bridge too far

I remember posting on this forum two or three years ago that the Tories would probably not form a government in my lifetime. Well, so far, and in spite of the huge unpopularity of the previous administration over the Iraq war and the parlous financial problems (caused by others but, hey, we always blame the governments), the Tories STILL couldn't command a majority. And I'm willing to bet that, in 4 years' time, they still won't.

Maybe there will be a greater chance of a negotiated settlement now that they've got rid of Willie Walsh?

Also - speaking only for myself - I am a bit intimidated on the Main Bored. Although I love watching football and understand the rules and tactics, I've never ever played it so feel incompetent to comment on performance. I joined when all the Lowe / Wilde stuff was kicking off and, initially, didn't contribute to any thread (would you believe ) but then put in my two penneth in the LLS / HelpMeRhonda days. Now, I just periodically offer to be physio for the TSW match but no-one takes me seriously

Depends who's wearing said combination. If he's well-muscled, with good legs, not too hairy, nicely tanned, a six pack and a handsome face I don't care about his sexuality; he's just lovely to look at. If, however, he's overweight, hairy and pasty with skanky feet I'll look the other way even if he's the most testosterone-fuelled being ever to walk the earth.

Hypo - my point was that, in general, people will suffer a government for a number of years but, when things start to go a bit pear-shaped, they'll vote against that government, thinking it will miraculously turn things round. In my experience, from years of door-stepping for the Labour Party, I've found that most people don't bother to read manifestos. They are either entrenched party loyalists (of whatever party) or they change their vote between parties. It happened to the Tories in 97 and it happened to Labour last year. But it's now that some people are beginning to realise just how deep these cuts are going to be and it's hurting them and they don't like it. Talking about war-time spirit (something even I'm too young to have experienced ) is irrelevant. That was then and we had a common enemy. This is now. BTW thank you for a polite and reasoned debate.

More overall votes for Tories than for Labour but not an overall majority of votes, it has to be said. Maybe, as often happens, a lot of people were not so much disenchanted with Labour's deficit reduction plan as with Labour in general (after 13 years in power). Maybe those same voters are now realising the horrific implications of the Tory cuts. Interestingly, on that march, were folk representing pensioners, a WI in Gloucestershire (that well-known communist enclave ) and large groups of people who will be directly affected by cuts to disability services, social services and libraries as well as the health and education sectors.

It may confuse you but I think many people can see the difference between the two approaches. One approach is to cut fast and deep, the other approach is to cut more slowly and less deeply. Can't get much plainer than that.

Looking forward to Michael "don't you love my ruby red pout" Gove deliver the latest U-turn

A slightly less hysterical view http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12848566 and it seems like the Irish need more help http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/ireland-business-blog-with-lisa-ocarroll/2011/mar/28/irish-banks-need-another-bailout

Although the Grauniad's editorial does mention it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/28/anti-cuts-march Particularly: The TUC march was a success. Ed Miliband was right to address it. But the campaign remains rooted in the agenda of the public sector unions. The Labour leader faces a much bigger task now. He needs to reach out to those who think of themselves as much as taxpayers as consumers or producers of public services. A longer march now beckons

LOL I was about to bite too Oh darn it - I will! I started going to the Dell with my dad when I was about 7 or 8. My dad's building firm used to have an advertising hoarding (East Stand IIRC). I DO post on the football forum from time to time but, sadly, I don't get to matches because I don't want to go on my own; Mr TF, as a few of you are aware, being a Skate We do go to football matches together, however - Wycombe Wanderers. So you get to keep the match ball - happy now? Are there any of the fascists that don't post on football matters?

That would be his comb-over - not as much hair as he used to have

I know very little about how markets work, but I found this very interesting article from the FT. It seems to underpin something I heard some time ago, namely that many in the financial sector who caused the banking crisis also benifitted from it by, in simple terms, backing a losing horse and profiteering from that. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c0f176d4-0fdd-11dc-a66f-000b5df10621.html#axzz1HsvZCrLS

tax avoidance (allegedly)

eider

The coalition states it would be illegal to reverse the VAT increase. But it could reduce the other duties on fuel to bring it down to average European levels.

Impossible to monitor IMO. Individual garages put their prices up (and rarely down) on a whim. How's the poor motorist supposed to know whether the increase is because of tax or profiteering?

fever

roll

gadget

+1

heroes

kerb

I've been really lucky with most of my bosses. One was a Liverpudlian with a very broad accent and I'm sure I only got the job because I was the only candidate who could understand him (my grandparents being Liverpudlians). He treated all his staff with respect and never, ever pulled the 'I'm your boss, so do as I say' line. He promoted me twice in 18 months Another one was very smart and led by example. She recently was awarded an MBE. She pulled herself up through the ranks by sheer hard work and dedication (as well as ability) and has delivered a number of big hospital building projects on time and budget. She was great at recognising peoples' abilities (rather than just paper qualifications) and she also promoted me rapidly. My last boss was a d*ck and lied through his teeth.

This