Cameron/Davis Hustings: Celtic Manor (Newport)
For the whole of this Conservative leadership campaign, I have changed my mind numerous times on who i feel would be best suited to lead the Conservatives into the next general election in 2009. First, i felt confident in Kenneth Clarke, believing that his sense of character would attract more votes to our campaign (but unfortunately, a few Tory MP's destroyed that plan). I then stood along side Liam Fox, but it was obvious that his support was not going to get him the top seat...and then it came down the final two; Davis or Cameron.
Before, I rooted for Davis, but was still not entirely sure of his ability to lead a new "changed" party, but after attending the Celtic Manor hustings debate last Tuesday (29/11/05), I have finally come to a conclusion on who's name will recieve my cross on the ballot paper...and the answer: neither!
My honest opinion is "How can i choose when both have such great aspects to be the next leader"?
Starting with Cameron first though, all I can say is...what a fantastic politician. The moment he took the stage, the party members which i was sat amongst were hanging on by his every word, applauding the common sense he used in his speech, and above all, appealing to every member within reach of his voice...talking about how reform is needed for the NHS, pensions, education, crime, immigration, e.t.c.
Davis on the other hand also put on a spectacular performance, talking about how Britain must not suffer another 4 years under the hands of New Labour, and by no means did he recieved any less applause from those seated.
But why have i chosen to abstain? Simple....i can not justify each candidates positive characteristics any more than i can their negatives.
Take Cameron for instance, i know for a fact that he is the only one to reach a wider audience than the Conservatives have done in the past 3 general elections...period. He's young, speaks well and most of all can take support away from the Liberal Democrats and above all Labour, but he is in favour of a few policies which are absurd to me (such as 24 hour drinking, Top-up fee's, e.t.c).
Davis on the other hand has policies based on common sense, and is a traditional Conservative through and through. He speaks well, and comes across as he knows what he's talking about....but would he really get that extra electorate support that Cameron would? After all, we have fought and lost the past 3 elections using the same strategy's over and over again.....would it really be any different this time?
So the only option left for me to do is to abstain in this contest. Call me "sitting on the fence", but in the end, i cant vote for both candidates, so my decision is to leave it up to the rest of the Conservative party membership, and hope they choose Britain's next Prime Minister.
2 weeks remaining: Cameron or Davis?
Before, I rooted for Davis, but was still not entirely sure of his ability to lead a new "changed" party, but after attending the Celtic Manor hustings debate last Tuesday (29/11/05), I have finally come to a conclusion on who's name will recieve my cross on the ballot paper...and the answer: neither!
My honest opinion is "How can i choose when both have such great aspects to be the next leader"?
Starting with Cameron first though, all I can say is...what a fantastic politician. The moment he took the stage, the party members which i was sat amongst were hanging on by his every word, applauding the common sense he used in his speech, and above all, appealing to every member within reach of his voice...talking about how reform is needed for the NHS, pensions, education, crime, immigration, e.t.c.
Davis on the other hand also put on a spectacular performance, talking about how Britain must not suffer another 4 years under the hands of New Labour, and by no means did he recieved any less applause from those seated.
But why have i chosen to abstain? Simple....i can not justify each candidates positive characteristics any more than i can their negatives.
Take Cameron for instance, i know for a fact that he is the only one to reach a wider audience than the Conservatives have done in the past 3 general elections...period. He's young, speaks well and most of all can take support away from the Liberal Democrats and above all Labour, but he is in favour of a few policies which are absurd to me (such as 24 hour drinking, Top-up fee's, e.t.c).
Davis on the other hand has policies based on common sense, and is a traditional Conservative through and through. He speaks well, and comes across as he knows what he's talking about....but would he really get that extra electorate support that Cameron would? After all, we have fought and lost the past 3 elections using the same strategy's over and over again.....would it really be any different this time?
So the only option left for me to do is to abstain in this contest. Call me "sitting on the fence", but in the end, i cant vote for both candidates, so my decision is to leave it up to the rest of the Conservative party membership, and hope they choose Britain's next Prime Minister.
2 weeks remaining: Cameron or Davis?
posted by James.R.Skinner at 11:11 am
3 Comments:
Cameron has now won by a land slide victory. Do you think he has the ability to lead us to office? Comments please.
Yes.
I will agree with Sam here. I feel Cameron does have what it takes to lead the Conservatives to victory. A national poll taken on the 10th December 2005 showed that if there was an election tomorrow, 40% of the vote will go to Cameron, while only 35% will go to Blair.
Its true what they say in my opinion: if you want experience, vote Davis...if you want a Prime-Minister, vote Cameron.
Post a Comment
<< Home