General Election in the UK - Page 2

Fierce interest in the general election going on in Ireland. Only an hour ago on our national radio a correspondent from the UK informed us that the people running opinion polls in the UK are scratching their heads concerning the proposed outcome. Strange thing here is that there were four byelections here a couple of weeks ago and the turnout was only just over 20%. But, the interest in the general election results in the UK is headline news here. Perhaps this is an indication of the interest in Brexit issues here? The Tories are favourite to get a decent result, but there are factors in play that could cause a shock.

1. Less than 24 hours to polling and an extensive poll indicates that there will be a Tory overall majority but it has not ruled out the possibility of another  hung parliament. It appears the people who carried out the poll were the only ones to get the last general election result right. I note today they are backing two horses in a three horse race.

2. Irrelevant, I know, but most of us Irish would find it difficult to comprehend that such a poll forecast could be published on the day before polling takes place. In Ireland there is always a media blackout on elections for twentyfour hours before polling. I reckon this is an issue the Brits could learn from us. 

3. Unlike Ireland where general election results can run into several days (weeks if there is a recount) the election results will be known tomorrow. I would love to see proportional representation (single transferrable vote) system tried in the UK. No matter what we say about it if there were 40% support for a political party, they would get 40% of the seats. It is a cumbersome and confusing system but I believe it is fairer than the current one-man-one-vote system in the UK.

I wait in anticipation of the result the day after tomorrow.

The latest poll hedges its bets, the range of deviation from the mean suggests a hung parliament is still possible. ‘Brenda from Bristol’ will be seriously dismayed.

I agree with you that polls ought not be published just prior to an Election. Indeed I would like to see them abolished for the week prior to polling day.

My recollection is that it could be Sunday before the final results are in from the Western Isles, Shetlands, etc.

Because the U.K. had a referendum on PR in 2011 and voted with a supermajority against it, maybe a desirable change in the FPTP electoral system is unlikely.

Chris

I'm still enjoying live television coverage of the general election. Like I already said, the goings-on are much different to what would happen on the day before polling in Ireland. But, the party leaders (all of 'em) appear to be telling more lies by the minute. Typical politicians, I suppose! But, it is entertaining stuff. I predict another hung parliament. The good news is:- No more Arlene Foster.

I would love another hung parliament - it would give labour the chance to unearth an electable leader - much as I like Jeremy he carries too much baggage that allows the media to portray him badly

I think you have proved by what you say how powerful the media is in the UK, as Johnson has lied all through this election and along time before, yet it is made out that all parties lied.

I have just heard on national radio in Ireland that several opinion polls will be released today including an exit opinion poll just after real polling ceases. These type of polls appear to be overtaking the actual election poll. In my opinion these are just other illicit invasions of decent democracy. The politicians are lying, the opinion polls are lying. Is there any truth out there?

The exit poll was spot on last time

1. It's old news now and I have to admit that I got the whole results outcome wrong.(I never doubted that the Tories would come out of the election ahead, but I couldn't have predicted the extent of the majority).

2. The GBP£ has recovered. (No complaints here)

3. No more uncertainty about who is governing the UK. (I hope my fears here are alleviated).

4. Future of Scotland within the UK is under pressure. (Probably will lead to the relatively near dissolution of the UK). Welsh nationalists to eventually follow too.

5. Long-term future of Northern Ireland within the UK may be challenged. (No good outcome down the road; real fears abound).[Unionists are not in a majority for the first time in 98 years].

6. Future of Brits living within the EU but outside of the UK will probably work out favourably.

7. Will there be less Brits arriving to live in Spain? Will property prices on the Costas be affected? Will Spain keep the gate open? Will ROI continue to dish out Irish passports (to Brits) like confetti? Will property rental prices in Spain mark time?

Hi , nice to see that you have come to some acceptance with the outcome, well done.

As for Ireland dishing out passports to Brits like confetti,  it was Brits who dished out passports in the millions to the Irish for many years.

Have a good day.