I've often mused about what it is that makes Brynle Williams, Alun Cairns and certain others so damned attractive to women. What is the secret behind their 'pulling power'? Yesterday's Telegraph may offer us an explanation. Its all to do with the dimensions of their faces. It seems that some men have evolved short faces between the upper lip and the brow, which makes the jaw appear larger, the cheeks more flared and the eyebrows more pronounced - all of which makes them appear more 'manly'.
This information follows research by Dr Eleanor Watson, a paleontologist from the Natural History Museum. She is quoted as saying "As the male face becomes shorter and broader, the canine teeth have shrunk so that men look less threatening, and more attractive to mates". So there you have it lads. Before you set forth to find a mate, model yourself on Brynle and file down your canines. Let me know if this strategy yields dividends.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Here and There
Been away from my blog for a few days (sorting out Tim and Adrienne's garden amongst other things) and tonight have been catching up on back copies of the Telegraph. I've taken to reading obituaries recently, which are often very well written. Tuesday's copy recorded the death of the Pembrokeshire historian, Dillwyn Miles. Two snippets caught my eye.
Firstly, the way that Miles wife informed her mother that she was to wed Dillwyn. She sent her a telegram reading "Have indigestion;taking Dill".
And secondly, the obituary reports that when Miles was posted to serve in Tehran during the war, one of his jobs was checking the mail, sent and received by soldiers. One soldier had written home to inform his wife that he wanted a divorce in order to marry a beautiful Arab maiden. His wife responded with an indignant cable "What has she got that I haven't?" Back came the reply "Nothing, but she's got it here." I wonder what happened when the war was over.
Firstly, the way that Miles wife informed her mother that she was to wed Dillwyn. She sent her a telegram reading "Have indigestion;taking Dill".
And secondly, the obituary reports that when Miles was posted to serve in Tehran during the war, one of his jobs was checking the mail, sent and received by soldiers. One soldier had written home to inform his wife that he wanted a divorce in order to marry a beautiful Arab maiden. His wife responded with an indignant cable "What has she got that I haven't?" Back came the reply "Nothing, but she's got it here." I wonder what happened when the war was over.
Monday, August 13, 2007
The price of mam's greed.
I enjoy reading articles by people that I know (even if only slightly) - which is why I read the article in today's Telegraph written by David Hughes, who used to be editor of the Western Mail. Interestingly, the article was placed directly under a comment piece by John Redwood, who is all over the place this week. Both were discussing the failure of 'government' to deliver the needs of the nation with the necessary degree of vision.
They are both right about this of course. And the reason is the modern day suffocation of private enterprise and innovation by the deadening hand of state sponsored bureaucracy and regulation. David writes about the great engineers of the Victorian age. Well, the great engineers of the past, who built railways, canals, dams, castles, docks and our great landscaped gardens would never have made it past the planners and other statutory hurdles today. And there's me - deeply sceptical about the whole idea of the Severn Barrage. Which brings me to the only really daft line in David's article.
"Environmentalists are torn, not for the first time. They like the clean energy, but they rail against the ecological impact. They are particularly anxious about the fate of sea birds. The same concerns were raised when the Barrage was being built across Cardiff Bay. Surprise, surprise, the birds did not roll over and die - they moved on. I suspect the birds in the Estuary might show themselves to be equally adept at self-preservation."
Yes, it is possible to compensate by creating another habitat some where else - but it will be for other species of bird. This is what happened in Cardiff Bay. Neville Waters farm, many miles away, was flooded as compensation for the loss of mudflats - but for different species of bird. Sometimes the natural world is required to make the ultimate sacrifice to accommodate human desire to live more comfortably, in our increasingly unsustainable numbers. That is why the Telegraph is also reporting today on the extinction of bird species across the world. Lets not try to pretend that this human selfishness is a cost free option to the natural world.
They are both right about this of course. And the reason is the modern day suffocation of private enterprise and innovation by the deadening hand of state sponsored bureaucracy and regulation. David writes about the great engineers of the Victorian age. Well, the great engineers of the past, who built railways, canals, dams, castles, docks and our great landscaped gardens would never have made it past the planners and other statutory hurdles today. And there's me - deeply sceptical about the whole idea of the Severn Barrage. Which brings me to the only really daft line in David's article.
"Environmentalists are torn, not for the first time. They like the clean energy, but they rail against the ecological impact. They are particularly anxious about the fate of sea birds. The same concerns were raised when the Barrage was being built across Cardiff Bay. Surprise, surprise, the birds did not roll over and die - they moved on. I suspect the birds in the Estuary might show themselves to be equally adept at self-preservation."
Yes, it is possible to compensate by creating another habitat some where else - but it will be for other species of bird. This is what happened in Cardiff Bay. Neville Waters farm, many miles away, was flooded as compensation for the loss of mudflats - but for different species of bird. Sometimes the natural world is required to make the ultimate sacrifice to accommodate human desire to live more comfortably, in our increasingly unsustainable numbers. That is why the Telegraph is also reporting today on the extinction of bird species across the world. Lets not try to pretend that this human selfishness is a cost free option to the natural world.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Crunchtime for the Tories
Really big week coming up for Cameron's Conservative Party. On Friday John Redwood publishes his economic competitiveness policy review. It will be the basis for major debate in the Party. We always knew that this particular policy review would be based on clear, precise and powerful logic- being the way Redwood thinks. Its a debate about fundamental philosophy and about what we stand for. We also knew it would inevitably lead to mindless, knee jerk accusations that the Tories are 'tacking to the Right'. It seems that the BBC have started already and are lining up Labour spokespersons to run 'the Government rebuttal' even before the report is published. In fact, the BBC will probably give Labour criticism of the report more prominence that the report itself.
I'm looking forward to reading Redwood's conclusions - and I expect to agree with them. Leaks seem to be suggesting that the proposed scrapping of regulations on business will lead to savings of £14 billion per year by the end of one full term of Conservative government. The £14 billions is described as "a tax cut in all but name". This sounds pretty good stuff to me. But its no wonder the BBC are trying to undermine it, because Redwood is reported to be going after the licence fee, which he is reported to describe as a "poll tax". Not the best way to get the Beeb on side I'd have thought!
