Is the campaign too personal now?

The Conservatives have vowed to continue to attack the Labour leader, Tony Blair's character following the release of their latest poster campaign.

The poster carries a caption saying: "If he's prepared to lie to take us to war, he's prepared to lie to win an election".

Labour has retaliated by issuing posters claiming that the Tory leader, Michael Howard has a "hidden agenda" for the NHS.

The Lib Dems' Charles Kennedy says that the Tories' tactics show fear of losing the election.

Has the current election campaign become too personalised? Are the Tories right to focus on trust? How will it affect your vote? Will it turn off more women? Tell us what you think.

BBC NEWS: VIDEO AND AUDIO Your campaigning questions answered

Is the campaign getting too negative? Political analyst Barry Jones, director of the Welsh Governance Centre in Cardiff answered your questions. Click on the link to watch the video.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments. You can read a selection of them below.

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The whole Labour campaign is just: "keep out the Tories, remember x years ago." That's their message for the future! What they are saying is that they have no visible plan. Things can only get better, but we need five or ten more years!
James, UK

Until recently I was a Conservative supporter. But after the shameful way Michael Howard has conducted his constant negative campaigning, my vote will now be going to Labour or the Liberal Democrats.
James Hardaker, Skegness

The only reason Michael Howard continues to target Blair's personality is because he has no policies that will attract the electorate. If he were made prime minister on the basis of this campaign, all I would expect him to do would be to complain about things and not do anything about them.
Andy Shaw, UK

Negative campaigning is like holding democracy hostage: "pick our party or the country gets it". Both the Conservatives and Labour are shamed on this issue. I will be exercising a positive vote for a positive party.
Fin Jezard, Manchester

A very interesting election, where the two major parties are playing silly mind games. The government claim a vote for the Lib Democrats will result in the Tory's being elected, while the Tories are just being too personal. I hope my vote for Lib Dems will bring them closer or into power at least they seem focused on helping the country progress forwards.
Cerwyn Gilasbey, Lancaster

Name calling has never been a particularly attractive form of behaviour, since it degrades any debate John, Ross-shire, Scotland

Name calling has never been a particularly attractive form of behaviour, since it degrades any debate. However, raising the question of whether a voter should trust a particular politician by reference to his or her record seems perfectly reasonable. It is then up to the voter to weigh the evidence on both sides and make their own decision on whether somebody has been economical with the truth and for what reason.
John, Ross-shire, Scotland

I have completely given up watching the news till after the election. It's not that I don't care - I care very deeply about human rights (especially for asylum seekers), the environment and other topics that aren't making the headlines. But yes, the personal attacks are a total turn-off and Michael Howard's campaign in particular is despicable.
Penny, Exeter, UK

If the Labour government ruled this country then it would be too personal! However as Blair has taken on a presidential style then he should be held to account - much as Thatcher was when she got bigger than the party. This isn't just about Iraq, people should remember David Kelly, the Hinduja brothers, Mandy twice, Caplin, Ecclestone, NI contributions!
Dave G, Hereford, UK

When it comes to personal jibes then clearly you have run out of anything decent to say. I personally think each party as a leader is useless however each one is good at a certain thing so I think it far better to give each party a major thing to put right, have an unbiased person overseeing it but not a prime minister and let the queen rule her country!
Mary, UK

The Tories are right to make it a personal issue John Salkeld, Sheffield, England

The Tories are right to make it a personal issue. Blair took the decision personally to go to war against Iraq. He has been found out to be a liar. How can anyone vote for him?
John Salkeld, Sheffield, England

The Tories' single tactic of questioning Tony Blair's integrity suggests they either have no policies or know the public won't like them or trust them to run the economy. Unless they do start to talk about their own policies they cannot expect people to vote for them.
Steve Pratt, Jarrow

Like the school bully, making personal attacks is the only alternative when you having nothing else to say
Glenn Jones, Midhrst, West Susses

Michael Howard and the Conservatives' personal abuse of Tony Blair is a complete turn off, as they will find out on 5 May. They would be more respected if they stuck to the issues.
Diane Coombes, Bideford

The Tories have shown themselves for what they really are. No matter what opinions folk have on Iraq, making it personal has clearly shown Howard is not fit to hold position as leader of any party, let alone be prime minister.
Peter, Keighley, England

