Not sure what's happening to me. Too much recent mental strain must have taken its toll. I have just been watching an England rugby team playing, and wanting them to score. I actually felt sorry for them as South Africa reduced them to a disorganised rabble tonight. One of the absolutes of my life drifted away on the wind. Next thing I'll be eulogising about the cuteness of the hated grey squirrel.
Now its on to tomorrow. And I really fancy Wales. The Australians have been whinging about having to play the game at the Millennium Stadium - which suggests that they are worried. And it seems that Larkin might not be playing. I can see a tight game, with Hook coming off the bench to cut clean through and put Mark Jones over in the corner - and then converting from the touchline. Rhodri Morgan was on the news tonight talking about "Fire in the belly and ice in the head". That's just how its going to be.
And I really want England to beat Samoa next week. Honest I do. Honest I do. Perhaps I'll return to good health tomorrow.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Missing the Assembly
I've now reached the stage where career reconstruction means that I only very occasionally miss being an Assembly Member. Today was such an occasion. I'd been invited to join the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds at their Wales Biodiversity Conference in North Wales for the afternoon. I was to chair a session on 'Agri-environment Schemes'
In the event, it turned out to be more 'seminar' than 'conference' with the RSPB's Head of Conservation Policy, Katie-Jo Luxton taking the lead, rather than me. There was a good mix of participants with a range of opinion. For me it was like transportation back to the Environment, Planning and Environment Committee that I chaired until last May. (and I had a coffee with Kath, the very talented lady who served as my committee clerk, when I was in Cardiff Bay yesterday to add to the poignancy). As I drove home from Wrexham, I really missed the freedom that I used to have to manipulate and control events.
If I was still an AM, I would use this blog to outline my thoughts on transforming Tir Mynnydd into an agri-environment scheme, on maximising environmental benefit through targeting Tir Gofal, on accommodating species recovery through greater flexibility in the application of Tir Gofal and on the need for robust monitoring of agri-environment schemes to provide evidence to justify budgets a few years down the road. Dear reader, you have had a lucky escape. But today did help me develop a sense of what I would want to do if I were to become a Member of Parliament.
In the event, it turned out to be more 'seminar' than 'conference' with the RSPB's Head of Conservation Policy, Katie-Jo Luxton taking the lead, rather than me. There was a good mix of participants with a range of opinion. For me it was like transportation back to the Environment, Planning and Environment Committee that I chaired until last May. (and I had a coffee with Kath, the very talented lady who served as my committee clerk, when I was in Cardiff Bay yesterday to add to the poignancy). As I drove home from Wrexham, I really missed the freedom that I used to have to manipulate and control events.
If I was still an AM, I would use this blog to outline my thoughts on transforming Tir Mynnydd into an agri-environment scheme, on maximising environmental benefit through targeting Tir Gofal, on accommodating species recovery through greater flexibility in the application of Tir Gofal and on the need for robust monitoring of agri-environment schemes to provide evidence to justify budgets a few years down the road. Dear reader, you have had a lucky escape. But today did help me develop a sense of what I would want to do if I were to become a Member of Parliament.
The McCanns
The events surrounding the disappearance of Madelaine McCann have left me bewildered - as they have left Boris Johnson. At this stage, I simply refuse to believe that her parents can have had anything to do with it. If my confidence turns out to be misplaced, I think my faith in human nature will be severely damaged for ever. Usually, I try not to take an interest in this sort of story, where a personal tragedy involving an attractive person becomes a mechanism for selling newspapers - but for some reason the Madelaine McCann disappearance has got through to me. It may be irrational on my part because I don't personally know any of the players in this tragic tale - but I do so want to the Portuguese Police to say that that there is no evidence to implicate Madelaine's parents.
Ian Porterfield
Its one of those trivia questions to which I've always known the answer. "Who scored the goal for Sunderland that beat Leeds in the 1973 Cup Final?". Everyone who had the remotest interest in football at the time will remember it. It was Ian Porterfield, who died of bowel cancer on Tuesday aged 61.
In 1973 Leeds United, managed by Don Revie were probably the most boring and unpopular football team in Europe. Revie made Alex Ferguson look like the personification of joy. They were also the best team by a mile. Sunderland were in the second division and all the betting was about how many Leeds would score. It was the football equivalent of Ming Campbell winning the next General Election - but of course it wasn't because Ian Porterfield enabled his team to pull off the most unlikely of victories. Whenever, I saw him interviewed, Ian Porterfield seemed a thoroughly decent man.
In 1973 Leeds United, managed by Don Revie were probably the most boring and unpopular football team in Europe. Revie made Alex Ferguson look like the personification of joy. They were also the best team by a mile. Sunderland were in the second division and all the betting was about how many Leeds would score. It was the football equivalent of Ming Campbell winning the next General Election - but of course it wasn't because Ian Porterfield enabled his team to pull off the most unlikely of victories. Whenever, I saw him interviewed, Ian Porterfield seemed a thoroughly decent man.
So Ming wants to deal
So Ming Campbell wants to talk coalition with Labour and Tories (Telegraph p6 today). Well, I suppose that's an advance on just wanting to talk coalition with Gordon. This is an interesting development. He seems to have learned something from the total Horlicks that Mike German (with a little help from his colleagues) made in Wales last May. I wonder what AM, Peter Black makes of this. Perhaps he will play a similar role after the General Election as he played after the Assembly Election.