This is the area of policy that has always established me in my own mind as a Tory. I believe that, generally, the private sector usually does it better - and the State's role, where possible should be facilitate and regulate. It follows that, in principle, I support lower taxation and a smaller state. For example at the recent Assembly election, I was much taken by the Plaid proposals to cut business taxes - even if the Assembly didn't have the power to cut them! After 10 years of Labour, the State has become suffocatingly dominant, and taxation is too high. This week, this issue is going to dominate my party's thinking. I hope it will become an election issue if the Prime Minister goes for an early General Election. It is difficult territory for us - but I'm looking forward to walking on it.
I'm looking forward to reading Redwood's conclusions - and I expect to agree with them. Leaks seem to be suggesting that the proposed scrapping of regulations on business will lead to savings of £14 billion per year by the end of one full term of Conservative government. The £14 billions is described as "a tax cut in all but name". This sounds pretty good stuff to me. But its no wonder the BBC are trying to undermine it, because Redwood is reported to be going after the licence fee, which he is reported to describe as a "poll tax". Not the best way to get the Beeb on side I'd have thought!
This is the area of policy that has always established me in my own mind as a Tory. I believe that, generally, the private sector usually does it better - and the State's role, where possible should be facilitate and regulate. It follows that, in principle, I support lower taxation and a smaller state. For example at the recent Assembly election, I was much taken by the Plaid proposals to cut business taxes - even if the Assembly didn't have the power to cut them! After 10 years of Labour, the State has become suffocatingly dominant, and taxation is too high. This week, this issue is going to dominate my party's thinking. I hope it will become an election issue if the Prime Minister goes for an early General Election. It is difficult territory for us - but I'm looking forward to walking on it.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Llanfyllin Show.
Started my campaign in earnest today - at Llanfyllin Show. We had delivered 'introduction leaflets' around the town during the week, and I was there from 2.00 til 6.00. Turned out to be a really good day. Partly because of support from lots of show goers. Perhaps, we should have a small marquee next year. Only Ukip had a presence there today. I called in to see my good friend David Rowlands, and signed his petition calling for a referendum on the new European Union Constitution, which Gordon Brown is trying to slip through by pretending it is something else. Pity they work so hard in the cause of Lib Dems.
I was also a bit lucky to get a TV interview out of it. Telescope were there filming an edition of Fermio. Alun Elydir was on his usual form. I was speaking more as President of the CPRW than as Tory candidate. You take it where you can get it. But it was a good day because I enjoyed the day so much. The terrier racing was the highlight. So totally anarchic, that I haven't enjoyed a 'stunt race' so much since the camel race at Llanfair Caereinion Show a few years ago. I've seen camels going like racehorses on the sand of the Sahara on the TV - but after a huge build up, the favourite ran 50 yds and decided to lie down - and the others stopped to see what was going on. Jockey got off and kicked the camel up the backside, but made no difference. The race was abandoned but the crowd laughed all the way home.
Still the start to my campaign has gone so well that I drove home imagining myself standing up making a maiden speech talking about 'my people'. Hope my confidence isn't as misplaced as the jockey on the favoured camel.
I was also a bit lucky to get a TV interview out of it. Telescope were there filming an edition of Fermio. Alun Elydir was on his usual form. I was speaking more as President of the CPRW than as Tory candidate. You take it where you can get it. But it was a good day because I enjoyed the day so much. The terrier racing was the highlight. So totally anarchic, that I haven't enjoyed a 'stunt race' so much since the camel race at Llanfair Caereinion Show a few years ago. I've seen camels going like racehorses on the sand of the Sahara on the TV - but after a huge build up, the favourite ran 50 yds and decided to lie down - and the others stopped to see what was going on. Jockey got off and kicked the camel up the backside, but made no difference. The race was abandoned but the crowd laughed all the way home.
Still the start to my campaign has gone so well that I drove home imagining myself standing up making a maiden speech talking about 'my people'. Hope my confidence isn't as misplaced as the jockey on the favoured camel.
Great Start for 'Black Cats'.
The Premiership is back. And the first game produced a great win for Sunderland. Cardiff fans must have felt a touch rueful watching Michael Chopra slotting in the winner with real style, especially since Wales top team went down 1-0 at home to Stoke later in the day. Big disappointment for Spurs though, and not good enough if they are going to challenge top four. Not many pundits are predicting Sunderland for relegation - more because of the manager than the team. The Black Cats won't be far off going down next May in my view - but won't, just. Chelsea and Man Utd to win tomorrow with Arsenal playing well for a draw.
So who is going to go down. Like everyone else I fancy Derby for the drop - together with Birmingham and Wigan. Fulham, Reading and Bolton won't be far away either. At the other end, I'm tipping Chelsea. They won't score as many goals as Man Utd but will win enough 1-0s away from home to take the title. Question is will Liverpool produce the goods this year. Third place is my tip. Arsenal will do well to stay ahead of the rest. Man City looked good today and will start well - only to slip back after Xmas.
Wolves are going to be my Championship team to follow, simply because Steve Morgan has taken over as the Club's benefactor - and Ashok supports them. So disappointed that two late goals snatched victory for Watford. Never mind - Steve Morgan is a winner. I still fancy the Wolves for promotion. At least my local team, Shrewsbury are top of League Two after 4-0 win at Lincoln.
So who is going to go down. Like everyone else I fancy Derby for the drop - together with Birmingham and Wigan. Fulham, Reading and Bolton won't be far away either. At the other end, I'm tipping Chelsea. They won't score as many goals as Man Utd but will win enough 1-0s away from home to take the title. Question is will Liverpool produce the goods this year. Third place is my tip. Arsenal will do well to stay ahead of the rest. Man City looked good today and will start well - only to slip back after Xmas.
Wolves are going to be my Championship team to follow, simply because Steve Morgan has taken over as the Club's benefactor - and Ashok supports them. So disappointed that two late goals snatched victory for Watford. Never mind - Steve Morgan is a winner. I still fancy the Wolves for promotion. At least my local team, Shrewsbury are top of League Two after 4-0 win at Lincoln.
