British voters need real information to judge politicians

THE UK general election on May 7 will have a major impact on the country's direction for many years. Significant things are riding on it - economic health, relations with Europe and the rest of the world, individual wealth, the housing market, the welfare state and loads more. Not to mention the break-up of the UK itself.

The composition of the next government is unclear, but neither the Labour Party nor the Conservative Party is going to have a majority on their own. Whoever forms the government is going to make arrangements with one or more other parties. Conservatives, as the major part of the incumbent government, will have first dibs. If they fail, then Labour will have a go.

The list of potential brides is quite long, but there may have to be a polygamous marriage to ensure a majority. The biggest lady in waiting is the Scottish National Party (SNP) and you can guess what she will demand as her dowry. Further breakaway from the UK, if not total independence. The SNP is the most socialist of all parties taking part and may wipe out the Labour Party in Scotland. It stands for "brave" policies (that is, could make or break the UK), including scrapping the nuclear deterrent, reversing austerity measures (brought in to deal with recession), and increasing public expenditure and taxes to spread wealth. Good old fashioned Scottish economics, but absolutely counter to global business investment, of course. The SNP has made two big threats - it will not cooperate with the Conservatives and it will endeavour to control Labour.