The politicians are coming a knockin’

THE FRIDAY THING: I SUPPOSE a lot people out there will be bracing themselves for 120 days or so of ranting, posturing, attacking, truth bending, squirming from politicians trying to convince us why they are worthy of power, responsibility, and money.

We are all likely to have droves of badge and rosette-wearing candidates beaming at us on the doorstep as though they have something to say we might actually want to hear.

It is a good time to be away on holiday, having sent in your vote by post, so that at least you will feel you have played a part, or maybe some sense of guilt for actually believing things that we are told when we would rather listen to doorstep jokes about Nigel Farage, Ed Miliband or even Nick Clegg having a major part in government.

Will we be forced down the pathway that leads to yet another coalition that gives us watered down politics, like a cup of tea with no teabag and definitely no milk or sugar?

I will not break a lifetime’s habit and will put my cross in the appropriate box when the election finally comes round.

I have never failed to vote in any election during the past 50-odd years or so and find myself in with the residents of places like Australia and the rule that demands everyone in the country should vote.


FINAL WORD: It is not surprising there are some minor niggles about the changes taking place in Oldham town centre and all I would ask is that the doubters wait until the job is completed and the promised facilities are in place before echoing the dismal doubters of the past who seldom, if ever, had anything good to say about their town.

It is not just going to be good; it will be great and showered with praise. Bring it on.