The Sheer Pleasure of Power.
Have you ever seen anyone enjoy power as much as Rhodri Glyn Thomas, the Assembly Government's new Minister of Fun. I went to the Eisteddfod yesterday, and was struck by this rising star's of the Welsh firmament's capacity to strut. And it was not the strut of arrogance that so often inflicts those who reach the higher reaches of the greasy pole. It was the strut of pleasure - almost hedonistic in its intensity. Sheer undiluted pleasure. There is something about watching a man realising that he has landed on his feet and then milking his luck for all he's worth. It creates 'sunshine' all around. I wanted to shake his hand and wish him well. And I wanted him to be a success, and smiled inwardly and outwardly as he strutted off, exuding bonhomie like an old 'Puffing Jenny' exuding steam.
And the other Plaid Ministers were there too. Elin Jones, who is such a big friend of mine that I can do no other than wish her well too. Mind you, she was a touch crousty with me yesterday about something I'd said on a previous post. Better leave it there. And then there was Ieuan himself, who needs to learn the art of strutting. I don't think he should walk around with Alan Morris as his sidekick - simply because Alan is about a foot taller than him. Not a good look. No Labour Ministers in sight though. It seems that they had even abandoned having a presence on the Maes - because they were afraid of it being abused by a few activists. Retreat into their S. Wales bunker at the first whiff of cordite. What a load of pathetic wimps.
With all these sweet words about Plaid Ministers, you might think that I will find it difficult to fight a general election campaign against the self-styled Party of Wales. Maybe. All I will say is that when I played rugby around the West Midlands, I was always at my most aggressive when playing against my friends. The more ferocious the fight, the more I enjoyed the pint that followed. Same principle applies. But I have to admit that the sight of the Carmarthen charmer patrolling the Maes yesterday, mixing politics and pleasure as only he can, might mean that I will not be quite as aggressive as I might have been.
And the other Plaid Ministers were there too. Elin Jones, who is such a big friend of mine that I can do no other than wish her well too. Mind you, she was a touch crousty with me yesterday about something I'd said on a previous post. Better leave it there. And then there was Ieuan himself, who needs to learn the art of strutting. I don't think he should walk around with Alan Morris as his sidekick - simply because Alan is about a foot taller than him. Not a good look. No Labour Ministers in sight though. It seems that they had even abandoned having a presence on the Maes - because they were afraid of it being abused by a few activists. Retreat into their S. Wales bunker at the first whiff of cordite. What a load of pathetic wimps.
With all these sweet words about Plaid Ministers, you might think that I will find it difficult to fight a general election campaign against the self-styled Party of Wales. Maybe. All I will say is that when I played rugby around the West Midlands, I was always at my most aggressive when playing against my friends. The more ferocious the fight, the more I enjoyed the pint that followed. Same principle applies. But I have to admit that the sight of the Carmarthen charmer patrolling the Maes yesterday, mixing politics and pleasure as only he can, might mean that I will not be quite as aggressive as I might have been.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
When Thieves Fall Out.......
Big row developing tonight between the two Foot and Mouth Disease leak suspects at Pirbright. The whole of Government wants the responsibility to be placed on Merial, the private sector research centre and vaccine manufacturer. It is desperate that the Government owned Institute of Animal Health is cleared by the Health and Safety Executive. Tonight, the IAH has gone public, pointing a noisy finger at Merial. I fully expect Merial to return fire with fire tomorrow. This is serious. Big money and bigger reputations at stake.
Tit bits of information are being leaked which are designed to lead public opinion into finding Merial guilty. A million times more virus being in play at Merial during the relevant time. A bit of the Merial site is in an area of flood risk. The IAH being allowed to carry on working - while more investigation going on at Merial. Now, I just want to know how the virus was leaked. We need the truth - real not convenient. We don't want a scapegoat that suits the Government. We must judge this one on the evidence - and not on what best suits Gordon Brown. Read the small print of any reports.
Tit bits of information are being leaked which are designed to lead public opinion into finding Merial guilty. A million times more virus being in play at Merial during the relevant time. A bit of the Merial site is in an area of flood risk. The IAH being allowed to carry on working - while more investigation going on at Merial. Now, I just want to know how the virus was leaked. We need the truth - real not convenient. We don't want a scapegoat that suits the Government. We must judge this one on the evidence - and not on what best suits Gordon Brown. Read the small print of any reports.
What is the Eisteddfod?
Johnny Foreigner called me a hypocrite today. Cut me to the quick. All I'd said was that I was going to the Eisteddfod tomorrow - and that I was going to present myself as a Conservative, as President of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and to appear on a platform arranged by the Institute of Politics, Aberystwyth. No mention of culture at all. At least I'm not going for a p*** up. It seems that I should have been going to enjoy the singing, dancing and reciting. Johnny and I fundamentally disagree about what the Eisteddfod is about.
This seems to me to be a good subject for debate. I accept that the Eisteddfod's basic purpose is to promote the Welsh Language through cultural activities - but I do not think it is the real reason most (or at least many) of us go there. For me it is a networking event. I would enjoy the singing and dancing - if I had time. But I'm there to represent the Conservative Party - on our stand, and through visiting other stands in the company of fellow Parliamentary candidate, Guto Bebb, and Cheryl Gillan, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. We're going to 'tour' the Maes. And we've got a nice little surprise in store for announcement to the world at 3.00. Stay tuned. I will discuss it tomorrow night.
I'm also there to represent the CPRW which I'm told has an impressive presence on the Maes. In particular, wearing this hat, I hope to visit other stands which share our concern about the price of housing for young people, the future of the Welsh Language and threats to the Welsh landscape.
The most important cultural aspect of the Eisteddfod (and similarly, our Royal Welsh Show and other shows) is our desire to meet and talk to each other. The activities in 'the big tent' are the core of the festival, especially the major competitions - but I see our Eisteddfod as a celebration of all things Welsh. And I daresay that now Johnny foreigner has instigated this post in his name, there will be no stopping him.
