The runners in the Montgomeryshire General Election Handicap are making themselves known. Last year's winner, Lembit Opik will again be representing the Lib Dem stable. I always dismiss rumours that it might be otherwise. This colourful, if erratic stayer should now settle to some serious training after a few wayward gallops, if reports are true that he has recently aquired another young, handsome, new stable mate. The Plaid stable will be represented by the only filly so far declared, Heledd Fychan - already making an impression in the warm-up area. For six months and more its been rumoured that a Mr Nick Colbourne has been entered from the Labour stable, but he's hardly been seen anywhere near the course so far. I will be carrying the Tory colours, and feel that all the preparation work is going well. And today, I met my good friend, D W L Rowlands on the street in Welshpool, and he told me that he has been entered from the Ukip stable.
David is a very old friend. He was my predecessor but one as Chairman of Montgomeryshire District Council in the early 80s, and when he stood for Parliament as an Independent in 1983, I agreed to sign his nomination papers, because he was a good man, as well as a good friend. So we have form and history between us. Over the last year or so David has not been well, but he looked full of beans today. He's just finished campaigning as the No 4 candidate on Ukip's slate in the recent Euro Election, and reckons he's ready to build on his party's terrific result in that election in Montgomeryshire - where Ukip pushed the Liberal Democrats down to a poor third. Its building up to be an enjoyable as well as an unpredictable race. There will be a fair few punters watching this one on race day.
15 comments:
I think you will romp home Glyn. Won't even be a photo-finish.
I dont think Heledd Fychan will be happy with you calling her a filly Glyn.
VM - In racing parlance I thought 'filly' was far better than 'mare'. What word would you suggest. At least I managed to avoid using 'gelding' or 'stallion'!!
Sorry, Glynn, but my money's on the 'filly' to beat the rest of the carthorses and donkeys in the field.
John McCririck> the last thing Wales needs is an immature party running Wales. That would be a disaster for Welsh families.
Are the Montgomeryshire Liberals on a suicide mission?
You do wonder why they've decided to stick with him......
'nag'?
AJC
Some have asked if David's candidature will damage my chances. Well, I don't know, but Bruce Lawson, who has flown the Ukip banner for many years in Montgomeryshire did it with great commitment and not a little style. David will have to go some to improve on Bruce's performance. Same can be said for Heledd Fychan. She will have to work very hard to outperform her predecessor, David Thomas who was also a very good candidate.
You're right about Lemsip Oprick bagging himself a young filly - 23 years younger in fact. I have to admit to finding that a bit unsavoury, as will most of his constituents - but then, what does he care what his constituents think? He will find out on race day though - that's a dead cert.
What's wrong with setting his sights on a more mature woman nearer his own age? In my experience women in their early 20s are really not that interesting, especially when it comes to having a meaningful and intelligent conversation, they're simply too young and have little experience of life. Obviously that's not what interests LO - I wonder what it can possibly be?
It's very important for people to think 'party' when voting.
Y?
Wales needs the best Party for Wales to run Wales over the next few election cycles.
Wales needs good governance, and more than anything needs a party committed to sustaining what's left of the Welsh private sector, and small businesses in particular.
I wonder if my fellow Welshman/women are covering their ears and eyes to what is 'taking shape' in the USA right now, and the implications for Europe/UK/Wales.
The 'great hope' has turned out to be so inexperienced and riddled with ideology just when America needs a steady hand to nurture its private sector, and more particularly its backbone: American small businesses.
Small businesses are being pulverized. The Obama Stimulus package has not worked. The money has largely gone to the 'big boys' and large banks.
Banks are not lending to small businesses which are killing small business growth and leading to layoffs from small businesses up and down the land. Last month saw an increase in layoffs.
The 'green shoots' are illusionary - the USA, c/o President Obama's inexperience and immaturity, is heading for a skewed "W" shaped double whammy. First the recession, then illusionary 'green shoots' followed by a downward trajectory in terms of jobs layoffs, shrinking consumer spending, and a drop in GDP.
As America goes so Europe/UK/Wales follows. I had serious hopes that America would pull the right knobs, and push the right levers and return the USA to a growing economy, a confident country-wide community - but I have to report that I am seeing very disturbing signs of national distress on a scale that is mind-boggling.
I have written a letter explaining it for publication in the Western Mail, but it makes such grim reading I have hesitated sending it. Essentially, it speaks to a breakdown in empathy, in faith, in communion between average Americans and their mental connection with their bedrock, their United States of America.
In such difficult times Wales needs a party that believes in Wales – believes in Welsh small businesses, believes in the little people (not by stature), believes in a Wales driven by self-reliance.
I remember many years ago a friend telling me he was looking for an "intellectual tart". Would that be the same as a brainy filly? I don';t think age comes into it though experience is an asset.
Well, my mother had four kids, I arrived when she was 20 or 21, and my two brothers and sister before she hit about hit about 26, and she went to Basseleg Grammar School "when it was a Grammar school".
Like a lot of people in his constituency, I find Lembit Opik's behaviour with women very creepy and very depressing. He seems to be totally out of control now. NB - Quentin Letts' piece in the Mail today. Just ghastly.....
His saddo behaviour with women and partying lifestyle will prove his downfall. We in Mintgoemryshire deserve a lot better
Better call it Powys - it's much simpler!
Post script to Lembit's preference for much younger women:- Spotted in Crystal's night club in Newtown last night (Friday) where the average age of the punters was 18. Apparently it is a regular haunt of his. He's more than sad - he's definitely creepy.
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