| It was my first time voting and it felt very important. It feels like I actually have a role in the world now. |
Another election has been and gone. Blair's back, Michael Howard's resigned, we've got a new Minister for Children, Young People and Families, and we're all looking "forward not back" as we go into a third term of Labour Government.
Whilst most of us didn't have the chance to vote, on account of our age, we've certainly got something to say about the election results:
Shuma, 19
There wasn't anyone worth voting for in the election, so I didn't vote.
I felt that I couldn't vote for Labour because I didn't agree with everything they say or do. I wasn't pleased with their stance on the Iraq war or the way they're trying to turn this country into a police state, hoping no one will notice.
I didn't want to vote the Lib Dems either because they didn't have any practice of being in government, or even as the opposition. I am sure they have some great ideas but there's always the possibility that a large part of the country wouldn't have been governed as well as it should have.
I wasn't surprised about the election result because I didn't think the Conservatives or the Lib Dems would come into power. But, I was surprised the Tories got so many seats.
It seemed that people were in two minds about voting for the Tories because my friend's mother voted for them in the last election but voted Lib Dems this time. Most of my friends voted Labour because they didn't think the Lib Dems would get in, so it was either vote for Labour or no one.
I'm neither pleased nor disappointed with the election result because it was a case of choosing between two evils.
Fikir, 17
I'm not old enough to vote but I would have liked the Liberal Democrats to win.
In reality I knew they wouldn't get in but of all the policies and messages that were being sent out during the election campaign I liked what they were saying the most.
I definitely didn't want the Conservative Party to win. They presented a well structured plan in terms of their policies on hospitals and education but I didn't like the way Michael Howard was came across during the election campaign. I felt the same about Tony Blair. The two of them seemed to take the propaganda road using mocking posters and throwing about childish comments towards each other.
I am not happy about the outcome of the election. I'm not happy about the way Tony Blair has run the country in the last year 7 years and another 5 years won't benefit anyone.
I disagree with his decision to go to war and with the current tax system and his policies on university top-up fees. These last two issues are the most important to me because they will be having a significant effect on me very soon.
Next year I hope to go to university and because of Labour's policies, this very difficult and crucial time in my life will be made slightly more complicated.
When I get to vote next time around, I will be finishing off my degree. Hopefully by then Tony Blair will have made a few changes.
Seri, 19
Yes I did vote and I voted for Labour because they are the best out of all three evils.
Tony Blair isn't a bad person really, Labour's alright. I expected them to win, so it's a good result. I think Labour lost seats to the Tories and the Lib Dems because of the war in Iraq.
It was my first time voting and it felt very important. It feels like I actually have a role in the world now, I can do something. I know it's not much because it's only one vote but they all count don't they?
It took less than five minutes to vote so I thought, why not? It will help the way I live in the long run and that's why people vote don't they?
Most of my friends voted labour and quite a few didn't vote. Other people said I am going to vote but I don't care who I vote for.
I think people are interested in the new government and most seem happy but quiet a few don't seem to be bothered, like the younger generation. They've got more important things to do like drinking and doing exams.
Charlotte, 13
All I can say about the election result is that I'm disappointed, but not surprised. Although both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats took a slice of the Labour voters' pie, neither took big enough a cut to make a significant difference.
Overall, Labour managed to secure a record breaking third term in power. However, how dedicated is Blair after all these years? Recently the only award he has received due to members of the public is 'Torso of the Week' in a trashy women's gossip magazine.
I don't like the way he has behaved in his election campaign by launching personal attacks on politicians to carry on living at number 10. Just how appropriate is it for the political leader of our country to display these kinds of actions for the sake of the leadership?
For all those not supporting Blair, it'll be a long four years before they get the chance to vote justice back into the system.
| "And the rest...fees, fighting and facism." |
Views on Education -
"The worst thing about Labour winning is that tuition fees are going to go ahead and since I am going to University in two years it's not looking good." Samir, 15.
"I don't like Labour's policy on university top up fees because I think education should be free." Shuma, 19
"I might be going to University so grants will help me get through, but it's still a hassle to have top-up fees. Education should be free." Seri, 19.
Views on the War -
"The worst thing about Labour winning is that they might drag us into another war." Jordan, 10.
"Does Tony Blair even care about the public and the important things going on in this country anymore?" Charlotte, 13.
"Our PM has a great nation to look after but he's too busy looking at other people's." Samir, 15
Views on Immigration -
"I think the BNP are racist. People who voted for them should have voted for the Lib Dems or the Green party." Ghizlan, 12.
"I have a big problem with the BNP. If they ever won I would actually become violent and leave the country. I really hate them and what they stand for." Samir, 15.
"I can't believe there are so many people that are racist." Jordan, 10.
About the team
Interviews conducted by Annabel McLeod, 18.
