Election result

Thanks for this OP ayse . I agree that a coalition within which the parties retained their principles would benefit the country. A coalition in which the smaller party sells its soul to the devil isn't helpful.
I am feeling dispirited. It is indeed the I'm alright Jack society, it's like the 80's all over again. Selfish, individualistic and heaven help you if you're unemployed, poor, sick or disabled.

Somehow, I do not think the Tories will be asking the Libdems to join them this time. The DUP always vote with the Tories, so they do not need the Libdems. The Libdems can keep what's left of their soul.

I know durhamjen - I meant the coalition we've endured for the past 5 years. Without the support of the libdems, the bedroom tax (for example) would have been voted down when Labour put it to the vote. Clegg said recently he now opposes it because the evidence shows its unfair. Like that wasn't obvious from day one!

I agree with both of you. Pity the poor and vulnerable - and in particular the children - who will continue to pay the price for the greed of the very richest.

Good morning everyone - Goodness knows what happened last night but I couldn't post anything only read what was being said - it was so frustrating in the end I went to bed - had about 3 hours sleep.

The fight will go on - it must!!!! Someone has to speak for the poor, disabled and vunerable.

An election fought on racism and fear , now we have five years of Thatcherism , the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer, there is no United Kingdom.

Those Lib Dems who switched their vote after the university funding issue, to either Greens or Ukip- or didn't vote- clearly did not understand how the First Past the Post UK system works- and will have to now live with an extreme Tory party without anyone to rein them in at all.

Tragic.

We are all old enough to have lived with many different coloured governments. All told us that life would be rosy if we voted for them and was it? No wonder people don't bother to vote.

The tactical vote didn't work here. ayse, I agree with you on PR. I feel we're in for another 4yr rocky ride down the drain

Having seen the BBC feedback I'm dismayed to see the number of votes for UKIP.
I'm concerned that civil unrest is not far beneath the surface. There seems to be so much complacency within middle England and the plight of the not so well off is growing. Where has our social conscience gone?

BBC reporting Ed Miliband to stand down. It is being reported that if Labour had lost no seats in Scotland Labour would still have lost.

Still 9 seats required mind you for a conservative majority.

This will be my only post on this thread. Even if I'm the only one who is prepared to say it, personally, I could not be more delighted - a) that DC has a working majority and b) that the arrogant and pugilistic Ed Balls will not get his hands on the Treasury (or anything else for that matter). The thought of Milliband as the leader of this country's government, with a place on the international stage, was terrifying. I admired his brother, but Labour ended up with the leader it deserved.

It is a sad day for:

- the NHS where creeping privatisation and fragmentation will continue apace with the resultant lowering of staff morale.

- education - where central micromanagement and regressive theories will stultify the profession, and external flash inspection without follow-up support will continue....again to the detriment of staff morale.

- the poor, disabled and sick elderly who will bear the brunt of the cutbacks as before.

But - it is not a surprising result. Labour had poor leadership and the Lib Dems lost credibility because of their weakness in coalition. The Tories fought a scare campaign: Labour were responsible for the recession (in spite of the fact that it was worldwide) and they would go to bed with the SNP (in spite of their assertion to the contrary).

I am disappointed in Nicola Sturgeon's election claims that they were concerned for ALL the UK - that is not borne out in her post-election speech in which she is waving the nationalist flag.

The first past the post system may not be fair but it's the one we have. lib dems 8Mps and 2m plus votes. UKIP 1 mp and 3.8m votes.!

At least the turn out to vote nationally is 70% which is good and the election will show a clear winner. Ok they didn't get 50% of the vote but I don't think a government ever has.

We may or may not agree with the outcome but we could vote men and women have had a say and the voice is for five more years of a conservative government.

I like that post Greyduster. I agree.

Well said Mishap. I wish I could understand why the affluent areas of England never ask themselves why the poorest parts of England and Wales do not want a Tory government , they must believe Turkeys would vote for Christmas

There is an SNP MP now who is 20 years old - too young IMHO. I think it just shows that the votes were for the party rather than the person.

Well said greyduster!

Anniebach Sadly I think many Conservative voters in affluent areas in England (and there are "pockets" of affluence throughout the UK) know only too well why those in the less well off areas don't want a Conservative government - but they just don't care.

ayse I agree with your post. Terribly sad that the sick and vulnerable in our society will be the biggest losers with this result.

She spoke very well though. I think that she is a person to watch.

post to Mishap

If the conservatives do get a majority, I am wondering how much difference there will be between that and the coalition.
I was wondering whether, when electioneering, whether they would have revealed secrets about each other, but they didnt seem to. I suppose that was thought to be a lose lose situation at that point.

Yes Eloethan , they will do their bit by helping dish out food in food banks and all will be well in their world . Greed is good reigns still