It's time for plain speaking Keith, Wantage, UK

It's time for plain speaking. If Blair can't stand the heat, then get out of the political kitchen. Howard is right to highlight in a clear and positive manner the gross failures of this arrogant man.
Keith, Wantage, UK

Did Michael Howard tell us in advance that the last Tory government would: close down the mining industry? Introduce the poll tax? Introduce the fuel duty escalator? Have 15% interest rates? And so on? No.
John A Turner, Barry Wales

This campaign is very dirty but in my view was started by the Labour party. The poster ideas depicting Howard and Letwin as pigs was racist and despicable. Although I'm Conservative I don't think Blair should have been called a liar - even if he doesn't tell the truth.
Anthony Richards, Edmonton, London

They all spend too much effort trying to make their opposition look bad. For the undecided voters like myself, how are we supposed to make up our minds when all we hear is how bad the others supposedly are? Message to candidates: Tell us why we should vote for you, not why we shouldn't vote for the others.
Lee, Newport, S Wales

Personal attacks on Blair are essential as they demonstrate his poor judgement on past, present and future policy.
Andrew Moore, Chichester

It has to be personal. We are voting to decide who will lead the country for another four years Paul, London

No, it has to be personal. We are voting to decide who will lead the country for another four years, and you must be confident that the promises whichever candidate makes will be kept. With respect to Tony Blair, he so far has a track record of making lots of promises but delivering nothing. On top of which he misled his own Cabinet over the legality of the Iraq war and we have mentioned nothing of the constant smear campaign his party launches whenever anybody disagrees with their point of view.
Paul, London

It is too personal and Howard accuses Blair of lying in a vain attempt to get the support he desperately needs. Politicians lie. Since when has this been news? Vote Lib Dem. They should be applauded for trying to stay out of the melee.
Yan G, UK

I have been voting since the 1940s. I cannot recall any campaign as shameful as this one. Michael Howard is something special; an exponent of character assassination, race hatred and the hidden agenda, all at the same time. What sort of party could possibly have him as a leader?
J Westerman, Leeds, UK

The Tories don't mind if negative campaigning turns people off. In fact that is what they want it to do. Their only chance of doing well is to persuade people that politics is a dirty game and they want nothing to do with it. Then their core supporters will come out and scoop the pile. Simple. Let's hope the electorate isn't.
Rosemary Chamberlin, Bristol England

Can someone please tell me what is 'negative' about raising the question of truthfulness? Andy, Cheshire, UK

Can someone please tell me what is 'negative' about raising the question of truthfulness? If a PM is in the habit of telling porkies, large and small, it is a very important issue and should be brought to our attention. Or do we wish to be ruled by a lying PM?
Andy, Cheshire, UK

The election is slowly dissolving into a slanging match between Blair and Howard, with Kennedy on the side jeering if he can. They need to start concentrating again on saying what their party will give us, not what the other parties won't give us.
Rob Scott, Milton Keynes

Far too personal and too negative. Before you can call someone a liar you need to be in possession of all the facts so that you can demonstrate the validity of the allegation. How many members of the public are in possession of all the facts, and how would you feel about being called a liar?
David, South London

No - definitely not. For the first Mr Blair is being challenged over his "living room" style of management. For too long he has treated Parliament and the public with a degree of disdain. Mr Blair has fudged so many major issues. Michael Howard is quite right to finally state what most have been unwilling to say.
Murray Croft, Northampton

The really dangerous aspect of Michael Howard's attack on the integrity of the PM is that it has drawn attention away from his own character, or rather lack of character. His behaviour during this campaign has reached an all time low. He should now be forced to explain why the sacked deputy chairman of his party says that there is a hidden agenda. This is a matter of fundamental importance and, so far, has escaped the very detailed examination that is necessary.
J Westerman, Leeds

It's great to see democracy in action and some questioning taking place of leaders Paul, Wakefield

No it is not too personal. It's great to see democracy in action and some great questioning taking place of leaders. It's very engaging.
Paul, Wakefield, England

Negative campaigning works. The media controls which information we receive about the campaign, and the media love a negative campaign.
Ruth, UK

Trading insults has become a daily ritual in the final phase of the election campaigning. Michael Howard seems to be spearheading this negative method and it will not impress voters. In fact, this is bound to turn them off. The Tories claim to be focussing on trust - but what gives them the right to claim that they are the most trustworthy?
Pancha Chandra, Brussels, Belgium.

