Hain and Morgan being stupid - again.

Why do journalists take any notice of really stupid statements by politicians. Don't they realise it only encourages them. Today we have coverage given to comments made by Peter Hain and Rhodri Morgan suggesting that the number of Assembly Members would be cut from 60 to 45 if a Conservative Government is elected at Westminster. This is just plain stupid. Both Peter and Rhodri know its not true. No-one believes it. And yet this stupidity is given top billing. I shouldn't complain though. In the current climate any suggestion that the number of politicians be cut is likely to widely welcomed!

There is an issue about the number of MPs that will represent Welsh constituencies if a Conservative Government were to be elected. David Cameron has suggested that the total number of MPs should be cut by 10% - and that there should be equalisation of the voter/member ratio across the UK. Both suggestions carry a logic. How this would be implemented is genuine basis for a story - except that its been done so often already. It was part of the Conservative manifesto at the last General Election! Again, I'm not sure that many people are going to be upset by any proposed reduction in the number of MPs.

One point of interest to me. This article makes much of the idea that a 'new' constituency in Mid Wales would stretch from "the English borders to Cardigan Bay". I'm not sure that Montgomeryshire does not already do that. I think the 'Cross Wales Walk' was wholly within Montgomeryshire when I last did it. Whatever, its so close that it doesn't make much difference. Hope someone comments to tell us exactly where Cardigan Bay becomes the Dyfi Estuary.

Back at the keyboard.

Been away so long that it feels like starting to blog all over again. Arrived Holyhead late Sunday, after a week in Ireland. Spent four days in Cork and three in Dublin. Distance between these two cities in now a bit over 2 hours. Last time I was in the Emerald Isle for a few days, it was more like 4 hours. The investment in roads is amazing. It was my first drive through the new tunnel under Dublin - from the M50/ring road directly to Dublin Port. No wonder the Irish are so wedded to the European Union!

Failed to make it to my computer on Monday as well. Too much on. Party lunch in Meifod Village Hall, where the I was a speaker, alongside the world renowned Welsh Cob breeder and fuel protest leader, Brynle Williams, A.M. And then a dash for the train at Wolverhampton, en-route to a dinner in the House of Commons. As walking through the 'Great Hall' into the centre of the Palace of Westminster, I met Lembit Opik walking out. Hmmmm.

Dinner in Dining Room B was hosted by Lord Freeman. Discussion leader was Stephen O'Brien, Shadow Minister for Health. Subject under discussion was care of the elderly, with a particular emphasis on dementia. The more time I spend on this issue, the greater seems the gap (chasm) between 'need' and capacity to satisfy it. If I were ever to become an MP, care of the elderly would become one of my major interests. Stephen outlined Conservative ideas about setting up a scheme where individuals can buy entitlement to free long term care, if and when it becomes necessary, through committing a lump sum - I suppose its a sort of insurance scheme. Can't say more. Chatham House rules.

Managed to catch the 22.43 back to Wolverhampton. Must be the slowest train on the track. The 'voice' kept informing us that there were freight trains holding us up. Why is it that I never believe anything that's delivered by tannoy. I reckon Virgin was just saving fuel. Usual drunks on board, swearing for all of our benefits. Arrived home at 03.00. Too knackered to blog. Probably make up for it tonight.

Snippets from Ireland.

Irish newspapers are very well written, providing pleasure as well as information. For example, a line from today's The Irish Times tells us that "England is the only country in the world that would welcome news of the longest life expectancy in human history with the headline 'Pensions Timebomb'." I'll share with you some of the stories that have caught my eye today.

The biggest story concerns a proposal by Taoiseach, Brian Cowan and his struggling Fianna Fail Government to introduce a 1.3 billion euro cut in the salary bill of its workforce. Unsurprisingly, there has been an 'outraged' reaction by the trades unions. Strikes are planned. But just guess who they have recruited to lead the fight - Arthur Scargill!! He's already coming out with pearls of wisdom such as 'never negotiate', 'never surrender', 'glory in defeat' etc.. I fear for the public sector workforce of Ireland.

