I agree with Nick.

A selection of thoughts and influences i've collected over the course of this general election run-in so far.



- If we end up with a hung parliament, which MP should we start with?

- Take care of the credence you give to what you read, watch and listen to. Rupert Murdoch controls 40% of British media and will not be looking to entertain notions of impartiality. He is a fervent conservative party supporter due to the assistance their policies will give him as a man in big business.

- Check this link, play with the toy and tell me we're not in need of electoral reform. Then ask yourself who is it that is offering the most significant electoral and political reform.

- Vote for change, vote conservative. Isn't that an oxymoron?

- The hustings (candidate's debate) held by Wakefield Baptist Church exposed the tory candidate to be considerably incapable. Hysterically and offensively incapable actually. The labour candidate (and current MP) is, as an individual, very convincing, but sadly she couldn't escape the state the country has got into on her party's watch. The lib-dem candidate came over much as the rest of his party are doing at the moment: energised, creative, modern, open and credible. The green party candidate did her job; she raised the green agenda well and made intelligent insights on contemporary society and politics without looking in danger of being elected.

- If you have the opportunity before 6th May (not that it will be rendered useless after that date, but it might be a good influence before it) i would heartily recommend getting hold of Mark Thomas' 'The People's Manifesto'. It's a few quid and a lightening quick read. It takes a very creative approach to lots of the issues on the political agenda, as well a several that really should be there but aren't. Oh, and did i mention it's wet-yourself-funny?

Other thoughts:
- The life injected into British politics by the TV debates.
- Constant surprise at the degree of apathy that continues to exist, perpetuated by the incredibly misguided notion that politics is an optional subject within society, rather than the construction of society.
- The lack of political education received by my generation.
- The question of the place of nationalism before God.
- The way moments, like calling members of your electorate bigoted, will swing this election