This seems to me to be a good subject for debate. I accept that the Eisteddfod's basic purpose is to promote the Welsh Language through cultural activities - but I do not think it is the real reason most (or at least many) of us go there. For me it is a networking event. I would enjoy the singing and dancing - if I had time. But I'm there to represent the Conservative Party - on our stand, and through visiting other stands in the company of fellow Parliamentary candidate, Guto Bebb, and Cheryl Gillan, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. We're going to 'tour' the Maes. And we've got a nice little surprise in store for announcement to the world at 3.00. Stay tuned. I will discuss it tomorrow night.
I'm also there to represent the CPRW which I'm told has an impressive presence on the Maes. In particular, wearing this hat, I hope to visit other stands which share our concern about the price of housing for young people, the future of the Welsh Language and threats to the Welsh landscape.
The most important cultural aspect of the Eisteddfod (and similarly, our Royal Welsh Show and other shows) is our desire to meet and talk to each other. The activities in 'the big tent' are the core of the festival, especially the major competitions - but I see our Eisteddfod as a celebration of all things Welsh. And I daresay that now Johnny foreigner has instigated this post in his name, there will be no stopping him.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Led to defeat by a 'Burger King'
I was greatly honoured to be drafted into the National Assembly's soccer squad for last weekend's sixth annual Parliamentary Shield, held for the first time in London - a tournament sponsored by McDonalds. This year we were led into battle by Labour AM, Alun Davies who set out his stall before the semi-final against the Northern Ireland Assembly team by stuffing his face with a giant beefburger just before kick-off. Not sure that our new coach, Ian Rush approved of this unique form of match preparation. I just said that it was great to be led out by a genuine 'burger king' - and I don't think the sponsors thought much of that quip.
Desperate start. Paul Mewies (Sandie's spouse) dislocated his finger in the knock-up - but bravely soldiered on. We were all over them. Hit the post. Missed a penalty. Hit the post again. Rushie then made a tactical blunder by taking me off when I was just getting into my stride. "Call yourself a coach", I muttered under my breath. So annoyed that I ate a beefburger. He then put me back on again. I was impressed by Alun Cairns, who was much fitter this year. He's primed and ready to run for the Vale of Glamorgan. 0-0 at full-time. Paul Mewies broke his arm trying to save a penalty. Spent the night in Hillingdon General. We lost a game we should have won - an assessment accepted by Pat Jennings, the Irish coach who has become something of a friend of mine. Pat has the most amazing voice, a cross between Henry Kissinger and Richard Burton with an Irish accent. Its a voice to seduce an angel - and a terrific all-round good egg with it.
Lost out to the Scots in the third place play-off. Concede they were a lot better than us. Rushie wanted to come on himself to turn things around.but the Scottish coach, Kenny Dalgliesh banned him. The Westminster team won - they had the new Minister of Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe playing. So a bad day for the celts. And just down the road our boys were annihilated at Twickenham. And Gareth Jenkins made a real idiot of himself by saying that England surprised him by their decision to put victory ahead of a bit of a pre World Cup run-out. What the hell did he expect, I ask myself. No wonder Roger Lewis had to issue a vote of confidence in him today.
Anyway, I enjoyed the Charity Shield game between Man U and Chelsea at Wembley on the Sunday. The Millennium Stadium is good - but I have to admit that Wembley is even better. And Mrs D had a chat with Lee Sharpe which rather made her weekend. Resolved to be fitter for next year in case I have another late call. So I went out walking tonight, delivering leaflets introducing myself to those voters in Montgomeryshire who don't know me. As long as Gordon Brown doesn't call an election before next August, I should be better prepared for the challenge.
Desperate start. Paul Mewies (Sandie's spouse) dislocated his finger in the knock-up - but bravely soldiered on. We were all over them. Hit the post. Missed a penalty. Hit the post again. Rushie then made a tactical blunder by taking me off when I was just getting into my stride. "Call yourself a coach", I muttered under my breath. So annoyed that I ate a beefburger. He then put me back on again. I was impressed by Alun Cairns, who was much fitter this year. He's primed and ready to run for the Vale of Glamorgan. 0-0 at full-time. Paul Mewies broke his arm trying to save a penalty. Spent the night in Hillingdon General. We lost a game we should have won - an assessment accepted by Pat Jennings, the Irish coach who has become something of a friend of mine. Pat has the most amazing voice, a cross between Henry Kissinger and Richard Burton with an Irish accent. Its a voice to seduce an angel - and a terrific all-round good egg with it.
Lost out to the Scots in the third place play-off. Concede they were a lot better than us. Rushie wanted to come on himself to turn things around.but the Scottish coach, Kenny Dalgliesh banned him. The Westminster team won - they had the new Minister of Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe playing. So a bad day for the celts. And just down the road our boys were annihilated at Twickenham. And Gareth Jenkins made a real idiot of himself by saying that England surprised him by their decision to put victory ahead of a bit of a pre World Cup run-out. What the hell did he expect, I ask myself. No wonder Roger Lewis had to issue a vote of confidence in him today.
Anyway, I enjoyed the Charity Shield game between Man U and Chelsea at Wembley on the Sunday. The Millennium Stadium is good - but I have to admit that Wembley is even better. And Mrs D had a chat with Lee Sharpe which rather made her weekend. Resolved to be fitter for next year in case I have another late call. So I went out walking tonight, delivering leaflets introducing myself to those voters in Montgomeryshire who don't know me. As long as Gordon Brown doesn't call an election before next August, I should be better prepared for the challenge.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Now Wigley asks questions.
There can no longer be any doubt that Plaid Cymru have made a total horlicks of the coalition discussions which led to the creation of the Labour/Plaid Assembly Government. Today, Dafydd Wigley has joined in the condemnation of Ieuan Wyn Jones decision to sign up to an undeliverable programme of government. No other way of putting it. IWJ's failure to take the First Minister role at the head of a 'Rainbow Coalition will haunt him forever - and so it should. He should have told Adam Price and the Gang of 4 to 'grow up' and stop contaminating the Plaid brand with 'socialist' baggage.