Another story dominating the headlines, and providing a headache for Brian Cowan demonstrates his current weakness. His Government wants to lower the legal level of alcohol allowed in the bloodstream of drivers. Despite widespread support from his cabinet, there seems doubt that he can carry his proposals. Most of the opponents are his own backbenchers. One of the main critics of the reduction in the limit, Mattie McGrath TD is arguing that a drink or two helps nervous drivers relax behind the wheel. I'm not making this up. Lots of other TDs are claiming that a change will lead to social isolation for what are termed the 'good old boys' who live in the countryside. So far the leader of the opposition and favorite to be the next Taoiseach, Edna Kenny has not been able to make up his mind. Not as if he was being asked something difficult - like to name his favorite biscuit.

Most interesting story for me today is news that former Taoiseach, John Bruton has started campaigning to become President of the European Council. Bruton is currently the EU's Ambassador to the US, and will be a real threat to the ambitions of Tony Blair, who is also widely reported to fancy the position. No doubt where my loyalties lie. Fianna Gael is the Irish party most comparable with the Conservatives, and No 3 son, Tim has married into a Fianna Gael family. So I'm backing Bruton.

Do they really want to take the risk?

The Western Mail's Tomos Livingstone is writing about proposed changes to the way Wales is governed again today. Since this is a subject of great interest to me, I cannot resist the temptation to add my twopenny worth, taking Tomos' article as my text. My first thought was to wait until 18th November, when a bit more clarity may descend. But my second thought was that the Labour/Plaid Assembly Government will come up with yet another prevarication mechanism - so we might as well start considering the issue now. And after all, Tomos was writing with great certainty last week that Sir Emyr Jones Parry is going to advise the Assembly Government to 'go for it'.

Two points I want to make as I write this. Firstly, there's the casual reference to the proposed referendum as being a choice between 'the status quo' and a 'Scottish-style Parliament'. Well yes. This is the phrase I use. But the emphasis should be on the word 'style'. We shouldn't pretend that we're considering a change to anything like as powerful a body as the Scottish Parliament. I'm told that about 60% of the latter's work involves 'criminal justice' - and there's no suggestion that this policy area should be devolved at all. Personally, I've never seen the full transfer of powers in already devolved policy areas as being that big a deal. The change involved is not sufficiently radical to justify continuation of the constitutional threat inherent in the current incremental system of power transfer.

Second issue is timing of a referendum. Tomos describes the process of moving from the current process (which I've always thought illogically complicated) as 'complex'. Its not so much complex, as deeply embarrassing for Labour politicians. First step is a two thirds majority of Assembly Members voting for a referendum. That could be done next week. The Assembly Government have the numbers. That was Ieuan Wyn Jones' supposed reason for taking Plaid into a coalition with Labour in the first place. The complexity comes in because of a requirement for a subsequent simple majority in the House of Commons. In theory, it should be straight forward. Labour has a large majority in the House of Commons - but no commitment whatsoever to vote for a referendum. So to avoid embarrassment, Labour's friends in Cardiff Bay will not ask for the vote. They would rather wait until there's a Conservative Government at Westminster. At present we don't know for certain what would happen then. I've always taken the approach that the appropriate time to commit to a referendum is when the Assembly Government commit to asking for it. If they don't go for it, it will look very much as if they are not looking for success, but an excuse for failure!!

Hello from Cobh

Cobh is a small town close to Cork. It has a particularly deep harbour which has given Cobh its special place in history, a place associated with great tragedy. Failures of the Irish potato crop to blight between 1845 and 1850 produced a terrible famine. This led to mass emigration, mostly to North America. 1.5 million desperate people left home and family behind during this six year period. The century after the famine struck, saw over six million Irish people emigrating, 2.5 million of them leaving from Cobh. During the first half of the 19th century, 40,000 Irish convicts were deported to Australia from Cobh as well. Huge numbers perished at sea, from storm and disease.