It's about time the Labour Party was told a few home truths about their leader Sheona, Cardiff, Wales

It's about time the Labour Party was told a few home truths about their leader. Didn't they spout off about Tory sleaze in the 90s? This Labour Party is even worse. Also what about the 66+ stealth tax rises, and various mistruths? If the intelligence on Iraq was so wrong surely the buck should stop at the top and no, I'm not a Tory voter.
Sheona, Cardiff, Wales

I am astonished at the ferocity of Michael Howard's personal attack on Tony Blair. Considering the Tories have repeatedly said that they have changed, that they are the 'compassionate Conservatives', and that they believe themselves to be serious contenders for government - none of this is borne out in their approach in this campaign!
Chris Rankin, Birmingham, UK

All three main parties are now acting like children I think its time they grew up. They are trying to form a new government not a kindergarten.
Rob, Croydon, UK

The campaign is too personal. It is belittling and pandering to the lowest common denominator. The presenters readily appear to want to get the last word in and at times they seem to forget they are supposed to be facilitating the debate not putting in cheap jibes. We never manage to get the real issues talked about. Just harping over too specific legalities. What about the environment, poverty?
Claire Bannister, Grays, Essex, England

Blair's character and integrity is now central to the election Tom, London

How can it not be personal when the prime minister has been lying to Parliament and the country to justify an illegal war? Blair's character and integrity is now central to the election.
Tom, London

Did I just read that the Liberals have a positive campaign? If you think that you must be living in a different country than I am! They have been the most negative, nasty and misleading party in Britain! Every Liberal Democrat leaflet I have got through my door has been very, very negative - much more so that the Tories or Labour.
Helen, UK

It has not become 'personal'. Labour have tried to undermine Howard's judgement by reminding us of the poll tax, and the Conservatives are using Blair's past mendacity on top-up fees, immigration and stealth taxes. They are simply using each others history - what's wrong with that?
Hazel, Manchester, England

Of course it has to be personal. Labour seem to have adopted the four year presidential cycle when our governments are supposed to be elected for five. They have promoted Tony Blair and Cherie as President and First Lady and the country has been run as if what he says goes, so why should it not be personal? When is the British public going to wake up and get rid of this charlatan and get back to Cabinet government.
Robin Dean, Sutton

The personal attacks on Mr Blair are uncalled for Chris Clarke, Loughborough

The personal attacks on Mr Blair are uncalled for. Is it because they have gained such little ground talking about their policies that the Tories have to resort to name calling? It is belittling and does nothing to engage the public.
Chris Clarke, Loughborough

Both Labour and the Conservatives have been campaigning by slagging off the opposition, rather than promoting what they stand for themselves. Both parties run on spin and seem to have no qualms about changing the way statistics are calculated if they don't agree with them. The only party campaigning by promoting their policies seems to be the Lib Dems, so they have my vote.
Frank, Cannock, Staffordshire

The campaign is not too personal at all. It is right that people know the truth about Mr Blair and it is something that Mr Howard has rightfully stood up for on our behalf. It is the newspapers which are getting personal, while the leaders are presenting a balance of positive and negative campaigning.
Gus Eldridge, Norwich

Tony Blair has used Michael Howard's record against him. But when Howard responds by using Blair's record it suddenly becomes name calling!
Frank H, Manchester

Why are we more bothered by Howard's tactics than Blair's actual record? Dave G, Hereford

Tony Blair in '97 came to power on a surge of "No more sleaze" and "whiter than white" government. He can't really complain now his honesty is called into question. Why are we more bothered by Howard's tactics than Blair's actual record?
Dave G, Hereford

All parties need to stop acting like school children in a playground and start telling us what they are going to do when they get elected.
Colin, Hitchin Hertfordshire

Personalised Comments about opponents are common place in the US. Where the US goes the UK tends to follow.
Eric Smith, Cambs

In my area, there are less than 1,000 votes between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. I could paper my walls with the fliers that have come through my letterbox from both candidates, each more vitriolic than the last. Both have been accusing the other of lying for weeks.
Julie, South West Surrey

Any thoughts I might have had of voting Tory have been completely torpedoed by Michael Howard's continuous personal attacks on the Prime Minister. Completely negative campaign.
Alf Horrocks, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Too personal or not, they're doing whatever it takes to get a response out of voters. The Conservatives are finally realising the level at which the British voter is engaged and playing Labour at their own game.
Miles , US

