Election

Long Tem Trends: Parties ready for government

Margaret Thatcher is seen as the most capable leader of the last 30 years though Tony Blair is more likeable.

Low levels of trust in politicians and journalists alike mean that British politics needs to be more creative about re-building public confidence.

While the NHS reforms have been heralded as controversial by many healthcare professionals and parts of the media, the public is, so far, reserving judgement

The public is split on public sector strikes although most think trade unions are essential to protect workers' rights. Trade unions are seen as more powerful than in the 1990s, although a long way from the 1970s.

New research by Ipsos shows that only one in ten Britons rate the economy as `good'. The latest Global @divsor survey conducted in 24 countries ranks Britain amongst the most negative nations in the world.

While the government is seen as divided on several issues such as tuition fees, the NHS and immigration, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are seen as united on the key issue of the economy

The Economist/Ipsos May Issues index shows a decreasing amount who consider crime/law and order to be among the most important issues facing the country.

Who will actually bother to vote at tomorrow's referendum? And what impact does a high or low turnout have on the result?