Cobh's next brush with tragedy was in 1912, when the Titanic stopped by to collect the last passengers to embark on its first and last Atlantic crossing. Then, Cobh was known as Queenstown, newly named following a visit by Queen Victoria. Prior to that, it had been known as Cove, the English spelling of Cobh. The final name change took place in 1920. 123 passengers embarked at Queenstown, taking the total on board to 2206, including crew and passengers. next stop was the iceberg.

Three years later, a German U-boat torpedoed the Lusitania, a cruise ship carrying 1959 people, close to Cobh. 761 survived and were transferred to Cobh's hospitals. The dead that were recovered are buried in Cobh's cemeteries. There's the excellent Queenstown Heritage Centre in Cobh which is well worth a visit if you're anywhere near the Cork area. Added bonus for us is that son, Edward lives temporarily (with Karen and little Ffion) just across the water at Rochestown, and there's a great little ferry to take us over. With such a tragic history, its not surprising that Cork gave birth to the fearsome spirit that is Roy Keane,who began his brilliant playing career with Cobh Ramblers.

Taking a break - perhaps

Not sure when I'll be blogging again. I'm off for a week's break to charge up the batteries, in preparation for the General Election campaign. Taking my golf clubs, but not taking my computer. But if there's a spare hotel computer lying around, wherever I happen to be, I could well be tempted to go online, and find out what's happening in our world.

The Powys Eisteddfod.

This morning, I was witness to the Gorsedd Ceremony of the Powys Eisteddfod. Location was Ysgol Uwchradd Y Trallwng (Welshpool High School). Felt just like a family and friends occasion. The Presiding Druid was Hedd Bleddyn, an old friend. We became councillors at around the same time, in the 1980s, and joined forces with David Rowlands (current Ukip PPC in Mongomeryshire) as the 'Freedom Fighters'. We advocated a permissive approach to planning permission. For six years we led the Planning Authority, me as Chair and Hedd as Vice Chair - and he took over when I moved to Finance. You might ask how on earth I finished up as President of CPRW!! Refined my opinions (as Nick Griffin might say)!

The harpist, who dominates the stage on these occasions was Sian James, probably the most famous member of my extended family. The sword carrier (not sure of the proper title)was Glandon Lewis, more family. Pleased that by tradition the sword never leaves its scabbard, because I wouldn't trust him with it any other way. One of the singers of the Gorsedd prayer was Alun Jones, and up on stage as one of the leading 'white rank' druids was John Talog - yet more family. And another was accepted into the Gorsedd - Dafydd Morgan Lewis, who has done so much for Cymdeithas yr Iaith. 'Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' was sung almost as emotionally as when Cymru take on Lloegr at the Millennium Stadium.

The Powys Eisteddfod was first held in Welshpool in 1824. Its been held there eight times since then. The first Powys Eisteddfod was held in 1820, before the National Eisteddfod was first held. The area of Powys is not coterminous with the County of Powys, which is a modern totally bizarre creation. What we might call Powys proper comprises Mongomeryshire, part Meirionydd and Denbighshire. For the first time ever, the Montgomeryshire Conservatives sponsored one of the competitions tonight - Her Unawd (Solo Challenge).

The bars of Milano

Oh, how they must be sniggering in the chic wine bars of Milano today. As elegant fingers control the flow of Pinot Grigio, and Gucci and Prada shopping bags rest casually against their tables, they read that Italy has exited recession, along with the US, Germany, Japan and France. Only country still languishing in the mire is the one whose Prime Minister claimed was "best placed to withstand the recession". And the sniggers turn to joyous celebration as they read that Italy has now passed the UK in the 'prosperity' league. At least that's what happened last time this happened in 1987 - according to today's Telegraph.

During John Major's premiership, the UK regained its lead over the Azzuri. And later, I seem to remember Gordon Brown trumpeting his economic brilliance by boasting that the UK economy had become the fourth strongest in the world. Well, it seems we are now seventh. To make things more worrying, every economic forecaster had predicted that we would be exiting recession during the last quarter. The news that the UK economy shrank by 0.4% between July and September has come as a big surprise. They were all expecting 2% growth. The position is far worse than anyone was expecting.