Now, I'm sure that Dafydd and Ieuan will try to play things down - but Dafydd's speech at the National Eisteddfod must be a body blow to our grandly titled Deputy First Minister. First of all he tells us that the agreed programme is completely unfundable - in other words, not worth the paper its written on. This is a stunningly serious assessment. He says that 102 of the 217 promises cannot be afforded.
Then Dafydd goes on to describe a referendum on full law making powers for our National Assembly as unwinnable - because of the likely opposition of Labour, the party that Ieuan has sold his soul to. In other words, the key victory that Ieuan claims to have won is worthless. You can't get more rubbishing than that. Within a few months, Ieuan will be under the cosh from many of his own party - and deservedly so. What is he going to be telling his troops when the Tories are more supportive than Labour of Plaid's dreams during the General Election campaign. Could it be that Dafydd Wigley has worked all this out, and is lining up his tanks? A situation to watch in 2008.
Now, I'm sure that Dafydd and Ieuan will try to play things down - but Dafydd's speech at the National Eisteddfod must be a body blow to our grandly titled Deputy First Minister. First of all he tells us that the agreed programme is completely unfundable - in other words, not worth the paper its written on. This is a stunningly serious assessment. He says that 102 of the 217 promises cannot be afforded.
Then Dafydd goes on to describe a referendum on full law making powers for our National Assembly as unwinnable - because of the likely opposition of Labour, the party that Ieuan has sold his soul to. In other words, the key victory that Ieuan claims to have won is worthless. You can't get more rubbishing than that. Within a few months, Ieuan will be under the cosh from many of his own party - and deservedly so. What is he going to be telling his troops when the Tories are more supportive than Labour of Plaid's dreams during the General Election campaign. Could it be that Dafydd Wigley has worked all this out, and is lining up his tanks? A situation to watch in 2008.
FMD Update
Just returned home after 4 days in London to find 25 members of Brooks Gardening Club strolling around the garden. I'd put the visit in my diary for September! Mrs D not happy. But the Yuccas and the hot border were in such pomp that I was not as displeased as I might have been. The hemerocallis, crocosmias and heleniums are 'on fire' at the moment. Today, we had been to the RHS garden at Wisley, which apart from being the most interesting garden I ever visit, is only a mile or so from the Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey.
So where are we on the FMD outbreak. First thing to be said is that the politicians have done well so far. Gordon Brown has looked like a Prime Minister, David Cameron has made it clear that he's going to hold Brown to account for his performance, and Elin Jones has cut short her holiday to New Zealand to be around if she's needed. But there's a bit to go on this yet.
Not so much the outbreak itself, which I'm still hopeful will be confined to a small number of farms in one small area of Surrey - although it will be a few days until we can breathe easily in our beds. Its who's to blame - and who will pick up the bill that is most interesting. From the first, it looked a 'strong probability' that the virus had come out of Pirbright, either Merial or the Institute of Animal Health. This looked 'good news' to me because it seemed much more likely to be controllable. But for a Government agency to be responsible for an outbreak of FMD is very shocking and really beggars belief. No-one is going to admit a thing unless they are forced to - and compensation claims are likely to fail on circumstantial evidence. Today's report from the Health and Safety Executive told us nothing we didn't know already. I hope they can do better tomorrow.
But two things have surprised me. Why on earth were footpaths in and around the outbreak area left open until today? - opening the door for the blame to be transferred to the Government if the disease spreads. And why were the carcases taken some 80 miles out of the area for disposal - for the same reason. I know that people don't like seeing funeral pyres - but controlling the virus should be absolute priority. I hope that public relations wasn't taking over from scientific considerations.
I read that there have been some relaxations in Scotland already and that animals can be taken direct to the abattoir. This seems common sense to me, and I hope we can start making similar relaxations in Wales tomorrow - or at least as soon as possible. The last time there was an outbreak of FMD in 2001, I knew there was a disaster pending from Day 1. This time, I've felt less worried - mainly because of the link with Pirbright and that it was found in a dairy herd (now 2) which do not have much stock movement. In Febuary, 2001, FMD took over my life. Today, it did feel odd to be so close to the outbreak, limited to mixing my concern of potential disaster for my industry with appreciation of the wonders of Wisley.
So where are we on the FMD outbreak. First thing to be said is that the politicians have done well so far. Gordon Brown has looked like a Prime Minister, David Cameron has made it clear that he's going to hold Brown to account for his performance, and Elin Jones has cut short her holiday to New Zealand to be around if she's needed. But there's a bit to go on this yet.
Not so much the outbreak itself, which I'm still hopeful will be confined to a small number of farms in one small area of Surrey - although it will be a few days until we can breathe easily in our beds. Its who's to blame - and who will pick up the bill that is most interesting. From the first, it looked a 'strong probability' that the virus had come out of Pirbright, either Merial or the Institute of Animal Health. This looked 'good news' to me because it seemed much more likely to be controllable. But for a Government agency to be responsible for an outbreak of FMD is very shocking and really beggars belief. No-one is going to admit a thing unless they are forced to - and compensation claims are likely to fail on circumstantial evidence. Today's report from the Health and Safety Executive told us nothing we didn't know already. I hope they can do better tomorrow.
But two things have surprised me. Why on earth were footpaths in and around the outbreak area left open until today? - opening the door for the blame to be transferred to the Government if the disease spreads. And why were the carcases taken some 80 miles out of the area for disposal - for the same reason. I know that people don't like seeing funeral pyres - but controlling the virus should be absolute priority. I hope that public relations wasn't taking over from scientific considerations.
I read that there have been some relaxations in Scotland already and that animals can be taken direct to the abattoir. This seems common sense to me, and I hope we can start making similar relaxations in Wales tomorrow - or at least as soon as possible. The last time there was an outbreak of FMD in 2001, I knew there was a disaster pending from Day 1. This time, I've felt less worried - mainly because of the link with Pirbright and that it was found in a dairy herd (now 2) which do not have much stock movement. In Febuary, 2001, FMD took over my life. Today, it did feel odd to be so close to the outbreak, limited to mixing my concern of potential disaster for my industry with appreciation of the wonders of Wisley.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Not FMD again - please
The countryside is holding its breath. We are living in the shadow of death and destruction that is Foot and Mouth Disease. We are all praying that this weekend's outbreak will be confined to the small corner of England where Derrick Pride farms - the small corner which is also home to the animal diseases centres at Pirbright.