Personally, I think we should take this Ming talk seriously. I've heard a lot of sense being spoken by some of the Lib Dems on the sane wing of the Party - like Vince Cable, Ed Davey and Nick Clegg. And I hear a lot of sense being spoken by traditional Lib Dem supporters in Montgomeryshire as well. I often think many Lib Dems in Montg. have a lot more in common with me than their current representative.
There is a serious tactical point here. I noted the accompanying press comment when my party selected a candidate to contest a Lib Dem held seat elsewhere. Something along the lines of "already attacking the Lib Dems". Now this doesn't seem too smart to me. What I want is for those Montgomeryshire Lib Dem who have never voted Conservative in the past to consider voting for me - and they are not going to do that if I launch gratuitous attacks on them. Now you will understand the thinking behind the conciliatory tone of this post.
Personally, I think we should take this Ming talk seriously. I've heard a lot of sense being spoken by some of the Lib Dems on the sane wing of the Party - like Vince Cable, Ed Davey and Nick Clegg. And I hear a lot of sense being spoken by traditional Lib Dem supporters in Montgomeryshire as well. I often think many Lib Dems in Montg. have a lot more in common with me than their current representative.
There is a serious tactical point here. I noted the accompanying press comment when my party selected a candidate to contest a Lib Dem held seat elsewhere. Something along the lines of "already attacking the Lib Dems". Now this doesn't seem too smart to me. What I want is for those Montgomeryshire Lib Dem who have never voted Conservative in the past to consider voting for me - and they are not going to do that if I launch gratuitous attacks on them. Now you will understand the thinking behind the conciliatory tone of this post.
The Curse returns
Be warned that this is a partisan post. Only one issue on the mind of a countryman today - another confirmed case of Foot and Mouth Disease in Surrey. I remember watching Debby Reynolds, the Government's chief veterinary officer telling us last week that that the August outbreak of the disease was over, and thinking to myself that this was ridiculously complacent. I admit that I didn't disagree with the Government's decision to lift the movement of animals ban - but did disagree with the misplaced confidence and the casual message it sent out. I've lived through two devastating outbreaks - the '67 starting in Montgomeryshire, and the '01 which wiped out all the livestock around where I live. Gordon Brown was far too keen to want to look as if his personal intervention had soon sorted things. The truth is that the Government itself carries much of the responsibility for this outbreak because of its inadequate controls at Pirbright - and any eradication of the disease depends to a large extent on luck as well as strict controls. To be fair to the Prime Minister, he has done a very good job when compared with the utterly disgraceful performance of Tony Blair in 2001 - something for which the almost completely forgotten Mr Blair has not been sufficiently castigated.
Was interviewed on Good Morning Wales on this issue this morning and Bethan asked me if it was appropriate for David Cameron to 'play politics' with this issue. There is no-one being 'playful' about this. The Government has 'cocked-up' big time - its own agency leaked the disease for goodness sake. The Government has been too hasty in telling us that the outbreak was over - so that the Prime Minister could look capable. Its the main job of the Leader of the Opposition to point this out. After the 2001 outbreak, we saw the biggest cover-up in British animal health history when Blair refused to set up a public inquiry (disgracefully supported by my good friends in the farming unions at the time). Brown may be trying to create a one-party state. Its Cameron's job to stop him, and he's really starting to get the hang of it. Brown's got one chance of winning a General Election - and its next month. After that, he's toast - and wearing my partisan hat, "A damn good thing too".
Was interviewed on Good Morning Wales on this issue this morning and Bethan asked me if it was appropriate for David Cameron to 'play politics' with this issue. There is no-one being 'playful' about this. The Government has 'cocked-up' big time - its own agency leaked the disease for goodness sake. The Government has been too hasty in telling us that the outbreak was over - so that the Prime Minister could look capable. Its the main job of the Leader of the Opposition to point this out. After the 2001 outbreak, we saw the biggest cover-up in British animal health history when Blair refused to set up a public inquiry (disgracefully supported by my good friends in the farming unions at the time). Brown may be trying to create a one-party state. Its Cameron's job to stop him, and he's really starting to get the hang of it. Brown's got one chance of winning a General Election - and its next month. After that, he's toast - and wearing my partisan hat, "A damn good thing too".
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Our Green and Pleasant Land
Struggling for time to blog at present - mainly because of my committment to contesting the Montgomeryshire constituency at the next General Election. There si so much to be done. Campaign meeting this morning which prevented me attending a meeting of Campaign for ther Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) trustees. Which brings me to an important full page report in yesterday's Telegraph about the disappearance of 'Unspoilt England' - which strongly featured the views of our big sister body, the CPRE.
I agree with the main thrust of what the CPRE are reported to be saying - but I do think it paints too great a Doomsday scenario. In general, I believe there is a danger in overplaying one's hand with these sort of comments. We've all seen these Al Gore type warnings of the end of civilisation as we know it - and a lot of us are suffering catastrophe fatigue. I'm particularly concerned that this report focussed on dubious long term threats which droned out the real message - which is that our Government intends to pervert the planning process to give itself almost unfettered power to approve large scale development without public consultation. A Planning White Paper has been published which is probably the greatest attack on the public's right to have a say on developments such as nuclear power stations and massive wind farm developments.