Now I'm not usually much engaged with the business pages, but this matters. Met a local headteacher today who raised the subject of future funding of education. This is where it does become engaging. Today's news means that the reduction in public spending (whenever it takes place) will inevitably be even worse than we were expecting. And when the Treasury spends less, the budget allocation to the National Assembly is proportionately less, and the Assembly's allocation to local councils is proportionately less, and far and away the biggest budget head of our councils is education. Work it out for yourself. Managing a comprehensive school, or a hospital, or providing care for the elderly and mentally ill is going to a huge challenge over the next few years. There may be sniggering in Milano, but it going to be pain and sacrifice for many of those charged with delivering public services in the UK.

Griffin - gate

My initial reaction to last night's Question Time has hardened. I thought it was a rubbish programme. I supported the decision of the BBC to invite Mr Nick Griffin to be a guest on the panel, but I did not support the way it was done.

Today, I have been out leafleting and have met several people - all chance meetings. All but one of them watched last night's programme, and all thought it was 'Nick Griffin v The Rest'. They felt a bit of sympathy for him, and thought he'd done well to survive. Reassuringly, I do not think any of the people I met today (around 20) intended to vote BNP, but not one thought any less of Nick Griffin as a result of the programme.

Why on earth did the BBC do it like that. Every question was asked because of Nick Griffin's presence. Not even a question on the Royal Mail strike. It was, in effect, an hour of BNP propaganda - feeding into the victimhood strategy of the BNP. Losing the argument does not bother the BNP strategists at all. And today, it was Griffin/BNP which led every newspaper front page. And the one-sided nature of the programme has allowed the BNP to complain about unfair treatment. I despair.

As to the other panel members, I thought that Sayeeda Warsi and Bonnie Greer did OK, while Chris Huhne and Jack Straw were poor. Typically, the BBC online report include comments from Huhne and Straw - and nothing from Warsi and Greer. All in all, a bad night for British democracy.

Will they or won't they

Tomos Livingstone must have been tipped off by a member of the Sir Emyr Jones Parry Commission. How else could he be sufficiently confident to write this article in today's Western Mail. In it, Tomos informs us that on Nov 18th, Sir Emyr is going to tell Rhodri Morgan that he believes a referendum should be held to discover whether or not the people of Wales want law making powers in all devolved policy areas to be granted to the National Assembly. Tomos also informs us that Sir Emyr believes that Wales would vote 'Yes' in such a referendum. He'd better be right about this. Otherwise, he'll look a bit daft.

For the purpose of discussion, lets imagine that Tomos is correct. What happens on Nov 19th. The Coalition Government will have run out of excuse for any further delay - unless either Labour, or Plaid Cymru, or both, do not actually want a referendum. Seems to me there is no reason whatsoever why the Sir Emyr Jones Parry Report could not be debated and voted on before the Xmas recess. The only possible reason not to proceed would be that Labour does not believe that Peter Hain, and his Labour colleagues would agree to a referendum. Peter Hain is on record as believing a referendum will be lost. Will Ieuan Wyn Jones really sacrifice the dream of his party to avoid internal embarrassment to Labour?

Now, I don't know whether there's enough time to hold a referendum before a General Election - but that's not really the point. Seems to me that if the House of Commons approved a referendum before an election, it would be more difficult for an incoming Conservative Government to reverse the position - even if it wanted to. If Tomos Livingstone is right, we are going to find out how big are the Welsh Labour and Plaid's gonads. Interesting times.

Connections.

There's often a connection - a linkage between the big issues of the day. And these vary for each of us. Today my issues have been the appearance of Mr Nick Griffin on Question Time, a Telegraph article by Frank Field and Nicholas Soames, and the AGM of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, of which I'm a trustee.

