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Written by Alun Cairns MP
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Monday, 19 April 2010 23:51 |
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My updating of this blog has not been as frequent as I would have hoped but matters have been more than hectic to say the least.
The most notable news over the last week has been the televised debate, which has subsequently propelled Nick Clegg in opinion polls.
I thought that Nick Clegg started off well but also think that David Cameron finished the strongest. Unfortunately, it seems that most people made up their minds after the first 10 mins.
David Cameron gave the best answer on health and the best summing up. He also won, according to the tracking ‘worm’ on immigration and crime. Therefore, it is difficult to understand why Clegg has received so many plaudits.
Clegg spoke directly to the Camera, which I thought was a little spooky but it obviously worked. I can’t help thinking, however, that if Cameron had done the same, he would have been criticised for being too slick!
Anyway, where do we go from here? Well, I suspect that as people start to wake up to the possibility of a hung parliament, alongside closer analysis of Lib Dem policies, I am sure that his support will subside.
Cameron always performs best under pressure and I am sure that this will help his performance this Thursday.
We shall see!
Pedometer Update – I have averaged 12,000 ish steps per day and must admit to having forgotten to take it with me on two occasions! Saturday was one of my best with more than 15,000. I will be a little more strict in recording and attaching it to my belt! |
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Plaid Labour - one of the same |
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Written by Alun Cairns MP
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Wednesday, 14 April 2010 00:01 |
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Yesterday (Monday), I had the opportunity to respond to Plaid and Labour’s tourism announcement.
It was scandalous actions by WAG. We have all come to expect Labour to act in this way but the joint working with Plaid really demonstrated how close they are. To stoop to this level and to break fundamental principles only highlights how being in government and out of touch with reality they have become.
I can believe that pragmatic Plaid supporters will be happy with their relationship. They opted to prop up Labour and it is now up to us as a Party to appeal to their disgruntled voters.
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Written by Alun Cairns MP
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Tuesday, 13 April 2010 23:52 |
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We have had a great couple of days campaigning. Excellent turn outs at every session.
The manifesto was launched today and I think that if David Cameron is elected as PM, as I think he will, it will prove to be as radical as the 1983 manifesto was at the time.
Naturally, different times need different policies and I believe that this is the answer to the Big State and central control.
One concern I have is that many policies won’t be able to be introduced in Wales immediately because many of the policy areas are devolved and are matters for the Welsh Assembly Government.
However, a change of government in Westminster will highlight much greater divergence of policy from Lab / Plaid run Wales. I believe strongly that as this manifesto proves to be successful in England, people in Wales will be demanding more and more Conservative policies.
Labour’s centralising has already failed in Wales and we need a radical approach elsewhere to prove the case.
Pedometer update – yesterday (Monday) amounted to 14,241 steps and today, 13,311. Seems that I am slipping….but have been up to some internal important tasks! |
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Written by Alun Cairns MP
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Sunday, 11 April 2010 22:51 |
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Today has been a chance to catch up with family, paperwork and e-mails after some very long canvassing sessions yesterday.
Henri stayed with family for much of last week and today was a chance to switch off a little – playing and doing homework….did you know that the longest crocodile is up to 7m long!
One big difference in this campaign to previous elections is the volumes of e-mails I am receiving. Some are standard letters but many are not, all of which need responses.
On a summary of last week’s activity, I thought that the Conservative Party came out best. On the door step, there is a definite swing, but there is much more that needs to be done.
When the manifestos are published over the next few days, we can drill down into each other’s policies.
Sir Peter Gershon’s article in the FT highlighted how our NI commitment stands up and should silence Lab and Libs – but I wouldn’t bet on it!
On the pedometer front, yesterday was a mere 24,959. Probably because I went to the point to point and stood chatting, rather than walking and Friday turned out to be even less at 21,865 because I needed to go to Campaign HQ in Cardiff for much of the day. |
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Written by Alun Cairns MP
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Thursday, 08 April 2010 21:51 |
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I received my Labour opponent’s Leaflet today.
It included some points that I wish to clarify and correct. It is claimed that we have refused to commit to the Defence Technical Academy in St Athan.
This is wrong. David Cameron and Liam Fox have said publicly that are in favour in principle and in practice. Only yesterday the leader said that it was a ‘logical’ step but of course, we need to see the financials to confirm value for money.
They haven’t been shared with us.
The line that we would end free prescriptions also needs qualifying. 90% of prescriptions would continue to be free but millionaires would be required to pay. They will continue to be free for pensioners, people on benefits, individuals under 21 etc. All others would be expected to pay a modest sum as they do in England. The money raised would go into improving Health. After all if you live in Wales, you wait much longer for treatment than they do across the border.
Also, the outcome of this election couldn’t change this policy because it is up to the WAG to decide. Maybe it highlights Labour’s understanding of devolution.
Pedometer update: Much fewer steps today only 26,810 steps. That must be due to my extended lunch break whilst chatting to a journalist…..in a pub! |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 08 April 2010 22:04 |
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