Thursday 5th May 2005

Thursday 5th May 2005

Pot, meet kettle!

In tonight's South Wales Evening Post, Swansea University's vice-chancellor is quoted as saying that students taking legal action over a suspended lecturer are damaging their department and the whole university. Philosophy students claim their education has suffered since one of their lecturers was suspended in March. But Mr Davies is denying the accusation and says the students actions are instead damaging the reputation of the university.Given the cack-handed way with which the University authorities have gone about closing down key departments such as Philosophy and Chemistry and then sought to suppress dissent at every turn, it is a little ...

Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!

Whether his colleagues are there or not, we can always look to South Wales Central Tory AM, David Melding, for a bit or erudition in the chamber. In concentrating on my own question earlier I had missed the thrust of David's contribution on the order paper. This is a shame as I would have liked to have asked a supplementary. Nevertheless, the Minister handled it admirably: David Melding: Will the Minister make a statement on the place of the reformation on the history syllabus for secondary schools? OAQ0241(ELL) Jane Davidson: The national curriculum in ...

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

As a public service I have decided to record this week the attendance records of the four Assembly Members who are standing for Parliament. On Tuesday both Jonathan Morgan and Alun Cairns appeared in the chamber looking sun-tanned and relaxed. Yesterday, it was the turn of David Davies, who according to my PA, looked absolutely knackered. Peter Law made an appearance on both days. All four candidates spend some considerable time in Plenary, though none of them managed to stay for the full session. The appearance of the three Tories in particular always attracts some comment, so ...

Pause for a meal break!

13 hours since the polls opened, and we've just sat down for half an hour with some tasty chicken casserole. It's certainly been a long day and there's still a way to go. I think this is going to be one of the most unpredictable elections with differing messages coming in from even neighbouring polling stations. One polling station reports a very low turnout so far, the next one we visit half a mile away reports very brisk polling. We really have no idea what to expect when the counting begins. It's going to be a long, nail-biting night.

This is it...

The first general election that I have taken an active part in, and the first in which I am legally old enough to vote is nearly over. Tonight I will be watching the count at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, and then at approximately 2:30am we will find out who will be Guildford's next MP. Anybody who is in Guildford and reading this blog before 10pm this evening, please go out and vote for Sue Doughty. We have had supporters from all over the political spectrum - even Labour - who will be voting for Sue. I remind ...

Spalding Flower Parade

Just a quick post in between campaigning. On the weekend I went to the Spalding Flower Parade, which was rather nice. I spent most of the time with William on my shoulders so he could see what was coming around the corner.The main reason for this post is this test, which I had planned to do on Monday.

The Longest Day

That's what the Times called it and they were spot on. This is the third time for parliament and it certainly doesn't get any easier. Up at dawn to deliver some early morning leaflets (wasn't sleeping anyway) and desperately trying to keep busy. As someone said to me on the phone yesterday , "Not many people would like a job where their job was on the line every few years." Quite.

We'll all know soon enough

After all of the claims and counter-claims and not to mention the weight-loss caused by delivering thousands of leaflets, the day is upon us. There's a strange calm knowing that you've done all you can - now it's up to the ultimate arbiters, the electorate. It's going to be a long day. I urge you all to use your vote today - whoever you support. Your vote is precious. You hold the keys.