Lets start with the thoughts of the co-chairs of the Cross Party Group on Balanced Migration. Field and Soames are deeply principled politicians, who have long been willing to discuss immigration publicly. I admire them hugely for this. They talk about the population of the UK (mainly England at this stage) which is growing at an unprecedented rate. Today, the UK population is around 61 million, around 4.5 million more than it was 25 years ago. In the next 20 years, the population is going to grow to 70 million, the bulk of the growth being due to immigration. This post is not about the rightness or otherwise of this change, but about the near absence of any meaningful debate. Don't know about other politicians, but the reason that I'm always very nervous and careful whenever the subject of immigration crops up, is that I'm wary of being misinterpreted. I thought it was an important article.

This absence of debate may well have created an opportunity for the BNP, which has put this issue at the heart of its politics. We've finished up with the BBC giving Nick Griffin the sort of publicity he could only have dreamed of. I don't usually watch Question Time, but I did tonight. My local newspaper asked for my opinion about the BBC decision to invite Mr Griffin. I wouldn't have accepted an invitation to appear myself, but I supported the BBC's decision. Free speech is a fundamental basis of our democracy. But why on earth did the BBC arrange for the whole programme to be based on the BNP's favorite territory. I did not enjoy the programme. Neither did I agree with the panellists that it damaged the cause of the BNP. The antipathy of the audience and the panel gave Nick Griffin the desired level of victimhood that he enjoys. Also, what I cannot understand is the thinking of the protesters - doing exactly what the BNP want them to do. I remember a few years ago, the BNP arranged a 'fun day' at the Griffin's Llanerfyl home in Montgomeryshire. It would have been a total non-event, except that the anti-Nazi League arranged a 'counter rally' in Welshpool. I refused to have anything to do with it, because it was precisely what the BNP were hoping for. Hundreds of police were bussed in, and the town was like a police garrison. Just 20 miles away, a few families met at Llanerfyl with a bouncy castle and a few ice creams and lemonade for the kids.

And then there was tonight's Wildlife Trust AGM. There has never been a greater need for protection of our wildlife and our countryside. And the biggest threat of all is from too rapid population growth. Its my love of the wildlife we share our planet with that leads me to want to be a trustee. Population growth means more houses, more concrete, more demands for energy and less concern for the landscape and for wildlife. These damn connections. And while I'm at it, I'd like to pay tribute to the huge commitment being made by the employed staff of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, at a time when most charities are under extreme financial pressure. When I think about the grabbiness of some of our politicians, exposed over recent months, the sacrifice being made is humbling. I will try to think about them instead of the depressing edition of QT I've just watched.

The old ones are the best

This is the funniest political speech I've ever heard - matched only by Michael Foot's comparison of Keith Joseph with a watchmaker many years ago. Foot and Hague are two quite brilliant speakers. If anyone's heard the Foot recording, and can direct me to it, I'd be most grateful - as will my visitors. I laughed like a drain when I saw this Hague video clip first time around, and am grateful to Guido for putting it up again.

Sign of the times.

Passed an advert today which informed us that there are 'Winter Pansy's For Sale'.

Health issues.

Back from another little jaunt today. Mrs D and I played The Belfrey (PGA course on Monday and the Derby course on Tuesday morning), before heading down to Green Templeton College, Oxford, where I joined the RESEC (Research into Specialist Elderly Care) 'think tank' to discuss a new report, 'Dementia; ethical issues'. This is one of the biggest public health issues of our generation - and perhaps the next as well. We stayed overnight at The Randolph, Inspector Morse's watering hole.

Care of the elderly is a subject that this blog visits from time to time. Awareness and treatment of dementia is a key aspect of it. This post outlines what dementia is. Its physical damage to the brain as a result of chronic progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Dementia takes several forms - Alzheimer's disease being the most common. Other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's Disease dementia, frontotemporal dementia, alcohol related dementias and prion diseases. There are over 100 different types. Its reckoned that there are around 700,000 dementia sufferers in the UK at present, a figure that's projected to increase to 1,700,000 by 2051.

