OAPs better off under the Tories? Get real...

[Over the hill]

I'm amazed that some correspondents are daft enough to actually believe that "oldies" would better off (in ANY way) under a Conservative government.  Time to read your history books folks...

Keep up the discussion

[John]

Times move on. Very few members of the old conservative guard remain.

I seriously doubt that anyone can do worse than this present labour government.

This comment is not focussed on 'oldies' alone.

It encompasses the whole of society as it stands.

This Country has never been in greater debt.

There has never been so much deprivation caused by lack of good government.

[Over the hill]

Thanks for your reply John.  Seriously though, this problem was caused outside the UK and compounded by our greedy City. Sure, the FSA SHOULD have been clamping down but, as the City strongly objects to regulation (preferring, surprise surprise - self-regulation) any Tory government would never DREAM of curbing their sort of excesses. It's too easy to make promises (now) when it's not their responsibilities. I'm sure the Tories WILL get in but there is NO CHANCE that any sort of "One nation party" - as the Tories would like us to think of them - will emerge.  Hopefully, we (you and I) live long enough to see the next government - BUT, believe me, OAPs will NOT be anywhere near the top of THEIR agenda.

[John]

Labour were not keeping watch on the banking system as they ought.

The champagne and bonus behaviour of the City ignored.

I believe their reason is because the pay off would be given later
in the form of directorships or advisor positions, on inflated salaries.

There is not just cash for honours, there is cash for turning a blind eye...

[Over the hill]

You're right about the Labour Party NOT keeping an eye on the City. However, the point is - the Tories certainly wouldn't! Your comments re Knighthoods and other "favours" applies to all parties. And always HAS!

[John]

Labour have led the Country into record debt.

The economy will be one of balance on the budget available.

Any short fall or cut back will be a direct result from that.

The withdrawal of the 10 pence tax band is a real time experience of Labour.

The stripping of pension funds (by tax), forcing many to close or cease to take on new members.

This type of behaviour was never undertaken by the Conservatives.

I am getting real by the minute and whoever you vote for - it should not be Labour and their

Big Brother agenda...

[Ivanhoe]

Margaret Thatcher's Tory government broke the state pensions link with national average earnings in 1980, New Labour have continued this policy.

So how exactly would OAP's be better off under another Tory government ?

[John]

Living in the Past was a great song.

No doubt you are singing it all the time

'Living in the Past, I'm living in the Past...'

[Ivanhoe]

I dont know what you mean ?

[Ivanhoe]

So we didnt have credit under the former Tory years then ?

[dgpag]

There is no doubt that pensioners would be far better off under a conservative govt.
This lot that are in now gave us 5% but took away the 10% tax rate.
Very clever back door taxing

[Wrinkles]

Despite all these arguments it's difficult to imagine pensioners could be worse off under any government of whatever flavour. Yes the tories made life difficult but compared with Labour I think they come out on top. Gordon has a lot to answer for and improving the lot of pensioners was never a priority for him, rather all those big fat pension funds were ripe for the taxing, and taxing some more.

[John]

Labour have taxed Pension Funds to failing point.

These were not the big fat ones (reserved for themselves and those
that have privilege).

These were the ones that people worked all their lives for to
have something to live on, when they retired.

Rather then rely on top-up benefits as increasing numbers of people have to...

[dgpag]

Why do we have to read history books? We can't change anything that happened. We must go forward but if people must look back all the time I suggest they look at what this country has lost under this "NEW LABOUR".
The so called european community (including this country) put up the flags when the USSR was broken up but now want a united europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but agree with devolution within it's own island.
I served 25 years in the governments army and was proud to do so. I am a true patriot. I believe in flying the the St George Flag on April 23rd even though I live in Wales but I wish I were 30 years younger and knew what I know now because I would be long gone.
Roll on the day when Pensioners are recognised for what they have done for their country. Won't be under this lot.
My wife and I are both pensioners and are having to subsidise her mother's care leaving us even poorer.
Thank you Blair. Take away the B and form an anagram. What do you get. Yes. LIAR

[Wrinkles]

Hmmm! the EU? now that is another can of worms. Whilst in theory pensioners just might be better off should we be even more integrated with the EU, I for one would rather stay as I am rather than the UK become a small satelite of the Soviet Socialist Repuplic of Europe which is what Gordon and his boss Mandelson, along with the Socialist (Communist) elite of europe are crafting.