SAGA — Doing things properly

Election outcome hinges on trust

In this issue, the three main party leaders have stepped up to the plate and responded to the “action points” we raised in last month’s Saga Magazine. These points were based on your views of which issues most need to be tackled by the next government. They were gleaned from our own Saga/Populus poll – the largest survey of over-50s opinion in the UK. We presented your views in the form of a Saga Manifesto, and the points raised have clearly been taken to heart by the party leaders.

We are glad to give the opportunity to each one to set out his stall to the millions of Saga customers who read this magazine.

Recent years have not been good for politics and politicians, with the recession and expenses scandals spreading disenchantment. I am sure therefore that the General Election will to a great extent be decided on the issue of trust.

So I hope you will be heartened to see Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg all stress their recognition that much more needs to be done for older people in Britain.

There are welcome signs, too, that at last there is acceptance that far greater help needs to be given to carers and those who require care, and to the important role that older workers can and should play in society and the economy.

I hope that Saga’s campaigning on these issues has helped to raise them up the political agenda. The leaders have now addressed the Saga generation – as well they might, as of course older voters are four times more likely to turn out on polling day than young voters.

Though there will be some scepticism about how much can be achieved financially in the stringent times which lie ahead, I am sure your trust will go to the person you deem most likely to deliver and see through their good intentions.