The above casual statement that dementia is a 'physical' disease which has consequences for mental health is an major issue. If someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are immediately regarded as the responsibility of the state. That dementia should be similarly regarded in unchallengeable - but such an assumption carries major consequences for our public finances. I just do not believe that we have remotely begun to understand the consequences of what we might call the 'dementia time bomb'.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting the new Chief Executive of the Local Health Board to discuss this and several other issues such as A&E services, the plan for mental health services, and the frustrating length of time its taking to develop renal dialysis services in Montgomeryshire. Don't suppose I'll be able to blog very freely on these issues because its a private meeting. That's probably enough about Montgomeryshire's health issues for now. I'd blog about golf if I played better. Mrs D won both rounds at The Belfrey.

Nov 18th it is then.

Nov 18th will be a big day for Wales. That's when Sir Emyr Jones Parry will present his long-awaited report on the future 'pace' of devolution to the Assembly Government. This is the report on which will be based the decision about whether to ask for a referendum on granting law making powers to the National Assembly in all currently devolved policy areas. I sense that the Report will give a green-ish light, but the issue is whether and when the Coalition partners will go for it.

The timing of this has turned out to be interesting, for several reasons. Firstly, it will put the three runners in the race to become Assembly First Minister on the spot. They are going to have to make public what they think - and tell everyone with a vote in the leadership contest as well. It could make a difference - or not. Don Touhig (whom I think of as an anti) is reported to have declared for Edwina Hart (who has already declared as a pro)! Secondly, there's the imminence of a General Election. If the Assembly Government decide to go for it, all Westminster political parties will have to clarify their response. And thirdly, there's the issue of timing. I don't know how long these things take, but I can't see any reason why the UK Government cannot be asked to hold a referendum in very short order. And then once the question has been asked of Westminster, would the decision to hold the referendum, including precise wording, choice of date etc. be taken before a General Election or afterwards.

I didn't make a submission to the Jones Parry Commission myself. Thought about it, and then decided against. It was the pussy footing of the Coalition partners that put me off. If they weren't prepared to commit to a referendum with any urgency, why should I. Actually, I did change my mind two days before the deadline, after an old friend telephoned to press me to do so, but as bad luck would have it, circumstances conspired to prevent me doing so.

Regular readers of this blog would have known what my submission to the Commission would have said. The preamble would have riled some of my commenters, because it would have declared my unshakable belief in the United Kingdom. Even David Davies MP would have been proud of the first paragraph. Then I'd have gone on to discuss my commitment to a stable constitution - leading on to the constitutional instability inherent in the current Act. Its only when I would have moved on to the conclusions I draw that I'd have invited trouble. Seems logical to me that the only way to create the constitutional stability I crave is to grant full law making powers to the National Assembly in all currently devolved policy areas - to Part Four of the 2006 Act.

For two and a half years, this issue has flickered intermittently on our consciences. On November 18th, it will burst into flame. But will this flame be stoked up onto a firestorm of action, or will it be allowed to peter out? I genuinely do not know.

Kirsty Williams disowns Lembit Opik

In Montgomeryshire, I rarely meet anyone who knows that the Liberal Democrat leader in Wales is Kirsty Williams. Its often reported that there is not much public awareness of any Assembly Members beyond Rhodri Morgan, but the problem for Kirsty goes further than that. The problem for her is that in Montgomeryshire (and beyond - much further beyond), its our local MP who defines what the Lib Dems are. Well it looks as if Kirsty's had enough, and she's, in effect, disowned him. Kirsty Williams has decided that it's time to stamp her authority on the Lib Dems in Wales. In a quite remarkable interview she's given to Matt Withers, published today in the Wales on Sunday, she tries to put as much distance as possible between Lembit Opik and the Welsh Liberal Democrats. The whole front page, and all of page 5 as well. She's clearly tamping mad about something, and its seems obvious that she would just like him to go away. She must believe that "his approach to politics" is undermining her efforts to lead her party to better ground. This interests me because I will be challenging Lembit at the General Election.