The CPRE are also quoted as calling for other totally unrealistic policies. For example, there is no way that we can stop airport expansion. More realistic would be acall for a switch in taxation to green taxes which encouraged more efficient and quieter aircraft. The biggest issue here is the one that we dare not talk about, which is keeping some control on the number of people living in Britain. If we carry on allowing millions more people to move into Britain, there will be no alternative to concreting over more of our green and pleasant land. Government makes its choice - and almost always takes the easy short-term option.
I agree with the main thrust of what the CPRE are reported to be saying - but I do think it paints too great a Doomsday scenario. In general, I believe there is a danger in overplaying one's hand with these sort of comments. We've all seen these Al Gore type warnings of the end of civilisation as we know it - and a lot of us are suffering catastrophe fatigue. I'm particularly concerned that this report focussed on dubious long term threats which droned out the real message - which is that our Government intends to pervert the planning process to give itself almost unfettered power to approve large scale development without public consultation. A Planning White Paper has been published which is probably the greatest attack on the public's right to have a say on developments such as nuclear power stations and massive wind farm developments.
The CPRE are also quoted as calling for other totally unrealistic policies. For example, there is no way that we can stop airport expansion. More realistic would be acall for a switch in taxation to green taxes which encouraged more efficient and quieter aircraft. The biggest issue here is the one that we dare not talk about, which is keeping some control on the number of people living in Britain. If we carry on allowing millions more people to move into Britain, there will be no alternative to concreting over more of our green and pleasant land. Government makes its choice - and almost always takes the easy short-term option.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
And More Fun Today
I am really starting to enjoy this 'putting myself about' stuff. Following last night's Strictly Come Dancing, I went to a luncheon do in Four Crosses this afternoon, where there were another 200 people, all intent on having a good time as they raised money for the Macmillan Nurses. And again, I was struck by there being not one single person looking over my shoulder to catch the eye of someone more 'important'. I've been involved in politics for so long that I've forgotten how nice people not working at the politics/media interface can be.
I heard one punter make a £50 wager that I would win Montgomeryshire at the General Election. The downside of course is that there was another punter willing to risk £50 that I wouldn't. Trouble with this is that one family now has a financial interest in my losing!
I'd been agonising about how direct I should be in this sort of 'subtle' canvassing - and I've found that the easiest way to broach the subject is to ask something like "Do you reckon that I have any chance of winning?" It sort of invites the response "I hope so". It was all going rather well, especially when I took over the job of going around asking if anyone wanted to buy raffle tickets. Very subtle, I thought - and I was having a really good response. And then Eileen showed me how its done. She emerged from the kitchen with an exercise book with "PLEDGES TO SUPPORT GLYN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION" printed in big letters all over the cover - and started demanding that everyone sign up. And they did. I was staggered. Even the bloke who had wagered £50 on me to lose, signed up. If any of the pledgers have not voted by 2100 hours on election day, I fully expect them to receive a call from Eileen. It ain't subtle - but who is to say that she isn't right. If Churchill hadn't gone for 'Total War' in 1940, we'd be taking our orders from Berlin today.
I heard one punter make a £50 wager that I would win Montgomeryshire at the General Election. The downside of course is that there was another punter willing to risk £50 that I wouldn't. Trouble with this is that one family now has a financial interest in my losing!
I'd been agonising about how direct I should be in this sort of 'subtle' canvassing - and I've found that the easiest way to broach the subject is to ask something like "Do you reckon that I have any chance of winning?" It sort of invites the response "I hope so". It was all going rather well, especially when I took over the job of going around asking if anyone wanted to buy raffle tickets. Very subtle, I thought - and I was having a really good response. And then Eileen showed me how its done. She emerged from the kitchen with an exercise book with "PLEDGES TO SUPPORT GLYN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION" printed in big letters all over the cover - and started demanding that everyone sign up. And they did. I was staggered. Even the bloke who had wagered £50 on me to lose, signed up. If any of the pledgers have not voted by 2100 hours on election day, I fully expect them to receive a call from Eileen. It ain't subtle - but who is to say that she isn't right. If Churchill hadn't gone for 'Total War' in 1940, we'd be taking our orders from Berlin today.
Public Apology to Elaine
Yesterday, I participated in a Strictly Come Dancing competition. I must immediately apologise to my glamorous partner, Elaine Bates for the inadequacies that led to our failure to triumph. I must admit that I'd been dreading it, but it turned out to be a marvellously enjoyable night out for everyone involved.
The 'event' was organised to raise money for cancer research and the local Forden Church - and the inspiration behind it was a young man, who died of Colocrectal Cancer in his early 30's and with whom I'd spent some time sharing my personal experiences of the disease. I also know his parents, for whom the pain of Andy's death is unimaginable.
I readily admit that I approached the training sessions a touch too 'cocky'. Ballroom - no bother I thought, until I discovered it was the Valletta (?) followed by the St Bernard's Waltz (?). When the actual arrived, Elaine and I started off looking into each other's eyes, just like they do on TV, seeking to project some 'personal chemistry'. But I completely forgot which leg to start off. Immediate panic and don't think I caught Elaine's eye until after the session was over. Personal chemistry - nil points. Not a great start.
And then it was the folk. I was really worried here because I had to wear breeches (which looked ridiculous on my Banwy Valley legs - our dance coach's words). I was desperate not to be photographed. I'm trying to leave this sort of total pillock photography to my political opponent. The only problems that we men had was with a hand clapping routine - where if you used the wrong hand, it became a straightforward lunge for the lady's breast. It is entirely possible that I was guilty of what, under normal circumstances, would have been sexually harassing behavior - but the pressure was such that neither of us would have any idea if it happened! I thought we did OK.
