Thoughts of a Young Independence member #1 The Neville Scandal.

An Observer Opinium poll has recently revealed Ukip to be beating the Tories in the North West, (http://politicsuk.eu/archives/12950). I'm not one to boast, (especially after those tiring London elections), but this does not only amplify the increasing momentum of Ukip support, but the sheer enthusiasm for - a Ukip. This already defeats the pinnacle of public enthusiasm for the Lib-Dems, in that epoch when it was ok to blabber on elusive policies - frankly, because it was cool being the political bench warmer. Nonetheless, I'm not digging into pre-2010 politics today.

Bluntly, Young Independence, the, (before all this to the least), rapidly growing Youth Wing of Ukip, is now in limbo after facing a leadership crisis soon after a November by-election. A very upset Olly Neville - and right to be - was revoked of his Chairmanship of YI in an NEC decision. This was followed by the voluntary resignation of Christina Marian Annesley, as Deputy Chair of YI Yorkshire, Gareth Shanks, as YI Elections Officer, and Allrik Birch, as YI Treasurer, in protest to the NEC's decision. A 'decision' made merely because his Libertarian values were a couple steps ahead to that of the NEC.

 The decision was inane; not even deserving 'insane'. He was elected by a landslide majority and had great intentions for YI, as any bloke believing in a future Ukip force should; hence I have started to question the NEC's long-term vision of Ukip. They must comprehend the fact that Ukip actually does have a gleam in the eye which does steadily entice Lady Britannia; something which the Lib-Dems never enjoyed and the Conservatives have lost in the North West.

I don't necessarily agree with Neville. Moreover, I was strongly cognizant of his views on issues such as prostitution and drugs - when I voted for him. Voted for him.

Gay marriage? I wasn't surprised. He's a pure Libertarian; I'm not. Although, I do possess sympathy for the drugs argument, particularly on cannabis reform. But that's the beauty of YI, isn't it? We either have yellow, purple or striped tied YouthKipers working together in harmony in efforts establish ground in the social fabric. Neville was an opportunity to enhance this relationship and get it working on the doorstep.

Nevertheless, I believe in YI - we will find our way, hopefully starting to replicate Ukip's momentum with the youth, already with a redoubling platform in universities and just starting to pierce into the bigger youth picture. A brilliant bunch indeed.

UKIP as kingmaker

John Ward notes that the Coalition is falling from grace. Indeed so. Perhaps the electorate is waking up to the fact that it doesn't matter who you vote for, the EU government gets in.

All three main parties support corporatism and are themselves supported by corporatism.

The EU being corporatism personified, our only hope is to leave the EU.

It will be a cold day in hell before the 3 parties support small businesses rather than merely paying lip-service to the notion.

While I can understand voters voting for Cons or Dems to keep Labour out, it is precisely this propensity which brought us a ConDem government.

If we want change, knowing that we will not get it from the main three, we need to have the courage to vote for any party/independent which is not one of the main 3.

My preference is UKIP and I believe that this preference is growing.

Many argue that UKIP would be incapable of forming a credible government even were it to obtain the required number of votes to do so.

The reality is that UKIP, were it to win seats, might well become "kingmaker" supplanting the Dems. Here, it is worth noting that in a recent poll, the Libdems obtained a mere 7%, while UKIP managed 5%. It is not inconceivable therefore that with the growing disillusionment of the electorate might put UKIP's share of the vote above that of the Dems.

Surely, this would be preferable to the EU-skewed configuration we now have in Parliament.

Cross-posted

EU policy cheat sheet: UKIP -v- Lib/Lab/Con

With Saint Clegg's rise in the polls, many people might have forgotten just how wedded the three 'mainstream' parties are to the EU.

Be in no doubt - a vote for the LibDems is a vote for further EU integration, and then some.

. Labour Conservatives Lib Dems UKIP . EU Referendum? On the Euro On further transfers of power to the EU On UK membership of EU and the euro On UK membership . Joining the euro? Mixed messages Never Yes No . Crime and policing? Status quo No new EU powers, opt out More integration No integration . European public prosecutor? Against Against Mixed messages Against . Immigration and asylum Partly in favour of more EU integration Against more integration and asylum burden-sharing More integration, n favour of asylum burden sharing 5-year immigration freeze . EU Defence Possibly more cooperation Against - no EU defence procurement EU defence procurement No EU involvement in defence . EU Foreign policy Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Return to UK diplomatic service . Reform of the EU budget Vague CAP reform promise, maintain UK rebate Vague CAP reform promise, maintain UK rebate Vague reform promise, missed messages on CAP and UK rebate Reform (if we’re still in the EU) . EU financial supervisors In favour with reservations Against if transferring powers In favour with reservations Against . EU employment policy Status quo Opting out of parts “most damaging” to economy Status quo Opting out (if we’re still in the EU) . Common Fisheries Policy Fundamental reform Fundamental reform No mention in manifesto Withdraw . Environmental policy Support EU action, and current targets Support EU action, and current targets Support EU action, and current targets UK action

Source of Lib/Lab/Con info: Open Europe (PDF)

Cross-posted