April 7: The Yorkshire Post readers give their verdict on the election so far

From: Alan Chapman, Bingley.

THERE have been many opinions about the seven-way leaders’ debate (The Yorkshire Post, April 3). My version is as follows: Nigel Farage and David Cameron came out as strong, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband looked weak, Nicola Sturgeon came fifth, plus the also rans.

I noted that the three minor parties had female leaders, I wonder if there is any relevance in this fact? It was a draw between the Greens and the SNP as to which should be renamed as the Communist Party, as champions of tax, borrow and spend.

First impressions – Nigel Farage looked very strange in his business suit, without a pint and a fag. Does he wear that pinstripe suit just at weddings and funerals?

Ed Miliband looked dreadful in a dull extremely plain grey tie: it fitted his usual lacklustre performance. Perfect for the dour miserable socialist, how that lot thrive on plainness.

David Cameron acted as the only responsible person who has taken the big decisions, the rest looked from a much lower division, none being suitable to replace him.

From: Hugh Rogers, Ashby.

I’M glad to see that Yorkshire’s finest daily newspaper (The Yorkshire Post, April 3) appears to have thrown in its lot with me in regarding the much fussed-over TV interviews as nothing more than a self-regarding game show of little worth or relevance. And practically no entertainment value either, come to that.

From: Terry Palmer, South Lea Avenue, Hoyland, Barnsley.

IS it just me? Or did anyone else notice during the “great political TV debate” that no one apart from Nigel Farage spoke any sense and truth on immigration, the EU, the NHS, young people’s aspirations and the fact that 
the coalition Government of David Cameron and Nick Clegg has actually doubled the national debt during their tenure of the last five years?

From: Karl Sheridan, Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor.

THE leaders’ debate was rather tame, with none of the main three arguing their case with passion. However what did 
come across, with the exception of Ukip, were the other leaders’ obvious denial that immigration has become a problem, and frankly it is indeed a problem. At least Nigel Farage had the guts to point this out, even at the risk of losing votes.

From: Gerald Bower, Loxley, Sheffield.

IT does not matter a jot what the personal opinions of Nigel Farage are. I do wish that his enemies 
would get the simple message. His personal opinions do not become party policy on the nod. This is honed and refined and finalised by members, the NEC and the policy group.

Like any other party member, Mr Farage has opinions which 
do not equate to actual policy.

Nigel Farage is leader 
because the party has made 
him leader. It is emphatically 
not “Nigel Farage’s party” 
as described by so many journalists.

Mr Farage is not Ukip. Ukip is not Mr Farage. Read the manifesto and find out the truth.

From: Terry Duncan, Greame Road, Bridlington.

ALL the UK’s newspapers have warned about the talent of the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon, as being a threat to democracy.

If there were more like her who do not deceive the UK electorate, don’t tell lies like 
the present regime or use the TV to try and con the voters, then the English politicians may deserve a vote.

From: Mr MJ Thompson, Cantley, Doncaster.

THE quote from Ed Miliband is “the people are the boss”. If so, why does he deny the people a referendum on Europe?

From: Martin Smith, Main Street, Elvington, York.

JUST as President Bill Clinton coined the phrase “it’s the economy stupid”, so this could be paraphrased for the forthcoming election to “it’s austerity stupid”.

This election boils down to which party succeeds in convincing enough voters that they will be able to deliver a consistently improving economy, from which derives improving living standards. This, coupled with meaningful deficit and debt reduction, is the key to a better economic future for all.

The Left have clearly decided on debt denial, just like President Hollande in France, and latterly the recently elected anti-austerity party in Greece has been forced to accept harsh economic reality. Austerity is not a fad to be easily discarded.

It is totally unacceptable to bequeath bankrupt finances to the next two generations.

From: Max Nottingham, St Faith’s Street, Lincoln.

SOMEONE said the coalition Government had been strong. Did they mean strong but wrong? Remember Mike Tyson? I happen to think Cameron’s Tory-led government clobbered the needy and helped the strong.

From: Ken Holmes, Cliffe Common, Selby, York.

FIVE years ago we waved tatty byes to a Labour government that left us in tatters, they invaded Iraq causing the deaths of thousands of innocent people and hundreds of British troops.

They told the incoming government all the money had gone. They wrecked doctors’ working hours and swamped the country with immigrants.

Oh, and the architect of all this is swanning around the world making millions.