Just did an interview for Good Morning Wales on the issue - on the telephone from Kew, which is quite near to the outbreak. In Wales, at present there is a focus on the impact and cost of the restrictions which have been imposed. I accept that this is an issue, but its not the main one. These costs and inconveniences are as nothing compared with what will happen if we have a new case confirmed today in Cumbria, or Devon, or Wales. Because the sheer horror of what happened in 2001 is still so fresh in our minds, we all know that the Government is doing what must be done. In 2001, I lambasted the Government for its incompetence from Day 1. This time, I have no complaints - so far. Clearly, lessons have been learnt since the incredible and shameful bungling that occurred then.
All fingers seem to be pointing in the direction of the Institute of Animal Health and the Merial Research Centre at Pirbright, just a short distance away from Derrick Pride's now silent acres. The coincidences are almost irresistable. As shocking as it would be to discover that Pirbright was the source of the infection, it is now every country lover's hope that it turns out to be so. And that there have been no movements from the farm which might have carried the infection elsewhere.
I have lived through two previous outbreaks of FMD that ran out of control. The first was in 1967, which began about 15 miles from our family farm, and 2001, where every animal on all the farms surrounding Cil Farm, our home, were slaughtered. I will never forget sitting out in the garden hearing rifle shooting and watching plumes of smoke marking the site of every farm between me and the horizon. And I remember the silence that followed - all summer. No cattle or sheep. Just an eerie silence for months on end. I learned a lot about birdsong in 2001. Our problems arose from not having any animals at Cil Farm - which would have been culled. We had all the animals on another farm when the disease struck in the spring, just prior to moving everything out to outlying land. So we had animals where there was not enough grass, and grass going to waste everywhere else. In financial terms, we were badly hit - but I didn't have to suffer the trauma of seeing all our livestock slaughtered. For weeks, I lived with the diseae as all sorts of people telephoned looking for help and advice - and sometimes just to talk. It was a terrible experience.
The countryside is holding its breath and hoping that we are not going to see a repeat.
Just did an interview for Good Morning Wales on the issue - on the telephone from Kew, which is quite near to the outbreak. In Wales, at present there is a focus on the impact and cost of the restrictions which have been imposed. I accept that this is an issue, but its not the main one. These costs and inconveniences are as nothing compared with what will happen if we have a new case confirmed today in Cumbria, or Devon, or Wales. Because the sheer horror of what happened in 2001 is still so fresh in our minds, we all know that the Government is doing what must be done. In 2001, I lambasted the Government for its incompetence from Day 1. This time, I have no complaints - so far. Clearly, lessons have been learnt since the incredible and shameful bungling that occurred then.
All fingers seem to be pointing in the direction of the Institute of Animal Health and the Merial Research Centre at Pirbright, just a short distance away from Derrick Pride's now silent acres. The coincidences are almost irresistable. As shocking as it would be to discover that Pirbright was the source of the infection, it is now every country lover's hope that it turns out to be so. And that there have been no movements from the farm which might have carried the infection elsewhere.
I have lived through two previous outbreaks of FMD that ran out of control. The first was in 1967, which began about 15 miles from our family farm, and 2001, where every animal on all the farms surrounding Cil Farm, our home, were slaughtered. I will never forget sitting out in the garden hearing rifle shooting and watching plumes of smoke marking the site of every farm between me and the horizon. And I remember the silence that followed - all summer. No cattle or sheep. Just an eerie silence for months on end. I learned a lot about birdsong in 2001. Our problems arose from not having any animals at Cil Farm - which would have been culled. We had all the animals on another farm when the disease struck in the spring, just prior to moving everything out to outlying land. So we had animals where there was not enough grass, and grass going to waste everywhere else. In financial terms, we were badly hit - but I didn't have to suffer the trauma of seeing all our livestock slaughtered. For weeks, I lived with the diseae as all sorts of people telephoned looking for help and advice - and sometimes just to talk. It was a terrible experience.
The countryside is holding its breath and hoping that we are not going to see a repeat.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Iain Dale - Brave Man
I enjoyed Iain Dale's column in today's Telegraph where he advised David Cameron to appoint William Hague as his deputy. Well, I'll go along with that. I hope I'm not posting anything that will cause me grief - but I believe William to be the most outstanding politician of this era. So Iain, I'm with you on this. But hold on a minute. What's this about your old boss, David Davis.
What really struck me about Iain's article was his suggestion that David could play some sort of John Presscott role for David Cameron. I don't care how you dress this up, it seems to me to be a risky thing to say. David Davis does not look like the sort of man to compare to a buffoon. If I was Iain, I would go back to Rwanda for a few weeks - where he might just be safer.
What really struck me about Iain's article was his suggestion that David could play some sort of John Presscott role for David Cameron. I don't care how you dress this up, it seems to me to be a risky thing to say. David Davis does not look like the sort of man to compare to a buffoon. If I was Iain, I would go back to Rwanda for a few weeks - where he might just be safer.
Glyn Davies - The Man
Did an unusual interview today. Jon Gower and Sian Parry Hughes visited the farm to record a half hour programme for Radio Wales which turned out to be intensely personal. Mrs D has already warned me about going on too much about cancer, especially as I want to be viewed as fully recovered rather than as a sufferer - but Sian looked into my eyes and I just had to answer her personal questions. It was the same when she was fronting Good Morning Wales a few years ago. She has always been more 'Vaughan Roderick' then punchy 'Felicity Evans'. Because I adopt a fairly open approach to my politics, I don't really mind this sort of interview - but I don't want to be seen as some sort of freak. I can't be the only obsessive who caught the political bug. Anyway, its going out in a month's time. I'll have to listen because when I go into freewheel speak, I'm apt to say all sorts of things.
