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In 1979

(4 Posts)
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ElderlyPerson Tue 28-Sept-21 20:45:02

I am not party political, but something I noticed.

In 1997 before the election, at Questions to the Prime Minister, the reply was sometimes "In 1979" followed by going on about the then Labour government's policies and in 2010 there was "In 1997" followed by going on about the then Conservative governments policies.

So I watch out for that. If "In 2010" comes up , well ...

It seems to me to a fundamental mistake. I may be wrong but I think that the typical voter is concerned about the future and what politicians are going to do in the future, how it will affect yhem and any children and grandchildren they may have and also the wider effects on people more generally.

It also seems counterproductive. Politicians who seem only to criticise what others did long ago and not focus on their own policies give me the impression of weakness and inability to lead and earn the respect needed to make progress.

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valdali Tue 28-Sept-21 21:49:18

I can understand why they do it, though. Lots of things (gang culture, environmental issues for eg) require addressing long - term, but when there's particularly negative publicity or reports published, the Opposition immediately pounce, you're in charge, this is your fault. Don't think they really believe it with the intractable problems, it seems to be a case of blame them and the public will hear, and it might get us a few votes.Put in this position, politicians will point out that the other side didn't exactly help when they were in power. But I do agree that it would be nice to hear about their plans for addressing the issue rather than them trading blame.

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Chestnut Tue 28-Sept-21 23:38:04

I think it's fully justified when the opposition start becoming all holier than thou, to remind them that they didn't do any better, and maybe worse. In fact many problems started under their watch or were caused by them in the first place. Take the cladding crisis for instance.

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ElderlyPerson Wed 29-Sept-21 00:19:55

I get what you mean, and it is still the same political party, but going back that far not usually the same people.

So, yes, not quite as unreasonable as it seemed.

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