Welsh get free prescriptions as well, they were introduced by Labour, so can I take it that you voted for them in the last General Election?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Sorry, didn't know you were a comedian.

I suppose it's the same sort of humour that other comedian Kenny Everett exhibited at the Tory conference in 1983, when he came on the stage and announced 'let's bomb Russia'.

Given the current situation regarding terrorism in the country, personally I don't find that sort of statement funny.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I am disilusened with the labour party as it is today,,but i would NEVER , NEVER ,NEVER vote Tory,,,,and yes you can blame that bitch Thatcher for that,,,she caused no end of misery to hard working northerners ,while the southern fatcats got fater and richer,,,,,Well in my humble oppinion it wont be long before she meets her maker ...God help her
:tongueout

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I take it you have been privy to my secret voting slips?

I'm a member of no party, and have only ever stated on this forum that I have voted for Labour, though I have voted for other parties too, so you don't know who I have, or haven't voted for in the past.

My questions regarding the anomalies brought about through devoltion don't hide the fact that they were introduced by the present government. My question was what would a Conservative government do to change them.

Even in this thread I've been critical of this government, if you'd care to read a little more carefully, rather than jumping to assumptions for which you have no proof whatsoever.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Right okay very nice.
Gardina, I drive a Boeing Aircraft for a living, every day when I get on it, I check ALL compartments for Bombs, Terrorists etc, I am subject to more security searches than you are as a Passenger, I hold a Restricted Airside Pass and had to go through many security measures to get it. I will be one of the first people in the UK to get an ID card as Aircrew are going to be first.
The door to my flight deck is Armoured and Locked at all times from prior to push back until after engine stop. We do open it so we can pop to the loo and have food brought in, but only after viewing the CCTV.
If we have a Hijacker on board my instructions are to turn off the intercom from the cabin, turn off the cctv and land asap. Even if the hijacker threatens cabin crew or starts killing people, they are friends and I have to make the desision to let them be killed, because of the greater good, if that happens, I will have to live with the fact that I let people die.

A terrorist can plant a bomb on my aircraft and kill me, he can fire a rocket at me and kill me.
When my wife says goodbye to me she knows it really could be the last time she ever sees me.


SO I THINK I HAVE THE BLOODY RIGHT TO MAKE HUMOR OF THIS
SITUATION. WE CALL IT GALLOWS HUMOR.

So please do not have a go at me for trying to make light of a bad situation.

and you say I jump to assumptions

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Err...ok.

I take it not losing your temper, and not remaining calm under pressure, isn't a pre-requisite to becoming a pilot?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I am calm, I will not discuss this further. I believe I made my point.
If you are trying to rattle me, it has not worked.
Your not a troll are you?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Yes, badly.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Oh ******, I shouldn't have read that - I fly next week :eek:

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Slinky you will be fine. I would not fly if I did not feel safe

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Cyfr, you can tell me a bit my "local" candidate Clive Fisher, all I can glean is he defected from the Lib Dems after geting beaten into 3rd place in 2005 when he stood against Dorothy Westell and PB in Ossy. I don't recognise his face, the leaflet that arrived today doesn't tell me anything about him or even where he lives. I would be suprised if he knows where the Peel ward is. Any info?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I detest politicians, of all parties, who jump ship in the hope of securing a seat.

Even worse is when they do it mid-term. I think it shouldn't be allowed, if they want to change parties there should be a by-election.

Hardly shows a man of principle or conviction.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Blimey, it's a bit slower than when Gayle did her live question and answer session re: the Panopticon.:rolleyes:

It must be because as a woman she is used to multi-tasking.;)

(...and of course her swift replies to questions had nothing to do with her being a former Labour candidate.):D

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I believe she did the Panopticon thing before being a candidate :p

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I didn't say she did.;)

This lively political question and answer session is fast becoming as drawn out as a debate in the House of Lords.

I'd better find a cushion and make myself comfy.:D

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Not at all. What he has done in the past (as we all suspect) has no relevance today. People don't plan to be leader of the opposition or prime minister, they don't avoid having a 'university life' to get into politics. These are real people. As I see it I don't think people care if he smoked cannabis at university. If people really think it matters, then I guess they won't vote for him.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I can't speak for the party, I don't make policy. However Cameron has been saying he wants Scottish MP's to not have a vote on English policy. I think this is completely right. If we don't have a say in their matters, then why should they have a say in ours if it doesn't affect them.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Is there any substance in this or, perhaps even a question?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Is his phone number not on the leaflet you received?

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I had tons of essays in for yesterday. However never fear, I'll be able to respond much faster to your demand now garinda!

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Thats a bit high and mighty to assume people want to ask you such important questions just because you have an opinion.

The only thing that I question about Conservative Policy is the Post Office issue, and I really don't want to have to bring it up again.

Can we see a return for fox hunting? That'd be nice :)

Re: Ask a Tory
 

Will let you off then.:p

Anyway, interesting thread...so far, so karma due.:)

Though I do disagree with your answer about Cameron, and the question if he's ever taken drugs in the past. Apparently there are plenty of people out there who could reveal the truth, so an honest answer would be much more refreshing than all this dodging of the issue.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

By the way, still waiting for a comment on this, now I've clarified the wording of the question asked.:mosher:

Re: Ask a Tory
 

I think the problem is that it sets a precedence that what happens in peoples private life 30 years previous, somehow has a real affect on their judgement. If it was last year, then people have a right to know, but I think people should have some degree of privacy to things they have done in the past without having to come out openly regretting or apologising to every mistake they might have made throughout their life.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

The question asked could easily be interpreted as gay marriage rather than civil partnerships because of the 'exactly'. I'm not trying to defend the split within the Conservatives over that question (although it was a very small sample), but I'd like to see it on the issue of civil partnerships and whether they agree.

I'd be surprised if the Conservatives disagree with civil partnerships, as Alan Duncan the Conservative shadow business secretary has become the first member of any cabinet or shadow cabinet to have a civil partnership. I have no doubt there will be some 'traditionalists' who disagree, but I don't think the split will be as divisive as the poll makes out.

Re: Ask a Tory
 

The wording of the question seems very straightforward to me.

There is no mention of either marriage or civil partnerships.

Just the statement 'gay couples should have the same rights as hetrosexual couples'.

Which resulted in only 46% of Conservative M.P.s agreeing with the idea.

Which leads me to assume that whatever liberal ideas the current leader may have, the rank and file old guard of the party are still the same old bigots.