And then it was the jive. Now, Mrs D and I are respectable exponents of the jive - and we have been known to clear the floor with everyone gathering around us - as happened with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease. I think I've heard the word 'flamboyant' used. But this was an entirely new routine. The 'pull-through' was OK - but the 'Death Roll' was another matter entirely. In practise, I did have one nasty moment - which I regret to say was filmed (but I'm promised for local showing only). We were just completing the move when Elaine fell to the floor - with me on top of her (no other way of putting it). As we fell, the dance coach shouted out to Elaine "Don't open your legs". What the hell did she think I was going to do? What sort of animal did she think I was? Turned out she was just pointing out the defect that had led to the fall. Anyway I'm now a master of the Death Roll and Mrs D will be expected to add this little move to our routine. I think it will be introduced to the world at the Welshpool Golf Club Dinner in three weeks time. I don't think I should say much about the Disco Dance, except that my dignity was retained.
What I really liked about the night was that throughout the 5 hours before I left, there were over 200 people having a fantastic night out - and I didn't meet one single person looking over my shoulder to see if they could see someone else they wanted to talk to more. After several years in politics, this was a very new experience. Oh, and we raised £3,500-00.
The 'event' was organised to raise money for cancer research and the local Forden Church - and the inspiration behind it was a young man, who died of Colocrectal Cancer in his early 30's and with whom I'd spent some time sharing my personal experiences of the disease. I also know his parents, for whom the pain of Andy's death is unimaginable.
I readily admit that I approached the training sessions a touch too 'cocky'. Ballroom - no bother I thought, until I discovered it was the Valletta (?) followed by the St Bernard's Waltz (?). When the actual arrived, Elaine and I started off looking into each other's eyes, just like they do on TV, seeking to project some 'personal chemistry'. But I completely forgot which leg to start off. Immediate panic and don't think I caught Elaine's eye until after the session was over. Personal chemistry - nil points. Not a great start.
And then it was the folk. I was really worried here because I had to wear breeches (which looked ridiculous on my Banwy Valley legs - our dance coach's words). I was desperate not to be photographed. I'm trying to leave this sort of total pillock photography to my political opponent. The only problems that we men had was with a hand clapping routine - where if you used the wrong hand, it became a straightforward lunge for the lady's breast. It is entirely possible that I was guilty of what, under normal circumstances, would have been sexually harassing behavior - but the pressure was such that neither of us would have any idea if it happened! I thought we did OK.
And then it was the jive. Now, Mrs D and I are respectable exponents of the jive - and we have been known to clear the floor with everyone gathering around us - as happened with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease. I think I've heard the word 'flamboyant' used. But this was an entirely new routine. The 'pull-through' was OK - but the 'Death Roll' was another matter entirely. In practise, I did have one nasty moment - which I regret to say was filmed (but I'm promised for local showing only). We were just completing the move when Elaine fell to the floor - with me on top of her (no other way of putting it). As we fell, the dance coach shouted out to Elaine "Don't open your legs". What the hell did she think I was going to do? What sort of animal did she think I was? Turned out she was just pointing out the defect that had led to the fall. Anyway I'm now a master of the Death Roll and Mrs D will be expected to add this little move to our routine. I think it will be introduced to the world at the Welshpool Golf Club Dinner in three weeks time. I don't think I should say much about the Disco Dance, except that my dignity was retained.
What I really liked about the night was that throughout the 5 hours before I left, there were over 200 people having a fantastic night out - and I didn't meet one single person looking over my shoulder to see if they could see someone else they wanted to talk to more. After several years in politics, this was a very new experience. Oh, and we raised £3,500-00.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Its only Public Money
Just heard a damn funny story. I've heard it twice now. First reaction was not to believe it. Surely the Chief Executive of Powys County Council hasn't 'wasted' over £30,000 of Council Taxpayers money - just to keep in the 'good books' of the Environment Agency. There must be some credible explanation for this.
I'll just post what I've been told. A good while past, the Council's Planning Authority refused permission for Mr and Mrs Trevor of Guilsfield to build over 40 houses near the village. The Trevors appealed and on the first day of the inquiry, the Council withdrew its opposition - which was a damned odd thing in itself. But the Environment Agency ploughed on with its objection. The Trevors won, hands down - and the Inspector awarded costs against the Environment Agency, including the Council's which have been conservatively estimated as 'over £30,000'. This is big money - and big embarrassment for the EA. Is it going to be big embarrassment for Mark Kerr as well.
Anyway, I'm told that the Council's Chief Executive has decided that the costs awarded to the Council will not be claimed - in order not to discomfort the Environment Agency. Now what on earth are Powys' hard pressed Council Taxpayers going to think of this - especially when they see their small rural schools being closed to save money. This has got the makings of an unholy punch-up at County Hall.
Now, how do I know this you might ask. Well, the Powys Council 'whistle blower' has been on the phone again. Don't suppose the Council's Press Officer is going to be too happy when he reads this post. The Council might even waste another £5,000 on a 'Whistle blower inquiry'. Time for FOI requests methinks. I wonder whether the Council will make any comment when the media ask about this today.
