'All to play for' say county's floating voters

Members of a panel of Shropshire floating voters maintained it was still "all to play for" in the most eagerly anticipated general election campaign in two decades, writes Tracey O'Sullivan.

Initially brought together by the Shropshire Star to give their verdict on Alastair Darling's Budget, members said today they were still undecided as to who to vote for now the election date has been confirmed, although they pointed out that their doubts over the two main parties, Labour and Conservative, had encouraged them to look more seriously at the possible alternatives.

Tony Sharp, who has recently launched a new business The Baby Boomers Club with his wife Carol, said it was going to be close.

"I still have not got a firm idea of who I am going to vote for but I am seriously considering taking a closer look at the Liberal Democrats and what they have to say," said Tony, from Cluddley, near Wellington.

"I have been looking more at the local candidates than the national picture, but I don't think there have been any great statements or actions that would convince me at the moment as to what to do on May 6."

Matthew Spinks, 30, agreed that while it was just a few weeks away to the election a lot could happen between then and now.

"I am thinking Labour rather than Conservative but I am still very much undecided and I was really intrigued by a few things said by other parties over the weekend. The one positive of the election is that it could see people really consider who they vote for rather than just a particular party and I think they might be more tempted than in previous years to ensure there is not a better alternative before they make a decision."

Debbie Thompson, 27, from Norton, near Bridgnorth, also remained a floating voter as Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg launched their campaigns yesterday.