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Ed Miliband asked jourrnalists to help him fight cynicism in the election, by reporting on the 'actual issues' during the campaign.
Ed Miliband asked jourrnalists to help him fight cynicism in the election, by reporting on the ‘actual issues’ during the campaign. Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA
Ed Miliband asked jourrnalists to help him fight cynicism in the election, by reporting on the ‘actual issues’ during the campaign. Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA

Ed Miliband calls for press to report ‘issues not cynicism’ in general election

This article is more than 9 years old
Labour leader calls for clean campaign after Tory posters accused him of potentially seeking alliance with Sinn Féin

Ed Miliband has made a plea to the media to report the election fairly and without the cynicism that would have people believe politicians act only in self-interest.

The Labour leader was speaking at a Westminster dinner for political journalists, similar to the ones held by Barack Obama at the White House. As part of a humorous, self-deprecating speech, he struck a more serious note as he made a plea for reporters to concentrate on the issues.

“You will shape this election, too,” he said in a direct appeal to journalists. “And my only request is that you do your bit, too, to try and make this election about the issues, choices and beliefs that matter to the country as well.

“One of the biggest enemies of politics is cynicism, the belief that we are all in it for base motives. Agree with us or disagree with us, but report us for what we believe. This is all we can ask for.

“We may have different roles and be on different sides but as custodians of politics and its reputation, we are, as somebody else once said, all in this together.”

His comments were echoed by the former cabinet minister Peter Hain, who said people should focus on “the actual issues in this election and not Westminster-bubble tittle-tattle that the media enjoy and the political class enjoy”.

The senior Labour MP told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the more voters were exposed to the issues, they more they would swing behind Miliband and Labour.

Both men may be referring to the attention given to the Conservative posters mocking up pictures of Miliband with former SNP leader Alex Salmond and Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams, following speculation about possible alliances after 7 May.

Nigel Farage, the Ukip leader, also entered the debate on Thursday by appealing for all parties to stay away from negative campaigning. Writing in his Independent column, he said politics is in the gutter, but it could be lifted out if parties avoid personal attacks and obvious untruths.

“I don’t want to see our airwaves flooded with negative adverts about people’s personal lives, or problems they had in their distant past, or leaflets that tell blatant lies.”

More on this story

More on this story

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  • Plaid Cymru asks Welsh voters in England to support Green party

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