I'll just post what I've been told. A good while past, the Council's Planning Authority refused permission for Mr and Mrs Trevor of Guilsfield to build over 40 houses near the village. The Trevors appealed and on the first day of the inquiry, the Council withdrew its opposition - which was a damned odd thing in itself. But the Environment Agency ploughed on with its objection. The Trevors won, hands down - and the Inspector awarded costs against the Environment Agency, including the Council's which have been conservatively estimated as 'over £30,000'. This is big money - and big embarrassment for the EA. Is it going to be big embarrassment for Mark Kerr as well.
Anyway, I'm told that the Council's Chief Executive has decided that the costs awarded to the Council will not be claimed - in order not to discomfort the Environment Agency. Now what on earth are Powys' hard pressed Council Taxpayers going to think of this - especially when they see their small rural schools being closed to save money. This has got the makings of an unholy punch-up at County Hall.
Now, how do I know this you might ask. Well, the Powys Council 'whistle blower' has been on the phone again. Don't suppose the Council's Press Officer is going to be too happy when he reads this post. The Council might even waste another £5,000 on a 'Whistle blower inquiry'. Time for FOI requests methinks. I wonder whether the Council will make any comment when the media ask about this today.
Back to the Treadmill
Last few days, I've embarked on a mission to be improve my fitness. There's no doubt that I've let things go a bit. I already given Mrs D due warning that the 6-pack is returning. I'm never going to be running across Wales again - or grinding out 2 hour victories over superior opponents on the squash court. And I've never sported the 'slick' look anyway - more Brian Moore than Gerry Guscott I regret to say. But it would be nice to step out feeling 'a bit of a kiddie' again,as Johnny Gosnall used to say.
And its a good thing that I started this life reappraisal 'stuff' last week because I see in the Telegraph that yesterday, the 6th September, was the unhealthiest day of the year. The reason this snippet caught my eye was the sheer, unreal innocence of the Telegraph in concluding that the reason so many remedies are sold on the 'Sickth' is that children, newly back at school are transmitting diseases to each other. This is about as fanciful as the 2-page spread in a Telegraph last week lauding Gordo as consensual, new, Prime Ministerial, etc.... it made my feel quite ill.
The real reason is that parents need medicines to recover from the stress of family holiday travel (first chance they've had), and the kids are pretending to be ill so that they don't have to return to school. It does look as if the dashing new body image is coming all wrapped up in a cloak of cynicism.
And its a good thing that I started this life reappraisal 'stuff' last week because I see in the Telegraph that yesterday, the 6th September, was the unhealthiest day of the year. The reason this snippet caught my eye was the sheer, unreal innocence of the Telegraph in concluding that the reason so many remedies are sold on the 'Sickth' is that children, newly back at school are transmitting diseases to each other. This is about as fanciful as the 2-page spread in a Telegraph last week lauding Gordo as consensual, new, Prime Ministerial, etc.... it made my feel quite ill.
The real reason is that parents need medicines to recover from the stress of family holiday travel (first chance they've had), and the kids are pretending to be ill so that they don't have to return to school. It does look as if the dashing new body image is coming all wrapped up in a cloak of cynicism.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Hot Shot Willy
Regular readers of this blog will know about the damage that rabbits inflicted on our echinaceas this spring - amongst a series of destructive forays into our garden by the local wildlife. I sorted the deer out by forcing them to listen to Radio Cymru. But I was forced to resort to artillery to deal with the grey squirrels and rabbits - in the form of local marksman Willy Cooke. The command to shoot on sight was given several weeks ago. Nothing happened except that our echinaceas remained chewed off, a bit like Nick's fingernails. Until this morning.
Early hours, and I was midst a rather pleasant dream - which ended in an unexpected 'bang'. It was Willy, with his big gun. There followed a 'gang' of 'bangs'. The garden was a war zone. I just stuck my head under the pillow and hoped there was not too much collateral damage. I lay back in my bed, imaging autumnal echinaceas in all their glory.
My problem is that I'm a bit soft hearted about these things. The reason I recruited Hot Shot Willy was that I really don't like killing living creatures myself. Oh I know its hypocrisy. I'm just as guilty if I give the orders. Its just easier if I don't have to see the murder that is carried out in my name. But do you know what Hot Shot did. He lined up all the carcasses in a row on the drive - a bit like Smokey used to parade his dead mice around the sitting room. The message was "Look what I've succeeded in doing". Anyway, as we were breakfasting, there was a rabbit busily scratching a hole in the top lawn, no more than 10 yards from the window. Such bloody defiance. Its toughening me up. I hope tomorrow mornings dream ends with a 'bang' as well.
Early hours, and I was midst a rather pleasant dream - which ended in an unexpected 'bang'. It was Willy, with his big gun. There followed a 'gang' of 'bangs'. The garden was a war zone. I just stuck my head under the pillow and hoped there was not too much collateral damage. I lay back in my bed, imaging autumnal echinaceas in all their glory.
My problem is that I'm a bit soft hearted about these things. The reason I recruited Hot Shot Willy was that I really don't like killing living creatures myself. Oh I know its hypocrisy. I'm just as guilty if I give the orders. Its just easier if I don't have to see the murder that is carried out in my name. But do you know what Hot Shot did. He lined up all the carcasses in a row on the drive - a bit like Smokey used to parade his dead mice around the sitting room. The message was "Look what I've succeeded in doing". Anyway, as we were breakfasting, there was a rabbit busily scratching a hole in the top lawn, no more than 10 yards from the window. Such bloody defiance. Its toughening me up. I hope tomorrow mornings dream ends with a 'bang' as well.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
When the going gets tough in Powys.
