Where was the sunshine? |

Monday 23rd November 2009 | 15:49

Where was the sunshine?

Insiders and observers from across the political divide recommend a more optimistic outlook on the economy from the Conservative party, both in its rhetoric and in more 'growth-focused' policies

This morning the press was briefed to expect a more optimistic tone from David Cameron in his speech to the CBI. This was the ‘go for growth’ speech. In the event, although he spoke about growth towards the end, the change in emphasis was almost imperceptible.

According to majorities of political insiders from all parties, a more distinct change of emphasis would be a wise idea for the Tories.

Eighty per cent of the Phi100 panel, which comprises senior and influential figures from across parliament, the media, political parties and think tanks, thought that a shift in tone from Cameron, displaying more optimism about the country’s economic prospects, was the right idea.

This opinion was shared across the political spectrum, with right-leaning panellists more enthusiastic than the left about striking a positive note.

Gloom and doom

A non-aligned panellist said: ‘If the economy starts to grow before the election, there will be a sense of relief. So it will look odd for the Conservatives to be preaching gloom and doom.’

A right-leaning panellist, however, remarked that ‘how you "go for growth" and retain fiscal hawkishness is unclear.’

Back up rhetoric with new policies

Further, a majority of panellists believed that the Tories should back up a more positive rhetoric with some concrete new pro-growth policies.

Fifty three per cent of the panel, including a majority of Conservatives, held this view, compared to just over a quarter (twenty eight per cent) who opposed any change in policy.

Tone without policies would be dismissed

A right-leaning panellist said: ‘Yes - the timing is wrong with regard to public debt and they need to foreground more the recapitalising the poor ideas from Blond.’

A journalist on the panel agreed, saying ‘"Tone" without policies will be dismissed by the media and the public.’

Leave a comment...

Bill Holden

17:25 |
23 Nov 2009
0

It is about time that the electorate woke up to the fact that our party system only produces minstrels that play to the gallery, there is very little substance to any of the proposals being made by these hostages to political fortune who are only in the game to line their own pockets. We need a new wave of independent MPs whose reason for standing for office is the wish to serve their country rather than a party. All candidates need to be allowed equal access to the media especially TV, Radio and Newspapers in order that they can be heard and either the electorate will vote for them or on but they should be heard. The system that we have at the moment is as corrupt as taking voting slips out of the box before the count begins.

christina speight

17:28 |
23 Nov 2009
Recommended
3

This devbalues my opinion of the Insiders' poll. Cameron should be optimostic if he thinks there's anything to be optimistic about. If - as most agree - we are in for a tough time once we stop massive borrowing - which we've got to do soon - then optimism iis totally put of place and will rebound badly when the public find the optimism was a bit of naivete grossly misjudged

Major Plonquer

07:21 |
24 Nov 2009
Recommended
1

Now is the time for the Conservatives to introduce their NEW strategy - Sharing the Proceeds of Growth! Economic Cycle? Bullshit Cycle more like.

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