Dear All,

So, can we now assume "who" the FACT honchos might be voting for at the election? Seeing as its thrown its weight behind labour by drafting the labour "Charter for Angling" AND the FACT 2 came out in open support for Martin Salter and his marginally held seat?

But hang on a minute. Could that strategy have been based upon a pre conceived plan that labour was going to romp home to victory? Oops, hope not.

It appears that its going to be nothing like that and the heavy weights are squaring up in a now even handed contest where labour might actually LOOSE! The lib/dem’s squandered the party’s chances with its dismal opening address at the launch of their party’s manifesto the other day so they are perhaps going to be mere bell ringers on fight night.


Lets look then at the possibility that the Tories WILL win the next election? Someone pass Peter a tissue.

1, Will Michael Howard’s new government shun the Countryside Alliance like labour did?

2, Will a new Tory government grasp the "labour" Charter for Angling and merely delete the word "labour" from it and replace it with the word "Conservative" in all the appropriate slots and paragraphs?

Going back to 1, then;

"Will Michael Howard’s new government shun the Countryside Alliance like labour did?"

Nope. They will deal with all aspects that the CA is fighting for on behalf of their members. They will recognise the vast importance the CA plays in country matters. I would also expect the Tories will appoint a "high ranking" MP to take on the role for Conservatives talking to fishing, shooting, hunting interests unlike the appointment of a marginal unknown like the labour party did? So much for labour’s backing fishing with that particular appointment? And the minister allotting a mere hour for his presence at an angling summit? Some summit. Mole hill meeting more like.

Will the Tories talk to FACT? Probably. But if the Tories win, guys like me will be lobbying who ever takes over Salter’s role should labour loose, that he/she steers FACT towards the idea of total self funding and NOT towards the old idea of hand outs or grants. Angling is big enough to stand on its own feet, and those that deny this fact should be urged to walk on theirs.

Number 2,

"Will a new Tory government grasp the "labour" Charter for Angling and merely delete the word "labour" from it and replace it with the word "Conservative" in all the appropriate slots and paragraphs?"

Don't be daft. It’s going straight in the nearest ministerial bin. If its not there already?

Why would any government that truly "BACKS" angling want a "Charter" in the first place? Sounds and reads like a load of political spin to me and is nothing near what angling needs in practical terms from any government anyway! We need action not waffle or promises contained in a "Charter" type worded document.

The Tories have already pledged they will get rid of unnecessary quangos and committees. Pledged to rid our country of quangos that DON'T actually achieve anything.

I expect the Tories will see the reality on all fronts including the angling one.

The Countryside Alliance made great strides under a dreadful anti-country sports government by displaying its own CA unity and determination to represent country ways. Against all government odds, the CA survived gaining strength and momentum. They were not crushed as many in angling politics forecast they would be. They are still here forging ahead.

How long will FACT last under the Tories? Hell how long will they last under labour??

The Countryside Alliance is still here. Still fighting in a totally united and professional way for its growing membership. A Tory government will mean only one thing for the CA. They will grow beyond expectations in all areas they touch including angling.

And a Tory government will mean the angling smoke screens will be gone and the pro-labour angling propaganda will disappear instantly overnight. Then we will see who manages to stay the course.

Will the Countryside Alliance perish under a Tory government then? And will a changing political arena affect the way certain people perceive the Countryside Alliance and the work they undertake for country pursuits?

And what’s going to happen to FACT if labour loose?

Regards,

Lee.

[ 16. April 2005, 03:04 PM: Message edited by: trent.barbeler ]

Erm?? Excuse me for staing the blinkin obvious, but just what bearing does this have on coarse fishing?? Perhaps a better forum would be the NON-Fishing chat??

or the politics show on BBC 2

"can we now assume "who" the FACT honchos might be voting for at the election"

No, Lee, you can't!

"And what’s going to happen to FACT if labour loose?"

FACT will continue to represent the interests of its members, regardless of who wins on May 5th.

Excuse me for staing the blinkin obvious, but just what bearing does this have on coarse fishing??

You're right Chris its got me too. FACT...Labour Party...fishing. Nope I don't see the connection either.

Now I'm off to sink a few with slodger. Keep some for me Chris I'm on the way.

Sorry folks ...double post

[ 16. April 2005, 11:20 PM: Message edited by: argyll ]

t.b - give it a rest please

Some fun

First take the percentages from any of the latest opinion polls here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2005/po...tml/default.stm

Then enter them here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2005/se...tml/default.stm

Still 21 days to go!!

Tight Lines - leon

Perhaps Elton should open a "Political Forum".

At least it wouild be somewhere for Leon to post his Party Political Broadcasts on behalf of the Labour Party.

Lee, your'e making a lot of wild suppositions based upon a fervid imagination.