No to AV ad

How to use politicians to get what you want

[podcast]http://toryradio.podbus.com/scottcolvin.mp3[/podcast]

I don’t generally recommend books – but How To Use Politicians To Get What You Want is one of those must reads for anyone interested in politics, or how politicians operate. The author Scott Colvin has kindly recorded a short podcast for us to let us know a little bit about the book and how you can use it to solve a problem and get what you want.

It’s certainly on my reading list, and you can get hold of a copy here.

 

You never know

Today was always going to be a bit of a crappy day. It was the funeral of the Grandma of my wife. Following the funeral my father in law who had just said goodbye to his mother came to our house for a cup of tea. We laughed about how in our view funerals were all a bit strange as we’d both rather people visited or called us while we were alive than feel sad when we have died.

My Grandad once said you could p*ss on his grave when he was gone. I think my father-in law agreed with that sentiment when we joked about it. Less than 45 minutes after having a cup of tea at our house, my father in law died. He was never well in the time I knew him. He was the longest serving dialysis patient in Lincolnshire – so much so that when I had to tell the renal unit who called to see if he could come in today for an earlier slot they were completely shocked. The thing I will always remember is that not once did I ever hear him moan. There was the real possibility that the years of dialysis would have meant he would soon to have to have his leg amputated. Did he moan. No. He just planned where he would hire his wheelchair for his next caravan holiday.

You really never know what’s going to happen. Five hours after attending his mother’s funeral we didn’t really expect to have to start planning another one. So if you are putting off calling someone or perhaps visiting a relative you haven’t seen for a while, maybe just take the time to make that call or that visit. You never know when you won’t get a chance again.

Seven Days Show Episode 61

In the Seven Days Show this week (episode 61) we discuss Libya; Japan and the assumption nuclear power is unsafe; graduate debt; what may be in The Budget this week; and charitable giving.

To listen to the podcast click the play button below:-

[podcast]http://toryradio.podbus.com/sevendaysshow61.mp3[/podcast]

Subscribe to Tory Radio on Itunes here

Seven Days Show Episode 60

After our mid season break (it’s not just footballers that need one) The Seven Days Show is back. In episode 60 we are joined by Grant Tucker and Shane Greer.

To listen to the podcast click the play button below. [podcast]http://toryradio.podbus.com/sevendaysshow60.mp3[/podcast]

We discuss Japan; Libya; Spring Conference; the AV Referendum plus much more.

International Womens Day?

Sorry I just don’t see the point of a day that’s for slightly over half the human population. What’s it supposed to achieve? Enlighten me. Essentially it seems you are pushing the rights of one half over the other. There are cries for an International Mens Day, but I think there is one of them too – and I find that equally pointless.

We currently see a European Court deciding insurance cant be sold on the basis of what sex you are (even if women may be a better risk). Is that what you want. Or what about the Race for Life. It discriminates against men. They get breast cancer. They have relatives who have suffered from the disease – but cant take part. And yes I know there are plenty of other ways they can get involved. But can you discriminate when it suits and cry foul of discrimination when it doesn’t?

Just asking?

PS:- And of course one commenter bemoaned the fact that a hairdresser can put up one charge for cutting the hair of a woman (greater) than that of  a man, before knowing the work involved… and I completely get the point.

Most unparliamentary language!!

Not sure if this is the best way to get called by Mr Speaker in future. Of course wearing the above T-shirt in the chamber may catch his eye… or not.

Party membership – It's all take take take

Mark Wallace has  very good piece on how local associations are treating prospective new members. I have to say it doesnt come as any surprise to me. But the question I am left with, and have been pondering for quite some time is just what do you get as a new member (if you are lucky enough to have a response to a membership enquiry).

You won’t get a say in a leadership election for quite some time. Being a party member clearly isn’t a prerequisite to stand for parliament. If you face fits and you are talented the way will be made fairly easy for you. So what do you get as a member? Perhaps the party board could not only look at why new members are welcomed with open arms, but also not just see members as another name on a mailing list to constantly hound for money. Instead of take take take… what does the party propose to offer members? Just why should they join?

It's a tough life!

View from the office

It is currently 11:24 am here – 7:24 UK time…. I would normally be on a train speeding (or limping as the case may be) into Kings Cross. With the wonders of modern technology this is the view from my “mobile office” today…. but of course I am on holiday so really won’t be doing much work… Now where are those speedos… and no, that isn’t a sight I would inflict on anyone!

Cameron needs to focus on domestic problems – ComRes

A ComRes poll commissioned by ITV News shows people think Cameron should concentrate on problems facing Britain rather than global disputes.

It shows that 66% of people think Prime Minister David Cameron should concentrate on problems facing Britain, rather than global disputes, with just 21% disagreeing.

When asked if the Prime Minister’s recent trip to the Middle East would help calm the current unrest in Africa and the Middle East, 57% disagree, with just 10% saying it would calm unrest.

Asked if the British government has managed the evacuation of British citizens from Libya well, 52% disagree while just 18% agree.

82% of people are concerned about a potential increase in fuel prices resulting from the current unrest in Africa and the Middle East, with just 9% disagreeing. And finally, people (51%) agree that the British government should support any movement towards democratic government in previously undemocratic countries, with just 15% disagreeing.