The fact that by far the biggest effort and spending by all political parties is in marginal constituancies highlights the fact that we don't have democracy in this country, but just an electoral system in which a few people decide the outcome. It is almost as unethical as that which was in place before the first of the 19th century Reform Acts.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

In Scotland - though clearly ignored by your paper - the disaster that is Wendy Alexander will do more damage to Brown than Mr Cameron can ever manage.

The 'specialist' parachuted in from Millbank is already discovering that new management in Scotland is a bit tricky and that every time he tries to settle things down some one on the Labour Party in Scotland says something stupid. Mr Gordon, one of the MSP's who should be facing criminal charges under the 2000 Election Funding Act, has put out a press release that basically says " I'm going to get away with this, suckers!"

The SNP could not have been given a better Christmas present.

Peter Thomson, Kirkcudbright, Scotland

It's hard to understand why any one have to attackG.Brown PM
is that because he is PM. you know,i remember how people
attacked John Major,when he was pm,maily by Conservativ mp
the one was from Northampton, i am happy he lost his seat,
I dont support any party, but a good peson, i think Gordon Brow
is as good as was John major,kind harted-caring,people who
attack good guys ought be ashamed of them selves!!!!!!!!!
Cllr Ken Tiwari(Oxford UK)

Cllr Ken Tiwari, Oxford, United Kingdom

Its ironic that Labour has positioned itself between a rock and a hard place over funding and no matter which way they try to dis-advantage the Tories it will dis-advantage them more. Capping funding from Lord Ashcroft will demand similar caps from the Unions but even worse will open a very smelly can of worms over Union political dues that actually break the law. The Tories may be skating near the legal edge on their donation schemes but Labour stand to lose much more if they press ahead for further reforms. The Labour party debt mirrors the countries debt as this government has thrown money hither and thither to bribe their way for future terms in office, but its all gone now and there is no one around to help them anymore. The Tories have been careful with their funds by targeting specific seats with a good success rate and because Labour has spent all their money they're now crying foul. You reap what you sow and the Labour party may go bankrupt and get kicked out of office.

Mike, Alicante, Spain

When gutless Gordon installed himself as prime minister, I recall that he promised us that the era of spin introduced by his former boss, T. Bliar, was over. Re-hiring his old 'controversial press secretary' is a clear signal that Brown is living in the past. Brown is also treating the people of this country as if they are idiots; no amount of attempts to smear the Opposition will divert the electorate's attention from the many faliures and inadequacies of this government.
Brown is a dead man walking; time for real change.

Rick, London , England

The only people who should be able to :vote for, and support in any way at all, financially or otherwise, UK political parties, are UK citizens fully domiciled in the UK. UK citizens who are temporarily living outside the UK should be able to apply for a postal vote, making clear when they intend to return

david, exeter, UK

So Gordon 'Bean' Brown is going to combat a matter of substance, party funding & law breaking, with a good old dose of spin doctoring. He really didn't get the mood of the people when they wanted to see the back of Blair.

At least one Labour MP has highlighted the real problem with Ashcroft's legal donations is that Labour party HQ aren't putting their money into marginal seats. Jealousy pure and simple. What are they doing with all their money? Paying down debt perhaps? After all Labour have managed to raise and spend more then the Tories in the last few elections.

Doug, Aberdeen,

And now he is doing a McCavity on the signing of the Lisbon treaty, sending someone elese so he is not "personaly" responsible for its ratification, and the broken promises to the electorate. Brown is an out and out political coward, and whats worse is he thinks the Britsh public are too naive to notice his shceming.

steve lloyd, swansea., wales

If Brown thinks that all its going to take to reverse the position he finds himself in is to bring back one of his old spin doctors to dig up dirt on the opposition, then he is deluded. The reason his popularity has gone down the drain is nothing to do with Ashcroft ,but all to do with his and his cabinets incompetence.
In two months their failures are numerous. His loss of nerve in calling an election.His spinning of troop reduction figures in Iraq. Lack of vision / policies, apart from stealing those of the tories e.g .inheritance tax. The incorrect calculation of foreign workers not just once but three times. The admission that illegal foreign workers are working in security jobs, unchecked. Loss of discs containing only 25000000 records.The underfunding of British armed forces. The Northern Rock debacle.Illegal funding of the Labour party. His weekly hammering at PMQs etc.The list is endless.
Brown, as Blair knew, is just not up to the job as the electorate
can now clearly see.

micah, Hull,