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It’s showtime!
Date published: 10 January 2011
Politicians and the media bandwagon go into campaign overdrive
THE eyes of the nation were on Oldham at the weekend as a string of political heavyweights made their 11th-hour bid to win votes before Thursday’s crucial by-election.
The Oldham Evening Chronicle was joined by scores of regional and national journalists with TV crews, radio and photographers eager for a political scoop.
Saddleworth was a hive of activity on Saturday when Foreign Secretary William Hague went to Uppermill to meet supporters and deliver campaign leaflets.
Mr Hague told the crowd of reporters in front of Uppermill Methodist Church that it was time Oldham had a Conservative MP.
He said: “It’s a three-horse race, you only have to look at the result of the last election to see that.
“Kashif Ali has done really well and we can absolutely win.”
The afternoon brought Labour party leader Ed Miliband to High Crompton, his third visit to Oldham, where he joined candidate Debbie Abrahams for a face-to-face chat with disillusioned student Jordan.
Lib-Dem Chris Huhne, the energy and climate change minister, predicted a close win for candidate Elwyn Watkins when he took a tour of Oldham Sports Centre in a bid to boost votes.
And on Sunday, Labour’s Caroline Flint, shadow secretary for communities and local government, pounded the streets of Derker with female MPs and volunteers.
The weekend’s national newspapers were filled with political commentary and predictions, with polls in most predicting a Labour win with Debbie Abrahams set to the hold the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat for her party and make history as Oldham’s first female MP.
Comments
The three main parties are all the same.We could really make history in Oldham if we gave another party a chance.That would really gave these three a kick up the backside.
Well said Litespan! the 3 main partys have all failed this country.Its a shame BNP UKIP and the English Democrats wil split the nationalist vote so sadly one of the 3 main failed partys will get in.The media should be ashamed at failing to give adequate coverage to the smaller partys.
Unfortunately when the BNP representative turned up at the select meeting i Saddleworth ,the organizers asked the police to remove him.
So much for democracy--and so much for biased publicity.
Have Your Say
I am sure I speak for the majority of Oldhamers when I say roll on Thursday and let's get rid of this "showtime". I should imagine that most of the Blue Bins in Oldham are groaning under the weight of the constant barrage of pamplets, leaflets, letters, Xmas cards, and other kinds of paraphernalia delivered in the name of election canvassing. I, for one, have had enough!!
By D'Gawby @ 10/01/2011 16:19:31