“Mr Thompson says he has read our manifesto, I assume the 2005 one since our latest version has yet to be finalised, let alone published, and even I am unsure exactly what it will contain. I can say that we will effectively double the state pension, restore the link with earnings, and yes, Mike, ex pats will be included, that our tax plans include abolishing VAT, cutting council tax virtually in half and income tax in general will be much reduced. So far as the average pensioner is concerned tax will become largely a thing of the past. Yes, the EU does cost around £30 million per day but don't forget pensioners are only one part of the community which we have to consider, and that many other areas require urgent improvements as well, the NHS, transport, law and order, schools, the environment and armed services to name but a handful. £30 million a day sounds a lot but doesn't go as far as you may think.
What is often not realised by those outside the party is that UKIP is not comprised of politicians but ordinary working people who have had enough of the way our country is being destroyed by the political classes. We have chosen to fight them and for that reason we know what the ordinary people in Britain want, and are trying to supply it. I accept that our answers may not always please everyone, and that it is always easy to imagine a better deal, but I believe that what we are offering, and will supply, is far in advance of what any other party will give you.
To paraphrase the old second world war joke "If you knows of a better deal go to it". Or in other words, if you think anyone else will give you better then support them with your vote, but I don't think you will find a better offer anywhere.
Meanwhile keep watching our website where the full details will be released soon.”

“To both of you guys: If you can add this to your list of items to fight for. See if you can get the rule changed that freezes UK pensions paid to ex-pats in Canada at the rate set when we start receiving them. That means we get no indexing from that date on......”

“Yes I agree Greg Heathcillfe, pensioners tend to stick to their own party no matter what, ie, better the devil you know, than the devil you dont know.

Now to the rest of your points.

New Labour came on on Thatcher's ticket and there they have stayed this past 11 years.

But UKIP policies are simply not enough, particularly as you say you will bring us out of Europe including the cost of being in Europe, which I last heard was £30 million a day.

This should be your manifesto.

Increase state pensions for single pensioners to £250 a week, with a relevant increase for couples, abolish council tax and return to income tax increases to fund local services, this way the rich pay more income tax and the poor would be taken out of tax completely.

Also abolish the means testing of pensioners, and abolish taxing pensioners on their income and savings, plus bring back the national insurance system for a decent state pension for todays pensioners and tommorrows pensions.

We also need a return to "The State" so post offices will not be closed by right wing Tory policy being used by New Labour, and we could also return to industry in this country and re- nationalise like the government have done to banks, then our people could have real jobs and not the short term low waged insecure jobs we have had in this country since Thatcher's free- market which New Labour are continuing with, and we also need low rented council housing, because somebody somewhere will always need a home to rent at low cost, because we are not all born rich, we have to start somewhere.

At the last general election your party were going to increases state pensions by £25 a week, which is pathetic for many reasons.

So your not convincing me as a campaigner for pensioners that you are not just trying to win votes by your new manifesto.

I look forward to your reply.

Michael Thompson
Founder/Link-Age-Countrywide & member of The Devon Pensioners Action Forum.”

“Sorry, the truth hurts I know, but the truth is that the average pensioner only has him/her self to blame for their predicament. Canvassing for UKIP we hear from pensioner after pensioner the same old reply."I agree with what you say but won't vote for you", the excuses running from "I have always voted Labour/Tory, and always will" to "You won't get in so I won't waste my vote".
These people seem unable to realise two things:
1/ the current main parties are as unlike their traditional versions as chalk is from cheese, and
2/ no one else cares about our elderly.
Our plans include saving £1 billion per week by not giving it it Brussels, from which we will increase pensions, restore the link with wages, cut taxes including Council Tax by an estimated 40% yet keep the current benefits like bus passes and heating payments, taken all round having the effect of nearly doubling the average pension.
This is not an empty promise designed to win elections and then be forgotten, we don't work that way.
But no, we won't change our vote say too many over 60's, then grumble because nothing ever improves. As I say, their predicament is largely of their own making.
Greg Heathcliffe, UKIP Swindon Branch”