I’ve never really got the hang of “blogging” but there’s no time like the thick of an election campaign to try something new!
I’ve been involved in election campaigns one way or another since I was young, starting as far back as handing out posters and leaflets with my Mum in 1960’s Manchester. I’ve stood as a candidate at school and college, for the council and now in the Parliamentary Elections.
Over recent years I’ve played the role of campaign coordinator for General and other elections so I’m not stranger to the process or the hype but I have to say that this campaign feels different.
Perhaps it’s the television debates, perhaps it’s because lots of people – no matter how they have voted previously - are genuinely undecided or perhaps because of the backdrop of the global economic crisis and its impact and the aftermath of the expenses issues.
On the doorstep (or indeed in the supermarket or just on the street) people really do want to talk about the issues and ask questions.
What comes up in Jewish households for the most part has been much the same as everywhere else – the economy, jobs and public services, what’s going to happen to the NHS and schools funding and the challenge of caring for our older people so that they can all live a dignified and active life as long as possible whatever the financial means.
One thing that has come across loud and clear though has been a real concern that in sorting out the economy and getting things back on track we should not leave anyone behind.
I find very real concern among many older voters in particular that we shouldn’t put the country back in the position it was in the 80’s and 90’s when recessions meant massive job losses, home re-possessions and chronic under-investment in our schools, hospitals and public housing.
I voted for the first time in a General election in 1979 and the outcome had a real impact on my generation.
People are thinking hard about where they will place their vote because I think - first time voters or veterans- they know that this time round it really could make a difference to our country and our society for a generation to come.
As a Parliamentary candidate for the Labour Party that gives me a real sense of responsibility and so I’m heading back out of the door to talk to more voters on their doorsteps and in their homes.
Alison Moore is the Labour candidate for Finchley and Golders Green.
This blog is part of the JC.com's On The Campaign Trail blog for the Election 2010 where candidates in key Jewish areas have been invited to blog. Read more on our Election 2010 page