SueC: What is the relevance of Labour's or the BBC's 'celebration' of by-election victories on turnouts lower than 40%? I am not a representative or supporter of either institution. That nearly two thirds of the electorate didn't vote for whatever reason should, in my opinion, concern people.
scrabb: 2. You don't live in Rochdale, Sue (I do) so you've not seen Galloway's election leaflets, you're basing your remarks on what you've read in the corporate media and what they choose (and not choose) to print or broadcast. His leaflets did mention Gaza but they also covered grooming gangs, the rundown in local services (led by a Labour-run council), the neglect by central government of northern towns like Rochdale, and even his support for the local football team which is threatened with liquidation.
SueC: My understanding of Galloway's main local campaign points is that a) he wants to re-open maternity and A&E services at Rochdale Infirmary - I'm sure he has a plan to secure the necessary buildings, staff and finances; b) a pledge that there'll be 'no grooming gangs on my watch'. Which is great and deserving of whole-hearted support but in fairness, there were no grooming gangs on a lot of other peoples' watch since they were ignored by police, councillors and social services. c) Secure the local football club's future; d) bring back big name retail outlets like Primark to the town centre. Again, nothing wrong with this as an aspiration but these are commercial businesses - they'll go where the money is. All of this sounds highly commendable but achievable? Well, let's see.
scrabb: 3. No, you're absolutely correct, he's not the MP for Gaza. But in a speech he made a striking comparison. If this election was being held at the start of WWII, would a candidate be criticised for mentioning the plight of the Jews in Europe under Nazi persecution? Would he or she suffer the jibe of "not being the MP for Prague or Krakow"? Or might they be censured for not mentioning it?
SueC: I doubt very much that an MP in the 1930's would proclaim 'this is for Prague' on being elected. Don't you think his emphasis on Gaza was to attract muslim voters?
scrabb: 4. You didn't raise this one, but many people do. Galloway is not local. But then most MPs (I should guess) are not from the area they represent -- or a sizeable number aren't.
SueC: No, you're right, I didn't raise it but I should have done since, in my opinion, the parachuting of candidates into seats in areas they know little or nothing about, rarely set foot in the constituency and will never visit it once once they cease to be an MP is one of the main problems in our dire political system.
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