Going out to a cocktail party tonight, pre-Guilsfield Show, which has just been cancelled - the show that is. Bloody nuisance. This was supposed to be the start of my election campaign. Will have to delay the start for two days - until the Llanfyllin Show in a week's time. Off to London in the morning to star in the Wales football team. Its McDonald's Parliamentary Shield time again - which has moved from the Millennium Stadium to Wembley this year. Alun Davies, AM has organised our team - and I'm greatly honoured to have been drafted in to give a bit of bite to the defence. I can still kick 'em - when I can catch 'em that is. Geoff Hurst calls me the Norman Hunter of the Welsh side - which makes me so proud. Anyway, my plans are London tomorrow, Charity Shield on Sunday, Kew Gardens on Monday and Wisley on Tuesday - so blogging could become a bit intermittent.
Going out to a cocktail party tonight, pre-Guilsfield Show, which has just been cancelled - the show that is. Bloody nuisance. This was supposed to be the start of my election campaign. Will have to delay the start for two days - until the Llanfyllin Show in a week's time. Off to London in the morning to star in the Wales football team. Its McDonald's Parliamentary Shield time again - which has moved from the Millennium Stadium to Wembley this year. Alun Davies, AM has organised our team - and I'm greatly honoured to have been drafted in to give a bit of bite to the defence. I can still kick 'em - when I can catch 'em that is. Geoff Hurst calls me the Norman Hunter of the Welsh side - which makes me so proud. Anyway, my plans are London tomorrow, Charity Shield on Sunday, Kew Gardens on Monday and Wisley on Tuesday - so blogging could become a bit intermittent.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Phil Drabble 1914-2007
Phil Drabble death at the weekend was a coincidence for us in the Berriew area. As the man who put sheepdog trials on the map was dying, the local annual trialing competition was taking place in the next field to our garden. There were 92 dogs this year and the competition lasted until late into the evening.
I never competed in trials myself. Never had enough control over Brock when I was full time sheep farming to put our skills on display. Brock only became fully trained when his arthritis meant he could no longer run - and just sat in the back of my landrover and barked whenever prompted by my tooting the horn. Not sure what Phil Drabble would have thought of that.
Phil Drabbles voice was "soft as country rain, as right for the world of five-bar gates and grass chewing as John Arlott's was for cricket". 'One Man and His Dog' started in 1975 and continued for 17 years, sometimes attracting audiences of over 6 million viewers. I was an occasional viewer, but my father loved the programme. I daresay he was as outraged as I was when S4C dropped 'Garddio' last year. Reading his obituary in today's Telegraph, I realised he was ' a cussed countryman' who would not be told what to do. No wonder I liked him.
I never competed in trials myself. Never had enough control over Brock when I was full time sheep farming to put our skills on display. Brock only became fully trained when his arthritis meant he could no longer run - and just sat in the back of my landrover and barked whenever prompted by my tooting the horn. Not sure what Phil Drabble would have thought of that.
Phil Drabbles voice was "soft as country rain, as right for the world of five-bar gates and grass chewing as John Arlott's was for cricket". 'One Man and His Dog' started in 1975 and continued for 17 years, sometimes attracting audiences of over 6 million viewers. I was an occasional viewer, but my father loved the programme. I daresay he was as outraged as I was when S4C dropped 'Garddio' last year. Reading his obituary in today's Telegraph, I realised he was ' a cussed countryman' who would not be told what to do. No wonder I liked him.
Strategy to Win?
Be a damn nuisance if Brown goes for an election on 25th October - but I reckon its no more than a 10/1 shot. Decided on my strategy to tackle the General Election today, and I do not need the PM going to the country until May 2008 at the earliest. Key stratagem is to contact directly every voter in Montgomeryshire over the next 9 months, and repeat as much of the exercise as possible during the campaign. Campaign starts next Wednesday in Guilsfield, followed by presence at local show the next day. And then repeat the exercise on a regular basis throughout the constituency. Sounds ever so easy!
Also decided on some policy issues today - in part as a result of an essay by an old friend of mine, Delwyn Williams in today's Western Mail. Delwyn, who was Tory MP for Montgomeryshire 1979-1983, says that he is going to stand in Montgomeryshire as an 'Independent' - basically on a 'Scrap the Assembly' ticket. There will be no hedging of bets on my part. I can see no future for the Tories in Wales without a positive attitude towards strengthening the Assembly - so I am for law making powers in currently devolved areas. Might not be a vote winner - but its what I believe.
Another clear policy statement will have to be made as a result of the decision by Bruce Lawson to stand for Ukip in Montgomeryshire. Again, Bruce is an OK locally based man, but he too seems to want to undermine my campaign as his main objective. I do describe myself as a Eurosceptic and I do call for a referendum on the EU reform treaty - but I am not for pulling out of the European Union. Its just not serious politics. Its like Plaid Cymru calling for an Independent Wales.
Politics is a funny old business. Two local candidates, whom I would consider to be well to the right of me (in a general sort of way) are committed to ensuring an easy ride for the Liberal Democrats, with whom both fundamentally disagree. But both will liven things up a bit, even if they will make my task that much more difficult. At least the campaign should be enjoyable - Delwyn is a likable character. But I do need a minimum of 9 months before it starts.
Also decided on some policy issues today - in part as a result of an essay by an old friend of mine, Delwyn Williams in today's Western Mail. Delwyn, who was Tory MP for Montgomeryshire 1979-1983, says that he is going to stand in Montgomeryshire as an 'Independent' - basically on a 'Scrap the Assembly' ticket. There will be no hedging of bets on my part. I can see no future for the Tories in Wales without a positive attitude towards strengthening the Assembly - so I am for law making powers in currently devolved areas. Might not be a vote winner - but its what I believe.
Another clear policy statement will have to be made as a result of the decision by Bruce Lawson to stand for Ukip in Montgomeryshire. Again, Bruce is an OK locally based man, but he too seems to want to undermine my campaign as his main objective. I do describe myself as a Eurosceptic and I do call for a referendum on the EU reform treaty - but I am not for pulling out of the European Union. Its just not serious politics. Its like Plaid Cymru calling for an Independent Wales.
