Monday 25 April
The war has started - the war as an issue in this election that is. As
Benjamin Zephaniah says in his piece elsewhere this site, don't let us be
fooled by the agenda we are set each day by the parties themselves -
remember the way the politicians have behaved over the last parliamentary
term. To choose what you think is the best offer on pensions, NHS, education
etc is important, yes, but the war and the process which led to it are the
major defining factors of this administration. Its poisonous effects have
contaminated the body politic at every level, from relationships between
states to relationships between people.
We receive a gift in the office of 'don't attack Iran' tee-shirts from
Italy. Exactly.
And we have a pleasant visit from a tall and languid Knight. Alasdair teases
him rotten when he discovers his status. Alasdair, the Knight and I listen
to Lindisfarne and choose 'things got to change yeah, roll on that day' for
the cavalcade.
Reg, Martin and the team are working the streets surrounded by a flock of
television cameras and journos. Canvassing is frustrating, as so many people
are out (though it's often deeply rewarding when they're in) but we now have
the numbers to do two full canvasses.
And the results are amazing. It's a two horse race, definitely.
Volunteers are pouring in - those of you who have been given the wrong
number by a journalist (ie my press land-line, which is nearly always
engaged or, I hate to admit, unplugged) please ring on 01325 318 390.
Contributions are pouring in too. We have become a repository for guilt
money, but we are happy to provide an outlet for those who feel they still
have to vote Labour in their own constituencies. Though we would, of course,
ask them to remember the war once more. Do you really condone it? Or are
other things more important?
At some point during the day I discover that the Vodaphone connection (yes
Vodaphone, I can no longer protect you from ignominy) is still not working
despite the large amount of money I deposited in its account.
Blairout-Gilham, ex-page three model and candidate, rings to offer her
support and that of her pensioner voters to Reg. Reg must be the only
candidate ever who could bring those two together.
The Knight returns, having been impressed by what he has seen on the
doorsteps.
- ©Reg Keys, 2005 -