I would prefer each candidate to debate on the facts Claire, Brighton

I would prefer each candidate to debate on the facts and avoid personal attack. To Michael Howard, I just want to say that making the poor asylum seekers and immigrants your scape goat will certainly not buy you votes. It is a very low tactic so try something else like telling us about how you intend to reform the NHS. Blair, just admit that you went to war just to be in George Bush's good books.
Claire, Brighton

Let's have some heated debate. It's about time this election got interesting. We want to see passion and anger and emotions running high. That's what British elections are all about. It's all been far too politically correct so far.
Matt, Derby

Someone said Kennedy was the only one running a positive campaign. I can assume they wrote that before the press conference with the Labour defector who poured bile on Blair and Labour.
Graham, UK

I will not vote for a party that trivialises the election by calling the other side names. If you cannot stand up and say these are our policies: vote for me, then you should not stand at all.
Kevin, Crawley

Of course the campaign has got personal - there are no real policy differences for them to debate. They are all dedicated to the same cuts and privatisation, so they have to attack each other to gain credibility in the eyes of the electorate.
Ross, Notts

Howard is a total disgrace. I can't say how disgusted I am with these latest tactics from the Tories. How can people be expected to vote for someone who resorts to such playground behaviour? It demonstrates a dangerous desire for power, whatever the cost. If they don't believe they can win it on the strength of their policies alone, they don't deserve a single vote.
Toby , Crewe

This is more like Big Brother (one of the later, more cringing series) than political debate. Lord knows that I am no fan of Tony Blair, but Michael Howard/Lynton Crosbie's tactics are plain nauseating.
Chris MacAllister, Godalming

Tony Blair and New Labour originally made politics about personality with 'Tone the family man' Dom, Manchester

Tony Blair and New Labour originally made politics about personality with 'Tone the family man' with the bloke next door image, so they shouldn't complain now that it haunts them.
Dom, Manchester

The Tories are sinking into the mire and we are seeing their true black colours. With no policies and poor leadership I guess this is what we are left with.
Raymond, London

I'm 23 and this will be the first time I'm eligible to vote and to be honest all this name calling is really putting me off. Please can they debate about what we all want to know and that is their policies rather than playground name calling.
Stuart Livesey, UK

Lib Dems are wholly dishonest to assert that they do not negatively campaign, their local election campaigns use dirty tricks even the Tories shy away from. As for the Tories, they have nothing to offer even their core voters and can only use negative personal attacks. We are not voting for one person, but for policies, in which Labour has been highly successful, despite the Iraq debacle.
Paul Miller, Barnstaple, England

Blair has a cheek to say it when the Labour website currently promotes their new poster saying that Howard dreams of charging for the NHS. This was proven to be a recent lie of Blair's wasn't it?
Barry, England

Negative campaigning is part and parcel of politics Keith, Bristol

Negative campaigning is part and parcel of politics, but I think the Conservatives have crossed the line of decency with their personal attacks on Blair. I was considering voting for them, but I'm not now.
Keith, Bristol

If I remember rightly it was Tony Blair who first started the negative campaigning. I find it incredible that he is still try to blame things on other people whilst having been in government for eight years!
David, London

Is this how the grown up leaders of our country act, with playground slating tactics? Maybe we should put the children in charge; after all its their future we are voting for isn't it?
Martin, Plymouth

Michael Howard has a point. Tony Blair is a human being like any other and ultimately whether it is in our personal or business dealings we seek to deal with people we feel we can trust. On various issues Blair has shown he cannot be trusted (Iraq, immigration, stealth taxes etc). He seems to care far more about "spin" than being sincere.
Steve Barrett, Norwich, Norfolk

So what's new? Like it or loathe it, it is politics after all and it will never ever change! Personally I love it!
Richard Grant, Maidenhead

Yes, too personalised. Tony Blair is here today but will be gone tomorrow. Voters should take time out to think which party has the best policies for the country and for them. This election is about the future not the past!
Ron Mills, Dudley, UK

It's perfectly reasonable to debate Tony Blair's trustworthiness and integrity Bob Hammond, Manchester, UK

It's perfectly reasonable to debate Tony Blair's trustworthiness and integrity. As a PM who has weakened the cabinet government and the influence of the civil service it's even more important that we trust him. If he's not trustworthy, as the other parties say, how can we take his word on all the policy issues he talks about?
Bob Hammond, Manchester, UK

The Conservatives are right to focus on trust, but not just regarding Blair. New Labour has been spinning like a top for the whole of the time they have been in power and they twist statistics to suit their own message. None of them can be trusted.
John, Cheltenham, England

