Along with many people in the UK, and many Tories in particular, I have deep feelings for the present situation in Zimbabwe. The passing, yesterday, of Ian Smith is not one that the country should mourn. His actions contributed greatly to the sense of agrievement that many Zimbabweans rightly feel, but which has unfortunately led to allowances for some of Mugabe’s behaviour.
A reminder, if it were needed, that Mugabe is a lunatic, comes with the news that he has announced that he is ready for a UK-led invasion of the country. Such action may, or may not, be a good idea, but it is certainly a long way from happening. Such ideas are useful only to Mugabe in finding an external enemy to focus the nation’s attention upon.
This morning, the BBC website and the Today Programme have highlighted the problem of fishermen who have to dump fish, caught in mixed fishing grounds, that is not in their quota. This damages fish stocks but does not help fishermen or consumers.
Those offering their opinions on what has to be done have already called for further reductions in the fishing fleets, which may devastate some local communities, and for the UK to introduce marine reserves, which might help stocks but would not prevent dumping of what is caught outside of those zones.
It may seem a bit of a different topic for the TRG, but I would like to start a conversation with a new suggestion. That would be to move the quotas from the level of the fishing boats to the fish markets themselves. All markets work more effectively when there is increased liquidity. In this case, if any fisherman can bring back any fish to a local market, there would be less thrown over board. However, once a local market had reached their quota, they would not pay the fishermen. This would not be a frequent occurrence as the fishermen already check prices from off shore and could check which market was full – or nearly full – before they left port and while at sea.
Anyone see anything wrong with that idea?
Yesterday, a group of TRG members joined local activists in Lewes, Sussex, for a campaign day in support of local candidate, Jason Sugarman.
Jason is attempting to overturn the majority of 8,500 held by Liberal-Democrat Norman Baker MP and if effort and natural ability are any guide, Jason should pull through at the next election! Key local issues involve parking within Lewes and the planned development of an incinerator plant in Newhaven.
The day started with Jason and his team of local supporters running a very professional-stall in Lewes market while the rest of us began a leaflet drop, which we kept working at until darkness fell. By the end of the day we had distributed the best part of 10,000 leaflets across Lewes and Newhaven.
Many thanks to all of those that made us feel welcome in Lewes, in particular, local agent, Charlotte Beaupere and Carola Godman Law, Chairman of Lewes Conservative Association, and all of those that helped guide us, drive us around and for providing lunch to some hungry TRG members!
This was the first time that we have worked to support local candidates like this, but the TRG hopes to take part in more events of this kind in future. The only problem is that there are so many good candidates out there, it is hard to know where we should go!
Whatever else we do, we wish the best of luck to Jason and all of the members of Lewes Conservative Association – we have every confidence you will be able to deliver a superb new member of parliament at the next election!
There are plenty of email jokes about Tony Blair and co and most are not worth repeating, but I liked this one so I thought I would share it. Apologies to anyone that has seen it before… :0)
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While on his morning walk, ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair falls over, has a heart attack and dies because the accident and emergency ward at his nearest hospital is too understaffed to treat him in time. So his soul arrives in Heaven and he is met by Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates.
“Welcome to Heaven,” says Saint Peter, “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a politician around these parts, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”
“No problem, just let me in; I’m a good Christian; I’m a believer,” says the ex-PM.
(more…)