I hear on the Montgomeryshire 'grapevine' that several Powys councillors are having cold feet about their policy of closing small rural schools. I was showing the New Mills Women's Institute around our garden tonight when I had two calls informing me of a possible capitulation by councillors to public pressure.
A difficult issue for me. I instinctively oppose the Council's determination to close small rural schools, but I recognise that the Council is under a lot of financial and Assembly Government pressure to reduce surplus places - so I will not criticise Councillors who decide to ignore my protestations against closures, as long as I feel that they have given due consideration to our objections. Sometimes tough decisions have to be taken. I've been there myself. Up until now the Council has demonstrated a combination of determination and devious tactics (which I have condemned) to drive through its agreed closure programme. Until today, it seems.
I suppose there are Council elections coming up next May! Some councillors have felt the wind of voter power up their lower garments - and intend to buckle under pressure. I'm told that the Lib Dem Councillors could join up with some Independents to take decisions about closures away from the Board which runs the Council, returning it to the floor of the chamber. I can see an interesting row blowing up in Llandrindod Wells. It really will be interesting to see whether the Leader of the Council, Michael Jones stands up and leads.
A difficult issue for me. I instinctively oppose the Council's determination to close small rural schools, but I recognise that the Council is under a lot of financial and Assembly Government pressure to reduce surplus places - so I will not criticise Councillors who decide to ignore my protestations against closures, as long as I feel that they have given due consideration to our objections. Sometimes tough decisions have to be taken. I've been there myself. Up until now the Council has demonstrated a combination of determination and devious tactics (which I have condemned) to drive through its agreed closure programme. Until today, it seems.
I suppose there are Council elections coming up next May! Some councillors have felt the wind of voter power up their lower garments - and intend to buckle under pressure. I'm told that the Lib Dem Councillors could join up with some Independents to take decisions about closures away from the Board which runs the Council, returning it to the floor of the chamber. I can see an interesting row blowing up in Llandrindod Wells. It really will be interesting to see whether the Leader of the Council, Michael Jones stands up and leads.
What's Ancram up to?
The Fourteenth Marquis of Lothion, otherwise known as Michael Ancram is a fine Conservative. I know him. Despite the 'blue blood' there is not the slightest 'side to him. He is approachable, utterly dependable and a fine singer. I believe he has the broad personal appeal to make a wonderful 'Speaker' of the Commons. All of this makes his contribution to yesterday's Telegraph all the more surprising. I decided not to comment until today because I didn't want to be wheeled out to participate in a 'Tory row'.
Because of its timing, I don't think its credible to see this as anything but unhelpful. At the very least, Michael did not ask himself "What am I going to do today to help the Conservative Party win the next election". It would be different if he was selling his booklet 'Still a Conservative' rather than giving it away to anyone who wants to read it. (I hope he will send a copy to parliamentary candidates).
And there are Conservatives who will agree with his analysis, even if deploring his timing. I agree with much of it myself - except his discussion of 'sovereignty' as if it was some solid, clearly definable concept. Its not. Sovereignty is fluid and divisible. Michael has spent too much time trading in soundbites. Anyway, I think it worth repeating his description of what he sees as a Conservative.
"We believe in people, in their individual freedom and right to choose; we believe in promoting aspiration and merit; we believe in the smaller state, in value for taxpayer's money and in being the 'good neighbour'; we believe in the family; in protecting and conserving our environment; and above all in the resolute defence of our sovereignty and our realm." Apart from his incoherence about sovereignty, which the 'blue bloods' probably have implanted within their souls at the mother's breast, I'd sign up to all this. The Fourteenth Marquis of Lothian would make a fine Speaker though - and this piece could be (how shall I put this without causing trouble) an attempt to widen his appeal.
Because of its timing, I don't think its credible to see this as anything but unhelpful. At the very least, Michael did not ask himself "What am I going to do today to help the Conservative Party win the next election". It would be different if he was selling his booklet 'Still a Conservative' rather than giving it away to anyone who wants to read it. (I hope he will send a copy to parliamentary candidates).
And there are Conservatives who will agree with his analysis, even if deploring his timing. I agree with much of it myself - except his discussion of 'sovereignty' as if it was some solid, clearly definable concept. Its not. Sovereignty is fluid and divisible. Michael has spent too much time trading in soundbites. Anyway, I think it worth repeating his description of what he sees as a Conservative.
"We believe in people, in their individual freedom and right to choose; we believe in promoting aspiration and merit; we believe in the smaller state, in value for taxpayer's money and in being the 'good neighbour'; we believe in the family; in protecting and conserving our environment; and above all in the resolute defence of our sovereignty and our realm." Apart from his incoherence about sovereignty, which the 'blue bloods' probably have implanted within their souls at the mother's breast, I'd sign up to all this. The Fourteenth Marquis of Lothian would make a fine Speaker though - and this piece could be (how shall I put this without causing trouble) an attempt to widen his appeal.
How could they?
One week ago today, I was hit by devastating news. The epitome of delicate Welsh fragrance, Sara Edwards was calling it a day after 20 years of presenting Wales Today. Never mind, I thought. Even legends don't go on forever - and Sara was quoted on the BBC press release which delivered this bombshell as having "been offered the opportunity to look ahead and develop other plans". It was a bit like when Monty, Archie and Smokey died. Time has come to move on. All for the best and all that.