The main plank of Ms Williams' attack on the Montgomeryshire MP is the column he writes for the Daily Sport. In my opinion, she's fully justified. Perhaps unusually for a parliamentary candidate, I try not make personal attacks on my opponents - except when I believe they are inflicting damage on Montgomeryshire. There's been just one issue during the last two and a half years when I have departed from this principle. Its the only issue about which I have been publicly critical of any of my political opponents. As far as I'm concerned, Lembit Opik's personal life is entirely his own business, but he should not be using his position as our MP to write such puerile garbage, for what I reckon is a newspaper verging on pornography. And doing it just for money - which I see is reported as being £6,000. Its an insult to the intelligence of Montgomeryshire citizens to claim that in some way, there's a higher purpose. There's an old saying in farming circles - "Where there's muck, there's money". Often true, but 'muck' and 'money' are not the same thing. This is an example of 'writing muck for money'.

Apologists will try to claim that my criticism is an attack on the Daily Sport, or on those who read it. I've nothing against the Daily Sport, or against anyone buying it, reading it, or just ogling at the pictures in it. As long as its legal, its OK with me. And just as long as I don't have to read it. What I object to is the utter pre-pubescent rubbish that Montgomeryshire's MP writes for it. Its no surprise that Kirsty Williams does not want this stuff to be the face of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Acer brilliance.

Today's photographs are of Acers, which currenty provide the main colour in our garden. First up is this little beauty which is especially lovely. Petite, fragile even, and not too showy. And she sits in a quiet corner, giving the impression of not wanting to be noticed. Don't know her name, and there are so many varieties that I've no chance of finding out. You have to be close up to appreciate her looks.

The second photograph is of an altogether more striking lady - (I always think of Acers as female). She's an Acer Palmatum dissectum viridis, and sits in her own place in lawn, where we can see her from most windows in the house. I suppose she's a bit 'chunky' in shape, but is my long term favourite

Third photograph is of one of the bigger Acers that are dotted around - and there's another 'viridis' undereath it. We' grow quite a few of these, and through familiarity, its easy to forget how stunning they can be. When visitors speak admiringly of our Acers, its always these large 'purpereas' that draw comment.

And the most 'showy' of all is this one - about ten feet tall and growing. The photograph doesn't make clear that there are two of the yellow Acers in the photograph, as well as the little stunner that featured above in the background. Acers have a reputation for sometimes dying for no real reason, but not in our experience. We also find them to be completely hardy. Acers come in such a range of sizes, shapes and colours that they should find a home in every garden. I probably blogged about Acers, when they were at their best a year ago, but it may not have been the same ones - except perhaps the viridis which has long held a special place in my affection.

Horsepower.

Now you may ask what on earth I'm doing here. Well I'm being a hero - just like Humphrey Bogart in the African Queen. I accept its not quite as dramatic, but the principle's the same. Today was the 40th anniversary of the beginning of restoration work on the Montgomery Canal. A big birthday party to celebrate the massive effort that has been put in by volunteers was held in Welshpool this weekend. This little launch was the equivalent of the Royal Yacht, transporting the Mayor of Welshpool, our very own Katherine Hepburn, from the ceremony to the celebration tea. But it conked out mid-journey. Lucky I was on hand. I jumped out, attached a rope to the barge, and pulled her home. Macho or what.

And here is Welshpool's equivalent of the African Queen, Mayor Anne Holloway herself, looking on with great trepidation as Mr Jeremy Patterson, Chief Executive of Powys County Council embarks. She did make it as well, with a surprising spring in her step. Must admit it was Jeremy that came up with the African Queen line.

And here are the real stars of the weekend - four individuals who were out there as volunteers, on the first dig, 40 years ago. There's something about the Montgomery Canal which inspires love. I'm a keen supporter of restoration - and eventual linkage to the Shropshire Union Canal, and the national network. I was much involved in the restoration in the 1980s, but must admit I saw it as an economic development project - still do. But I've always had the greatest of respect for those who are driven by love.

