The Shetlink Entry Poll

[Fjool]

It's my way of sticking two fingers up at Tony Blair and his warmongering cronies

 

It's a way of sticking two fingers up at the UK, Scotland, Shetland and your credibility.

[Evil Inky]

It's my way of sticking two fingers up at Tony Blair and his warmongering cronies

 

It's a way of sticking two fingers up at the UK, Scotland, Shetland and your credibility.

 

What credibility ?

[JAStewart]

The SNP have no real financial credibility and their victory would lead to a four year debate on the Union.

 

I'd say this pretty much defines the SNP.

 

They won't get anything done RE: independence, but independence is ridiculous.

[JustMe]

I'm voting SNP because:

a) It's my way of sticking two fingers up at Tony Blair and his warmongering cronies, and

there isn't a Green candidate running up here

 

But you can vote Green. Use your list vote for the Highlands and islands. Just to make that bit of the election clear it makes no difference who you voted for in the constituency vote when it comes to the list vote. I will be voting Tavish + Green this time and I hope enough people within the Highlands and Islands region (that includes Shetland) will want to have a Green voice in the Scottish Parliament.

[Malachy]

^^^ That sounds like a very sensible vote. I can't see the wisdom in electing a constituency candidate who doesn't live in Shetland, and there is only one to choose from.

For the list, I think voting Green is absolutely necessary. We need their voice in the parliament (and Eleanor Scott strikes me as a good, hardworking and efficient MSP). C'mon the Greens!

[vailron]

snp. glad you can afford the extra £5000 a year in tax you will have to pay

[ArabiaTerra]

I won't vote for New Labour because of Tory Liar and his, well, lies.... and the war in Iraq..... and the corruption.

 

I won't vote Tory because well, they're Tory.

 

I won't vote Lib Dem because Tavish is more interested in his own ministerial career than Shetland and anyway I'm still waiting for the cinema he promised me when he stood for the council.

 

That leaves the Greens, the SNP and the Socialists.

 

Out of those the SNP gets my vote because I support the replacement of the Council Tax with a local income tax and I support their ideas on further education. It is a right not a privilege and should be financed from general taxation.

 

As for the Independence debate, I remain to be convinced but I would welcome the debate and a referendum on the matter.

 

I disagree with the SNP on Trident and Nuclear power but I think they will come round to my way of thinking once Global Warming really starts to bite.

 

Freedom! (as the Australian American with the blue face once said)

[Malachy]

I disagree with the SNP on Trident and Nuclear power but I think they will come round to my way of thinking once Global Warming really starts to bite.

 

You think once the sea starts lapping at our doors and the crops refuse to grow then the SNP will decide it's wise to spend billions of pounds on a nuclear weapon?

[Wheesht]

Freedom! (as the Australian American with the blue face once said)

 

From what?

 

And at what financial cost to us all?

[Wheesht]

I disagree with the SNP on Trident and Nuclear power but I think they will come round to my way of thinking once Global Warming really starts to bite.

 

You think once the sea starts lapping at our doors and the crops refuse to grow then the SNP will decide it's wise to spend billions of pounds on a nuclear weapon?

 

Na, I think he means nuclear power, and I for one agree with him.

[Evil Inky]

I'm voting SNP because:

a) It's my way of sticking two fingers up at Tony Blair and his warmongering cronies, and

there isn't a Green candidate running up here

 

But you can vote Green. Use your list vote for the Highlands and islands. Just to make that bit of the election clear it makes no difference who you voted for in the constituency vote when it comes to the list vote.

I realise that. What I should have written is that I'd like to vote for a Green candidate in the constituency vote, and Green for the list vote, but I'm going to have to settle for SNP + Green because there's no Green candidate standing up here.

[BigMouth]

None of them.

 

Then please go and spoil your ballot instead.

Simply not turning up is and irresponsible and, frankly, turdty attitude.

 

And the point of that would be what?

 

We all have a vote and we have a right to choose to use it or not use it. I would feel that a vote from me would show a vote of confidence, which I haven't got in any of them.

[Fjool]

Not voting just goes down as 'voter apathy' which, in turn, is translated as 'lazy, uneducated voters'.

 

A spoiled ballot indicates your disapproval of the available options and is recorded against all candidates, thus reducing their legitimacy. It's a vote, just the same.

 

Yes, you have a right not to use your vote. But only a thorough numptie would choose to exercise that 'right' . Many people around the world haven't got a vote at all.

 

To put it another way. If you don't make any noise at all, then a much quieter voice will step in and make decisions for you.

 

BigMouth? Pah. Not so much.

[BigMouth]

I have to disagree Fjool.

 

What worries politicians most is voter apathy, hence their determination to "engage the electorate".

 

Spoiling the ballot paper is a pathetic and childish protest that proves nothing and will gain nothing.

[Fjool]

You're wrong and, it looks to me as though you're looking for an excuse to justify your own political laziness.

 

Spoiling a ballot paper is a statement in and of itself. There's nothing childish about making the effort to make your voice heard; even if your voice is that you wish to vote for none of these people.

 

It's certainly more valid than sitting at home squandering what little say in the matter you do have.