After the recent election I've decided I want to be more knowledgeable of our political system etc. The problem is that I hate newspapers and even television news shows. I am a firm believer that news programming is as fictitious as any other show you see or read. You read one paper and it will say one thing, another will contradict the next one so much that one must be 'lying'.

Where can I find out the facts of what's happening? The facts of each policy or political move.

Cheers guys.

One idea I had was to buy two newspapers: one from the left and one from the right/centre.

Most right papers are numpty papers though even though I have some pretty right tendencies.

To be more concise; I want answers from normal, intelligent people not retarded mentals.

You mentioned Russell Brand as an authoritative source on politics, no you don't. I do know about politics but not as much as I'd like. I know a more general, loose amount rather than proper foundation and fully formed body of knowledge about it.

The BBC had a nice little breakdown of key areas within each parties manifesto and produced it in a sort of comparing view.

BBC manifesto guide

The best way would probably to look at the key areas of the manifesto for each party and research them areas for your own views, then attempt to align your own views with the views of a party. For example, I firmly believe sticking in the EU is the right choice to ensure growth and sturdy foundations to build after the economic hardships, therefore I wouldn't vote for a party that wanted or would align themselves to the possibility of an EU in/out referendum.

That pretty much made Labour my party to vote for as any other vote for smaller parties would've been a wasted vote in my opinion.

@Barney_Stinson: I wasn't looking for what party I am but you are right I should read about their policies and manifesto. As Kowalski pointed out they don't do what they say so I guess I'd need to find out what it is that they stand for' as that'll probably let me know what policies they will actually enforce.

@Kowalski: Yes that is a good idea, what websites/publications would let me know that? Often papers give a very askew version of them. Liberal Democrats were portayed as powerless monkeys who did nothing in the coalition, only to find out after the election they stopped the Conservatives passing lots of extreme bills and acts.

Yeah you're right about it being a matter of research, could you give me any ideas of what places would have the most informative, least bias news?

I personally don't think everyone should have the right to vote, as most people are uninformed and have no logic. I've met many people who voted UKIP because 'foreigners' are ruining our country. It doesn't even make sense if you think about it. I even know someone who voted UKIP because he wanted to vote BNP even after I told him "We dont have a BNP representative down here", he thought, at the age of 35, you could still vote for BNP anyway.

Schools need to educate people on life or you should have to pass a test to be able to vote.

I don't think I have anything really good to add as I hate politics. Even the word bores the life outta me.

It's different over here though as we have basically 2 sides competing against each other (Catholic versus Protestant) who the bulk of these "leaders" are all former fucking terrorists who have been in jail for all sorts of shocking crimes, running the country.

One of their bright ideas in 1998 was to release 500 paramilitaries back into society under the "good Friday agreement" - which consisted of psychopaths & murderers. I can never get my head around how the British & Irish governments jointly decided it was a good idea to exonerate child killers & set them free. Absolute madness.

That's why I won't vote for any of these deluded wankers. I'm just getting on with my life & not paying attention to or following any of the pricks.

Funnily enough though in a way I do "follow" politics. I listen to the Stephen Nolan show on BBC radio Ulster every weekday from 9am to 10:30. It's a live talk show that has regularly has our political leaders & the likes on the phones arguing with each other & such, it's hilarious. It's not all politics it's basically anything that is an issue over here. People can phone in & air their views or have a go at someone live. I even tweet live sometimes & have had my tweets read out on air. It makes me laugh that I'm just lying in bed giggling at these twats debating, then maybe send a tweet & have it read out to them. It's purely entertainment in my eyes but I'm updated on shit that's happening.

On another note, I'd have voted for Al Murray if I'd known he was in the running for whatever the fuck it is that everyone is running for. Even though I probably can't vote for the people in England.

Politics are starting to bother me now..

This welfare reform shit is on the verge of coming in here in N.I.

I am of the understanding that it has been in England since 2012. Like I said I listen to the debates, but never pay much attention to it, until now.

No it won't affect me no matter what happens (even if it did in fact affect me. You know what I mean).

I'm on JSA, which sounds like I'm shit. But I'm not one of the famously typical people who "lies on their ass" claiming benefits. I am actively searching for work & as I do that I'm studying for a degree & have voluntary jobs.

Am I depressed, or embarrassed that I don't have a full time job? No I am not. Should I be? I don't think so, because I am doing my best to make a better life for not just me, but the kids & families I will work with.

See my ultimate goal of child education & protection? I would do it for free.



I'll be honest I don't give a fuck about politics. But don't get me wrong I'm passionate about guidance for kids.

However the reason I'm pissed off is because the gorgeous, beautiful woman I'm into - who is a social worker - said that if the welfare reform happens here, that she will emigrate.

That makes me sad. She is the most amazing woman I've ever met & I'd be devastated if she goes.




How has that whole welfare reform thing went down over there in England?

Then there's something about human rights being abolished or something? Which would only cause civil disobedience, I think.

I've no idea what he said, but I don't believe him either.

But seriously what did he say so I can maybe give my opinion?

Or maybe if it's something philosophical it might go over my head.