The Intermittant Blogger

Back to the keyboard - after missing a day. A few more missing days coming up before Xmas. Long day yesterday, down in the Welsh Capital for the Annual Care Conference for Wales 2009, held at the Millennium Stadium. Health related subjects are taking an increasing amount of my time. So much to learn. And then it was up to the BBC at Llandaff to learn a bit more about the role that is and should be played by the BBC. I'd asked for a briefing to aid the development of my opinion. I used to enjoy having a bit of a kick at the Beeb from time to time, but the fun's gone now that everyone's at it. When Labour's 'Culture Minister, Ben Bradshaw decided to put the boot in recently, I knew it was time for wise people to stop.

I've always thought that the BBC is more important to Wales than she is to the rest of the UK. Her responsibilities are much more complex - because Wales is a bilingual country. And because Wales is a nation, rather than a region - with its own devolved Government. And the 'regional' content provided by independent broadcasters is fast disappearing. This matters to a 'nation'. So pruning BBC Wales, to allow space for 'independent' regional English Language production doesn't seem attractive to me. So from now on, I'm going to become a cheerleader for BBC Wales - within reason anyway.

While I was at Broadcasting House, I was able to contribute to tribute programmes in memory of Patrick Hannan, who died so suddenly earlier this week. Caught up with a few friends not seen for a while, as a few of Patrick's regular guests had been rounded up to do the same thing. Met George Wright (first time for 20 years), Helen Mary Jones, and sister Myfanwy (all of us ex-Caereinion High School in Montgomeryshire), Siobhan McClelland and Mike German. No idea which clips will be used, but I hope its me saying how much I enjoyed being interviewed by Patrick. He was always able to give an historical perspective to an event, and was able to make links between issues that gave context. He was gentle, yet tough and competitive. But he never wanted to humiliate his guests. It was enough to win the argument. I reckoned that the degree of aggressiveness he adopted was proportional to his judgement of his guest's ability to cope. He wouldn't have liked being referred to as the 'media star' he certainly was.

Been up to Liverpool today, on 'care' business, so struggling for time. Every bit that's spare has been devoted to practising going through two Welsh Language scripts I'm reading tomorrow morning. One is for a podcast about the life of another 'media star' Wynford Vaughan Thomas, and for a 'guide' around the Wynford 'trail' beginning at his Memorial, near Staylittle. One is for the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, and the other for the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales. I'm hoping to adopt a Wigley-esque, or even a Burton-esque tone by dropping my voice an octave. Hope it doesn't sound stupid.

There' ll be a few blogging breaks up to the end of November. After that its a new family arrival, and build up to the General Election.

Who'd be an MP?

Yesterday, I spoke to the Welshpool and District Visual Impaired Group. Around 40/50 of them. Very friendly occasion. Three big issues under discussion were all health related. A&E services in Shropshire (and Montgomeryshire), the frustrating delays in bringing a renal dialysis unit to Welshpool, and the proposed closure of a residential EMI unit at Newtown Hospital, all issues that will feature on this blog over the next few weeks. I'm working to develop expertise in all of them. And then someone asked me why on earth I want to be an MP. Iain Dale is asking and answering the same question in today's Telegraph.

Truth is that I cannot think of a job I'd rather do, except perhaps play stand off against the All Blacks - and that's not very likely to happen. At present, I spend most of my time, doing the sort of things I'd expect to be doing if I were to become an MP - but without the pay and expenses! Something to be said for that. In my answer I did explain that an elephant's hide for a skin in essential. Anyone who has a tendency to hot temper, or being cowed before verbal assault should go do something else.

Iain's full page article focused mostly on the public's response to the current furore about expenses, and the disrespect, often merging on contempt, that is currently felt for politicians in general - which is why yesterday's question was asked of me. I can honestly say that I never hear any of this amongst the people I meet, except when I was asking them to vote at the Euro election earlier this year. Perhaps it would change if I were to win. Whatever, it certainly won't change for incumbent MPs until the people have had their say in a General Election - nor should it. But back to the question. Being MP for Montgomeryshire would be a dream realised. Imagine walking into the Palace of Westminster as the representative of the people I have always lived amongst - following in the distinguished footsteps of Clement Davies, Emlyn Hooson and Alex Carlile. Who'd be an MP? I would, please.