But no. They sacked her. They bl**dy well sacked her. At least that's what Sara says. She told Wales on Sunday that "It all came like a bolt from the blue. I did not see it coming". The Beeb are not even arranging a leaving party. Sara is arranging her own - and the BBB bosses "won't be coming". How could they. This is the most heinous act in the Welsh media since S4C pulled the plug on Garddio. Its almost enough to make me join Adam Price in refusing to pay all of my licence fee.
If I was active on Facebook, I would start some sort of disapproval register. Come to think of it, this could be enough to get me started on Facebook again. Lucy Owen has really got something to live up to. It was reported that one worker at the BBC scrawled "We love you Sara" on the newsroom bulletin. Quite right too.
But no. They sacked her. They bl**dy well sacked her. At least that's what Sara says. She told Wales on Sunday that "It all came like a bolt from the blue. I did not see it coming". The Beeb are not even arranging a leaving party. Sara is arranging her own - and the BBB bosses "won't be coming". How could they. This is the most heinous act in the Welsh media since S4C pulled the plug on Garddio. Its almost enough to make me join Adam Price in refusing to pay all of my licence fee.
If I was active on Facebook, I would start some sort of disapproval register. Come to think of it, this could be enough to get me started on Facebook again. Lucy Owen has really got something to live up to. It was reported that one worker at the BBC scrawled "We love you Sara" on the newsroom bulletin. Quite right too.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Overshadowed by Bow Wow
Really catching up - 5th post in an hour. Had been a really good weekend on the stump. Good support, sometimes from surprising sources, and a good bit of publicity in local papers - and then all my efforts are rendered as nothing by Bow Wow, the new name by which we know my political opponent Lembit Opik, MP for Montgomeryshire. I just couldn't believe it. Three full pages in today's Mail on Sunday. Stunning publicity. No surprise he was lording it around the fantastic Welsh Food Festival, held at Glansevern Hall at my village of Berriew this afternoon. You really should read this article. It will have brought great joy to so many. It would be a shame to be left out. Just in case you don't have time to read the whole thing, I will just highlight bits that caught my eye.
So often a headline tells the story. This one certainly does. It reads 'Bow Wow loves me, and I love Bow Wow'. Its seems that Bow Wow's future mother-in-law, Margit Irimia has been telling the MoS that her daughter Gabriela has been over to Romania for some corrective surgery after a 'boob job' which "left one facing to the left and one facing to the right". This sounds rather painful, and I duly sympathise. Anyway, Lembit went to visit with a "huge, extravagant" bouquet of flowers signed "Love from Bow Wow". It seems that 'Bow Wow' is now the preferred catchphrase - so who am I to argue. I think it could catch on.
I often call my wife 'Pet' - but it just doesn't have the same ring to it somehow. Which, of course is why Bow Wow gets three full pages in Britain's most widely read Sunday Newspaper - and I have to be satisfied with a few lines in the Montgomeryshire County Times and the Shropshire Star. It just isn't fair. I'm going to have to re-think my publicity strategy.
So often a headline tells the story. This one certainly does. It reads 'Bow Wow loves me, and I love Bow Wow'. Its seems that Bow Wow's future mother-in-law, Margit Irimia has been telling the MoS that her daughter Gabriela has been over to Romania for some corrective surgery after a 'boob job' which "left one facing to the left and one facing to the right". This sounds rather painful, and I duly sympathise. Anyway, Lembit went to visit with a "huge, extravagant" bouquet of flowers signed "Love from Bow Wow". It seems that 'Bow Wow' is now the preferred catchphrase - so who am I to argue. I think it could catch on.
I often call my wife 'Pet' - but it just doesn't have the same ring to it somehow. Which, of course is why Bow Wow gets three full pages in Britain's most widely read Sunday Newspaper - and I have to be satisfied with a few lines in the Montgomeryshire County Times and the Shropshire Star. It just isn't fair. I'm going to have to re-think my publicity strategy.
The ambitious Peter Black.
I am a fan of fellow blogger, Peter Black, the Lib Dem Assembly Member. OK, so he does sometimes have a tendency to re-write history - but I'll forgive this weakness as a natural desire to save his political party from meltdown. But I've never seen Peter as a 'leader' - until today that is. The Wales on Sunday has given us a really good story about the ambitious streak in Peter Black.
Its clear from today's report that Peter has real b***s, and is almost alone in the National Assembly in his willingness to challenge the stitched up leaderships that make the place so boringly predictable. I'd always thought that Kirsty Williams would be the one to depose the talented but hopelessly unelectable Mike German - until she allowed her ambition to get the better of her and decided to sink the Rainbow Coalition at that fateful meeting at Llandrindod Wells - and followed it up with a ludicrous interview for the BBC in which she looked as guilty as a burglar caught with fingers in the till. So, if Kirsty is damaged goods, and Jenny Randerson is too much of a Mike German acolyte, it falls to Peter Black to wield the knife. And he's done it today, with the calculated help of 'Butcher Bates'.
In my opinion, the Lib Dems would be mad not to back Peter against Mike, who deserves more time to spend with his piano. Arise Peter Black, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly. Unless.... No, it could never be. Not a ruse to destabilise Mike German, simply in order to lay out the groundwork for a Kirsty Williams resurrection. Ah, the delicious conjecture of politics.