Politics is a funny old business. Two local candidates, whom I would consider to be well to the right of me (in a general sort of way) are committed to ensuring an easy ride for the Liberal Democrats, with whom both fundamentally disagree. But both will liven things up a bit, even if they will make my task that much more difficult. At least the campaign should be enjoyable - Delwyn is a likable character. But I do need a minimum of 9 months before it starts.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Just not Cricket.
Who would have believed that the humble jelly bean would become the subject of an international incident. But it has. An England close fielder, widely thought to be Alastair Cook has been depositing jelly beans by the stumps when Zaheer Khan was about to bat. In fact, Cook has denied that it was he, claiming to be a fruit pastille man, so suspicion falls on Kevin Pieterson, who has form on this sort of thing. I've known Rugby players who drank bovine blood from the local abattoir before a game and tennis players who feed bananas in like starving baboons - but jelly beans! Its supposed to be a man's game.
It seems that Zaheer has a bit of trouble with his weight and something of a sweet tooth. It was thought that this might rattle him. Well it sure did. It rattled him so much that he took 9 wickets and was declared man of the match. If I was Dravid, the Indian captain, I would make sure that a few Jelly beans were slipped into the pocket of any batsman going out to bat with Zaheer in the next match - with orders to surreptitiously place them on the wicket when drinks are taken, and blame the England fielders. And then stand back and watch the beamers, the shoulder charging, and Zaheer bowling like a mad bull. When I'm old and in a nursing home, I'll be asking "Where were you during the great jelly bean series".
It seems that Zaheer has a bit of trouble with his weight and something of a sweet tooth. It was thought that this might rattle him. Well it sure did. It rattled him so much that he took 9 wickets and was declared man of the match. If I was Dravid, the Indian captain, I would make sure that a few Jelly beans were slipped into the pocket of any batsman going out to bat with Zaheer in the next match - with orders to surreptitiously place them on the wicket when drinks are taken, and blame the England fielders. And then stand back and watch the beamers, the shoulder charging, and Zaheer bowling like a mad bull. When I'm old and in a nursing home, I'll be asking "Where were you during the great jelly bean series".
So who wants to be Mayor of London.
Since I thought that I might be interested in standing at the next General Election, I have suspended any comment on the activities of Montgomeryshire's current MP. But I cannot let pass today's utterly ridiculous story about him running for London Mayor. I couldn't believe it when journalists started telephoning me to comment on this 'hot' news. I didn't say anything to the media, because I didn't want to be quoted in tomorrow's papers, seeming churlish - but I didn't believe a word of it. I can say what I like on my blog.
My immediate instinct was that Lembit had started the rumour himself - simply so that he could then rule it out, declaring an eternal loyalty to Montgomeryshire. Of course, I have no way of knowing if this is the case, but the immediate prediction that I made duly came to pass. What I said was that there was no way Lembit could be the candidate and represent Montgomeryshire, 200 miles away. And that the rumour would probably have been started by one of his mates - and that he would wait long enough for the story to run on the news, and then deny his interest. It was a complete non story. At least the TV and radio that I've tuned into has dropped the story like a hot brick. Quite right too.
My immediate instinct was that Lembit had started the rumour himself - simply so that he could then rule it out, declaring an eternal loyalty to Montgomeryshire. Of course, I have no way of knowing if this is the case, but the immediate prediction that I made duly came to pass. What I said was that there was no way Lembit could be the candidate and represent Montgomeryshire, 200 miles away. And that the rumour would probably have been started by one of his mates - and that he would wait long enough for the story to run on the news, and then deny his interest. It was a complete non story. At least the TV and radio that I've tuned into has dropped the story like a hot brick. Quite right too.
Bowen and Sons of Cefn Coch
Went to a party tonight. It had been going on all day - and looked to be settling down for the long haul when I left. I'd only expected there to be a handful of customers there - but there were hundreds of them. An informal social occasion which urned out to a great, if unexpected canvassing opportunity - and all I had to do was meet up with a lot of Montgomeryshire people whom I hadn't seen for a while. And a good opportunity to speak Welsh as well. It was the 100th birthday party of Bowen and Sons of Cefn Coch, a quarry and associated business.
Over the years, I've been to dozens of these sort of dos - but this was the most enjoyable I've been to. Hardly a suit in sight. Just local people who understand how important this company is to the economy of the area. No whinging about the quarry being a scar on the countryside - which it undoubtedly is. Everybody knows that it is needed - so we accept it. Which is more than you can say for the 17 bloody great wind turbines on the hill overlooking the quarry. Now that is a scar on the landscape that's going to produce b****r all - except a bit of welcome income for the farmers involved.
Actually, I wasn't interesting in canvassing at all. I just went because I like the boss, and know a lot of the workforce. And there is a strong link with our garden. We have the biggest stone ever to come out of the quarry on the island in the middle of our pond - and the gorsedd circle we built in 2003 all came from the quarry. Not for us the ridiculous plastic rubbish they use at the National Eisteddfod.
But a lot of people came up tonight, saying things like "I've voted Liberal all my life, but not next time. I'll be voting for you. Really pleased you've decided to stand". Not going to get carried away - but I really am starting to feel optimistic about my chances at the next election.
Over the years, I've been to dozens of these sort of dos - but this was the most enjoyable I've been to. Hardly a suit in sight. Just local people who understand how important this company is to the economy of the area. No whinging about the quarry being a scar on the countryside - which it undoubtedly is. Everybody knows that it is needed - so we accept it. Which is more than you can say for the 17 bloody great wind turbines on the hill overlooking the quarry. Now that is a scar on the landscape that's going to produce b****r all - except a bit of welcome income for the farmers involved.
Actually, I wasn't interesting in canvassing at all. I just went because I like the boss, and know a lot of the workforce. And there is a strong link with our garden. We have the biggest stone ever to come out of the quarry on the island in the middle of our pond - and the gorsedd circle we built in 2003 all came from the quarry. Not for us the ridiculous plastic rubbish they use at the National Eisteddfod.
But a lot of people came up tonight, saying things like "I've voted Liberal all my life, but not next time. I'll be voting for you. Really pleased you've decided to stand". Not going to get carried away - but I really am starting to feel optimistic about my chances at the next election.
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