So how was 2006 for you? Good or bad? YouGov has an interesting survey today in the Sunday Times which reports that 40% of people in this country say they have had a good year, 24% bad, with the remainder saying it has been neither good nor bad. However, when asked if 2006 had been a good year for Britain or not, only 7% said it had been a good year, while 55% thought it had been a bad one. The article can be readh HERE.
These statistics reflect my own position. 2006 has been a good year for me (after 2005, it could hardly have been worse!) but I do think it has been a bad year for the country. If I were a Labour strategist I'd be deeply concerned by this poll, as it seems to reflect the findings of Philip Gould's leaked memo last week. Traditionally people turn against a government because of economic circumstances which affect them badly. If the findings of this poll are anything to go by it is social issues which may be the trigger in 2007. Anti social behaviour and the level of immigration now outrank financial considerations as the issues which concern people most on a day to day basis. Only 24% have an optimistic outlook about Britain's prospects for 2007. 58% are pessimistic.
Still, that eternal optimist Gordon Brown will know how to shake us out of our gloom, won't he?!
That's how I feel, too. Not a momentous year, but a fascinating one. On soical issues there is a Labour hardcore who will tell you that it is us Tories and the right-wing press that are leading to people's negative perceptions. An embattled position I would say. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as in 2006 I have heard of people leaving the Labour party because of the government's failure on law and order.
ReplyDelete2007 has to be better..it is the year Tony Bliar steps down :-)
ReplyDeleteNo mention in the article of green issues being of great concern.... and apparently most would prefer to throttle a hoodie rather than hug one.
ReplyDeleteDave really is on the ball, isn't he?
Still he can take some consolation from the statisic that there are still some (5% - wow!) that still have affection for the institution in which he earns(?) a very healthy living spouting irrelevancies.
Roll on the revolution.
I took part in that YouGov survey and I have to say that Labour should be concerned.
ReplyDeleteJust looking at friends and family over the last year there is one overriding theme coming through, people are concerned and are tightening their financial belts.
They are beginning to question where all the money has gone in public services and the biggest indicator to voters will be just how tight things have become with their local council budget.
Iain, you've bought the spin on Brown. Brown is an optimist - it's Blair who's the pessimist - world's coming to an end, lock 'em up, authoritarianism etc - but he's a better spinner. Brown's constantly looking forwards, concerned with poverty, children, opportunity.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIain, you've bought the spin on Brown. Brown is an optimist - constantly looking forwards, concerned with poverty,.....
5:23 PM
Creating it?