Since when were the Tories and the Labours not slagging each other off?
Daniel, Kent, UK

When a man has to resort to personal abuse of another you know that man is desperate and has lost the argument. One more to be consigned to the nearly men of Tory politics.
Mark Mosley, Blackburn, England

The campaign has not suddenly become more personalised J Wood, Cheltenham, England

The campaign has not suddenly become more personalised. Labour have been attacking Howard since well before the election was announced. Remember the flying pigs?
J Wood, Cheltenham, England

Yes, the campaigns have become personal, negative and thoroughly off-putting. That is to be expected in the most depressing election I can remember. There is no getting around the fact that Labour's biggest liability is Blair's self-obsessed leadership - or that Michael Howard's inflammatory remarks linking immigration and race riots appear designed to whip up racial prejudice.
Disheartened, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

It seems Mr Howard's attacks are designed purely to wound his opponent, rather than add to political debate
Luke, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

Having played the race card and lost, Howard now turns like a trapped dog on the stronger personalities in the election.
Mike Winston, Birmingham

Thank you Mr Kennedy for a positive campaign. There will be nothing tactical about my vote for the Lib Dems. They have the best policies and have stayed out of the personal slanging match which is going on between the two old, failed parties who've had it their own way for far too long!
Chris Green, Hereford, England

It is great to see Tony Blair confronted with the cynical treatment of the British public. I'm afraid the man has lost touch with reality and believes his own spin.
Ian, Baildon

The latest Tory poster says far more about the Tories than it does about its intended target Nick Elliott, Derbys

The latest Tory poster says far more about the Tories, Michael Howard and of course Lynton Crosbie than it does about its intended target. Can this party go any lower? More suited to oblivion than opposition, never mind government.
Nick Elliott, Derbys

I wonder who Michael Howard is trying to convince? There can't be many people who are going to vote who haven't thought about the trust issue already. Most of them will either have decided that the end justifies the means, or that the opposite. I find it difficult to vote for a man who fools himself as easily as Blair does, or is as easily fooled as Howard was.
Ian Miller, Towcester, UK

For God's sake grow up! There's a need for maturity when you do something as important as running the country, so show us you might be able to do that rather than resorting to petty name calling. It's not impressing anybody.
Geraint Roberts, Northampton

This is all getting too personal and it has certainly made me lose interest. Those in the world still fighting for democracy must look at this and wonder if it's still worth it!
Iain Duff, Gainsborough UK

It's easier to run a mudslinging competition than it is to come up with a viable, believable agenda. As for me, I vote for "none of the above".
Ali Harriman, Dudley, West Midlands

Blair has much to answer for, and it's Howard's job to call him to account Rosemary Jones, Rugby, England

Blair insults Howard. Howard insults Blair. Kennedy insults Blair and Howard. Blair and Howard insult Kennedy. It's not party political, it's just politics, like it or lump it. And as regards Howard attacking Blair: why shouldn't he? Blair has much to answer for, and it's Howard's job to call him to account.
Rosemary Jones, Rugby, England

I can't believe what I am seeing in the news. Are these really the men we are entrusting our country to? In the past one of the major problems in elections was voter apathy. I have strong opinions on current events and like to think that I keep myself informed. I just don't think I will be able to place my vote for any party without feeling ashamed!
Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne

Show me a leader, Mr Blair, who values the democratic, political health of this country above his own party self-interest. Show me a leader who would rather a citizen vote for another party than not vote at all. Then, perhaps, I will show you a politician worthy of my vote. Until then, at least stop this playground bickering, crying wolf, and incessant bullying of the electorate... at least in Pop Idol people voted for the act they wanted to win.
Simon Cross, Cambridge, UK

The Labour attacks on Howard are about things done over a decade ago James, Nottingham

At least the Tory poster is attacking a relevant personality point in that Blair did mislead us about Iraq. The Labour attacks on Howard are about things done over a decade ago. We're not asked to judge Blair or Labour by their actions and words in the 1980s are we?
James, Nottingham

How short peoples' memories are! Don't they remember the very personal attacks on the last Tory government!
Sam, London, UK

Since the two main parties barely differ on their actual policies anymore, all that's left for them is to suggest the other party are somehow weak in character or competence. It's time Blair was ousted and the country had an actual left-leaning party to vote for, so that a general election would actually mean something again.
Simon Booth, Leeds, UK

