There's something about the start of a new year isn't there? I don't mean the inevitable resolutions, which come from eating and drinking too much usually, or the more general "will be nicer" one's which come from the guilt enduced by cards from people you have forgotten - I mean a sense of opportunities to come - this year more then ever!
As a Parliamentary Candidate, I am now receiving e-mails asking about my specific views on an enormous range of issues. People want to know what makes me different from other candidates in this constituency and, if elected, how I would vote. It's interesting, as a person with experience of campaigning at Westminster on a limited range of issues - green energy and electoral reform mainly - how different styles of campaigning affect one's response. There is the bullying approach - blitzing with hundreds of identical e-mails - the personal story/issue which brings tears to the eyes - the commercial approach.....the list goes on!
Although there are some matters on which I am very clear - my party's policies for example, there are some answers which require mature reflection and political debate. The UK's debating style of Government, while not flawless, does at least allow for all views to be heard (eventually!) and I look forward to hearing those views before making my mind up about how to best represent the view of South Norfolk's inhabitants, should I be elected.
Over the next weeks I will be discussing, through this medium and on doorsteps, the burning issues for the constituency and really look forward to hearing what people have to say!
Times are hard for a lot of us but, all the same..
A Very Happy 2010 to everyone - whatever your political colour!!!
Jacky