Its clear from today's report that Peter has real b***s, and is almost alone in the National Assembly in his willingness to challenge the stitched up leaderships that make the place so boringly predictable. I'd always thought that Kirsty Williams would be the one to depose the talented but hopelessly unelectable Mike German - until she allowed her ambition to get the better of her and decided to sink the Rainbow Coalition at that fateful meeting at Llandrindod Wells - and followed it up with a ludicrous interview for the BBC in which she looked as guilty as a burglar caught with fingers in the till. So, if Kirsty is damaged goods, and Jenny Randerson is too much of a Mike German acolyte, it falls to Peter Black to wield the knife. And he's done it today, with the calculated help of 'Butcher Bates'.
In my opinion, the Lib Dems would be mad not to back Peter against Mike, who deserves more time to spend with his piano. Arise Peter Black, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly. Unless.... No, it could never be. Not a ruse to destabilise Mike German, simply in order to lay out the groundwork for a Kirsty Williams resurrection. Ah, the delicious conjecture of politics.
The Welsh Premier
The cream is starting to rise to the top. TNS, who are no longer my clear favourites for the title celebrated their move to thier new stadium at Park Hall, Oswestry with a 6-0 thrashing of Caersws. Case of back on track. Llanelli chalked up another win, this time 1-0 over Newi Cefn Druids - and Rhyl another win over luckless Llangefni, who are finding the step-up to the Premier really tough going. Rhyl and Llanelli are now right up there with the champions in my betting. A real three horse race now. And Connahs Quay and Carnarfon kept their unbeaten records as well - but I'm still not convinced about that these two have got enough. The two teams most local to me had great wins, especially Welshpool, 3-2 at Aberystwyth. Newtown beat Pothmadog 4-2 with Marc Lloyd Williams notching up two more. Things are already looking bleak for Caersws and Llangefni. I really hope that the former can turn things around.
Just passing through.
Nothing I hate more than airports - which is why I avoid them whenever I can. I suppose I could claim to be 'green' because of this attitude. So I've enjoyed reading all this stuff about the horrors of Heathrow in a self congratulatory way. Which reminds me of remarks reportedly heard being proclaimed by a citizen of the US on finally reaching the check-in desk. "Ma'am, this airport is the ar**hole of the world" The check-in clerk is reported to have replied "and you'll be passing through sir".
Lurch to the Right.
Its 10.00 on Sunday night and I haven't posted since Wednesday. I should re-title this site as the 'London Bus Blog' - nothing for a few days and then 5 posts all at once. Truth is I've been coping with a complex personal issue and my mind just hasn't been up to it. But its sorted in my head now - and I've had a great weekend on the campaign trail. So been catching up on the blogosphere tonight - and been a bit taken aback by all this talk of Cameron 'lurching to the right'. Portillo has chipped in his pennyworth and somebody significant is reported to have resigned from something significant. Well, I have to observe that this is all rather silly.
Reason I'm interested in this is that for the last few weeks I, myself have been keen to talk about the supposed 'right wing' issues of Immigration, Crime and European Integration. And my reasoning has been that if I don't, there are other political parties in Montgomeryshire that will. Bruce Lawson of Ukip and Nick Griffin of the BNP are at all the local events I've been going to over the last few days. But I've also reasoned that I can only do this because I don't think anyone can, with credibility, accuse me of being an extreme right winger. And the same goes for David Cameron. I feel I have earned the right to talk about these subjects without being accused of following some extremist line - and I think David Cameron has earned the same right without being accused of 'lurching to the right'. We can't just not talk about serious issues which concern people.
It doesn't all go well of course. I was out leafleting in Llanfair Caereinion on Thursday (in preparation for Llanfair Show on sat).. As leaving a cul-de-sac estate, the resident of No 1, which I'd called on 10 minutes previously, came out of his house. This is what he said. "What's this? Oh, its Glyn Davies. Well, that can go in the f***ick bin". He hadn't seen me so I shuffled off as nonchalantly as I could. But not before I noted that his remarks were directed at a boy of around 10 years old. I didn't know whether his remark was aimed at me personally, or at politicians in general. So I wrote down 'undecided' and added the word 'uncouth'.
Reason I'm interested in this is that for the last few weeks I, myself have been keen to talk about the supposed 'right wing' issues of Immigration, Crime and European Integration. And my reasoning has been that if I don't, there are other political parties in Montgomeryshire that will. Bruce Lawson of Ukip and Nick Griffin of the BNP are at all the local events I've been going to over the last few days. But I've also reasoned that I can only do this because I don't think anyone can, with credibility, accuse me of being an extreme right winger. And the same goes for David Cameron. I feel I have earned the right to talk about these subjects without being accused of following some extremist line - and I think David Cameron has earned the same right without being accused of 'lurching to the right'. We can't just not talk about serious issues which concern people.
It doesn't all go well of course. I was out leafleting in Llanfair Caereinion on Thursday (in preparation for Llanfair Show on sat).. As leaving a cul-de-sac estate, the resident of No 1, which I'd called on 10 minutes previously, came out of his house. This is what he said. "What's this? Oh, its Glyn Davies. Well, that can go in the f***ick bin". He hadn't seen me so I shuffled off as nonchalantly as I could. But not before I noted that his remarks were directed at a boy of around 10 years old. I didn't know whether his remark was aimed at me personally, or at politicians in general. So I wrote down 'undecided' and added the word 'uncouth'.
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