Yes it's getting too personal. It's almost as bad as that farce of an election the Americans recently had.
Ricky, Surrey

If the main parties actually had any serious policies to talk about they wouldn't have time to sink to the current depths. They are all as bad as one another.
Clive, Woking

Political name calling is a waste of time Tom Hyner, Canterbury, Kent

Although it is good to raise the issue of whether an individual is the right man for the job, political name calling is a waste of time and detracts from real issues of government. It is saddening that some parties waste so much time on this and spend so little time telling us their plan for the next government.
Tom Hyner, Canterbury, Kent

There is a good case for having the PM elected as an individual who then forms a government from the elected MPs with a vote of confidence. The campaign can be as personal as they like.
David Ball, Wokingham, UK

I feel very angry because I don't trust what any politician says. I regrettably have come to believe that they will say anything to be elected. I feel disenfranchised - however, I will definitely still vote
Sue Plumtree, Richmond, Surrey, England

As a first time voter I don't have a clue who to vote for. There is no real difference between Conservative and Labour (apart from their publicised hatred of each other). At this stage I'd put more trust (and my vote) with a random citizen who I know nothing about, than any of today's so-called politicians.
Amy, Peterborough

It is a marketing exercise like selling soap powder Steve Foley, Reading

The old expression about "Heat and Kitchens" comes to mind. One side is as bad as the other this time and I would say a plague on both your houses and will not be voting for any of the three main parties on May 5th. In the past elections were fought on polices and issues, now it is a marketing exercise like selling soap powder. Pathetic! No wonder many people are not going to vote this time.
Steve Foley, Reading

I'm just tired with all the lazy soundbites and 'buzz' words being used, during equally lazy and lowest common denominator campaigns. For what is being tipped as the closest election for some years, it's very possible that the lack of thought and effort in party campaigns will make an already sceptical and disillusioned public show their feelings at the polls - by just not bothering to vote for anyone. I think we deserve better than all this.
Chris Bull, Leeds, UK

Now, I'm no fan of Tony Blair whatsoever... but could Michael Howard please just SHUT UP!?! Would his time and energy not be better spent putting forward the policies that are going to make this country better?
Jamie, Reading, UK

The Tory campaign is a disgrace - negative and a cynical attempt to fuel fear and prejudice. The electorate will see through it and through Michael Howard.
John Attenborough, Loughborough, England

Howard's telling it like it is. The electorate cannot say it was not warned, when the next election comes.
Jack, Leeds

After two parliaments where the dominant feature could be argued to be the profile and power of Mr Blair, it seems reasonable to focus the campaign on his personality, or on those who seek to replace him.
Paul Cullum, Battersea, London

It comes down to the personality and trust of the candidates to sway the vote C. Preece, Tamworth, UK

When political parties all pretty much share the same views but just re-word them a little, then it does come down to the personality and trust of the candidates to sway the vote. If you are in the public domain the personal attacks are commonplace. But what does it matter because when all votes are cast approx 64% of the electorate i.e. the majority will not get what they voted for.
C. Preece, Tamworth, UK

All political parties engage in negative campaigning, not just the Tories.
Neil

When politicians attack each other rather than argue over policies it turns you off politics!
Emma, Blandford, Dorset

Personal attacks are not dealing with the issues that need addressing. Can we please return to the manifestos and see what parties actually stand for.
Barrie, Bradford, W. Yorks

In an election where there is no real difference in policies between the parties what is left other than personality attacks? In reality this latest poster by the Conservatives does no more than voice the thoughts of many voters of ALL parties.
Roy, Scotland

Tony Blair only has himself to blame. He has run a presidential style of politics whilst at Number 10 and Labour's absurdly large majority has allowed him to bypass Parliament. The only way to restore normal politics is to cut Blair's majority down to size! My own preference is for a hung Parliament.
Richard, Kidderminster, England

When I was at school, and we learnt discussion techniques for both verbal and written debates, we were told that resorting to personal attacks was proof your argument held no water, and was never acceptable. My thoughts about those who resort to such low tactics in the public eye are not printable!
Jill Cockerham, Leeds, UK

I've seen more mature debates take place in primary school playgrounds Anne Warner, Cambridge, UK

I think it's simply pathetic. If anything it's putting me off considering voting for either Labour or Conservative, simply because it's so incredibly petty! I've seen more mature debates take place in primary school playgrounds.
Anne Warner, Cambridge, UK

