Has Rochdale given up on politics?

Earlier this week the leaders of the three main parties in the general election went head to head in a historic televised debate about what they have to offer the country.

Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild hit the streets to find out what the people of Rochdale thought about the debate and if it will affect their voting intentions next month.

The general consensus was the programme wasn't watched because they have lost all interest in politics.

Julie Kennedy said: “I didn’t watch it; I have lost all faith in politicians since the expenses scandal.

“They all sing from the same hymn sheet as far as I am concerned and I won’t be voting in the general election.”

Susan Lewis said: “I didn’t watch it, I am sick to death of politics. They are all as bad as one another. In fact I am thinking of not voting.”

Mr Whalley said the whole debate was like a "game show", he added: “That type of programme doesn’t appeal to me at all.

“It didn’t work at all in my opinion; it was just a gimmick - a bit like politics.”

Mrs Richardson echoed these thoughts, she said: “I only saw clips of the programme on the news, it won’t affect my vote. A televised debate doesn’t interest me at all.”

Peter Terry said: “I didn’t think much of the show, I found it all too American and I actually switched channels. I am sick of politics, they show it time and time again and they say what they said before and nothing changes.

“They keep taking and we keep giving.

"Falling out on television is just a shambles they are like children in a playground.”

Jim Mcilvenna saw clips of the debate after it happened, he said: “Nick Clegg probably came out on top in that debate, he has charisma but the programme won’t be changing who I vote for.”

Collette Gibson also favoured Nick Clegg from what she saw of the debate and said it might make her change her vote, “I have always voted for Labour but I am swaying towards the Lib Dems this time.”

Trevor Ellis said: “I didn’t watch the show and have little intention of voting this year. I am so fed up of politics and their false promises.” 

Claire Greaves said: “I don’t really understand politics, and the thought of watching a live debate didn’t interest me at all.”