Who can honestly pretend that politics is never personal anyway? I want someone who is honest, just and future-looking to lead this country. Basically, none of these clowns. But keep it personal that's fine, it's only human.
Anthony, Brighton, UK

These sickening attacks are too negative. This is gutter politics and utterly incompatible with what the Great British electorate want.
Ashu Esong, London, England

It's far too personal - and it's far too long. Please can we all vote tomorrow? We're all bored.
Jack, Essex

The three main parties are just as bad as each other with the personal attacks and name calling. To me a general election is now a popularity contest. It's about the country and what route the public wants to go down for the next 4 years. The politicians are no longer interested in what's best for the people of this once great country. They are more interested in point scoring against each other.
C. Hendy, Newport, Wales

It's become like watching children bickering J. Hodgson, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK

Yes it has become too personal. I have switched off. It's become like watching children bickering. They expect society to behave but can't themselves.
J. Hodgson, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK

Pots and kettles! What is worse, the Tory poster or the Labour political broadcast slagging off Howard? If the best 'policies' the major parties can offer are based on 'think how bad it will be under the other lot" then I for one will be staying at home next week. In a true democracy votes (and respect) have to be earned!
Simon

When individuals turn to personal attacks, people usually ignore them. Perhaps this is why we end up with a low turnout.
Mark, UK

Yes, it has become much too personal. There is no way I would now vote Tory and I was undecided. For goodness sake, stick to polices.
Pat, Bristol

I don't think either Tony Blair or the Labour Party need to worry about this. It just smacks of utter desperation. The only person to lose face from this is Michael Howard.
Gavin Park, Manchester

Whether or not you approve of it or think it's negative campaigning, at least somebody has finally come out and said what's on everyone's minds! Perhaps if more politicians did this we might actually believe in them.
Brian, Newbury, Berks

If I were a Tory, I'd just be plain embarrassed Rob, Bristol

I was talking to my 6-year-old yesterday about not going in for "name calling" in the playground. Later I turned on the 10 o'clock news only to see Howard's bleating. If I were a Tory, I'd just be plain embarrassed.
Rob, Bristol

I suppose an election without negative campaigning was too much to ask.
Dudley Nelson, Ilkley, UK

I think the Conservatives are playing gutter politics. The public are turned off this election enough already. Is there an election strategy to try increase this number?
Paul, Carshalton

Well, the media and commentators don't seem to be talking about policies anyway and there seems to be genuine apathy about this election. Maybe some down and dirty antics might spice it up a bit. Personally, I find it quite bizarre how nothing, broken policies, the Iraq war is sticking to Tony Blair.
R. Britton, UK

At last the Conservatives are getting to the heart of the matter. Britain has been drowned in imagery and theory and distortion on such a scale and with little real effect where it is needed and with an increasingly massive tax take. Reality is to say it the way it is and Mr. Howard is the man to do that.
Tania, Essex, England

I think Mr Howard is listening to the advice of his Australian election co-ordinator (Lynton Crosby) too much. His gutter language may go down well in Australia, but I think he has misjudged the British electorate.
Kevin, West Midlands

Mr Blair should defend the accusations rather than ignore them Suzanne Hudson, Leeds, UK

Michael Howard is quite right to focus on Tony Blair's personality. A politician's raison d'etre is trust of the people and if we can't trust the Prime Minister then who can we trust? Mr Blair should defend the accusations rather than ignore them.
Suzanne Hudson, Leeds, UK

Michael Howard's personal attack on Tony Blair is disgraceful and will cost the Conservatives votes.
Nimal Wijesinghe, Airdrie, UK

As the leadership gets more presidential it is inevitable that attacks will become more personal.
Chris, Cheltenham, UK

The personal attacks by Howard just show how badly his manifesto policies have failed to impress the public. If he has to resort to character assassination then he's already lost.
Boris, UK

Surely elections should be about policies not a slanging match?
Kate, Nottingham, UK

I am just appalled at the latest Conservative stunt. I remember before the election, all the leaders saying they would concentrate on the issues and not go in for personal attacks. This latest move by Michael Howard shows jut how desperate he and his party are.
Norman Jacobs, Clacton-on-Sea

It has always been personal! But now politicians continue to sink to new lows. This is only the tip of the iceberg, that is a result of a society with no moral values and no respect for each other, no compassion for the weak or poor and a society that cannot accept God's love.
Tony Cooper, Geneva, Switzerland