Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Not as pathetic as someone unwilling, or unable, to provide any quoted evidence, to back up their claim.

:rolleyes:

Anyway, someone whose opinion I value more highly than your's, as read the thread, a close relative, and confirms that along with my own belief, I haven't been 'incredibly rude' to Ms. Buckley.

Although they did laugh, especially at the comment about not being able to have punctuation, and the ability to make a napkin into a swan.

I guess, like lots of other things, a sense of humour must be generic.

:rofl38::rofl38::rofl38::rofl38:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Without further evidence, perhaps I should report the member who accused me of such a terrible crime, for breaking the rule about not being malicious to other members of the forum.

But hey, I guess I'm just too magnaminous, so might just let others decide, especially when there's been no evidence supplied.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

You've a lot to learn about politics Ken, like canvasing and leafleting 8 to 10 weeks before an election is a waste of time and energy, as is calling on anybody on a Sunday Afternoon, especially when the Man United v Liverpool match is on the T. V., as is going mob handed which for some reason is a trait of Labour, 5 people stood round a door is likely to alienate voters not win them over

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I'll have my bucket of urine ready for the first canvasser to knock on my door.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I'll not disagree with you on the Sunday afternoon canvass or the group of people going to each door, which is why I've never done it. I wouldn't be swung over by a leaflet alone either but that black and white photocopy has not gone down terribly well with people in Rishton, in fact I know four people who have stated they won't vote for him as a result of it.

Canvassing on the doorstep has swung me a lot of votes though and has given me the opportunity to put myself forward as a person rather simply a man who has chosen the Labour badge. Again, I'm not being complacent about my chances of winning but why should I expect people to vote for me if they've never met me?

I haven't met Cllr Britcliffe yet but since my opponent didn't make any attempt to stand up and make his views known at our area council meeting, how is he going to stand up to the leader of HBC? If I lose, I would like it to be against someone who turns up for town meetings because he's interested and not simply because he's paid to be interested.

I do have a lot to learn, and the next few months will be a steep curve for me but I'm adopting the stance of positive activities within the village as opposed to community inactivity and trying to stir up ill feelings down the pub.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

It was probably that sort of negativity that resulted in the local Conservative Association not being trusted to pick their own candidates.

Perhaps there is some appeal to the new look Conservatives, at least nationally, after all.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

What, so they can take it with them ?? They don't need yours mate, they've been taking it from Joe Public for years !! :D :D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I've just re-read the whole of this thread again, (absolutely right andrewb, I have too much time on my hands),

But in amongst the variety of to-ing and fro-ing that has gone on, not one, nil, zero, of the Tory few on here has looked aghast at this thread and proclaimed in a loud voice,

The Tory Party is too principled and honest to have a "dirty tricks brigade"

Perhaps because of such an omission we can all conclude that...

Oh yes, they have a "dirty tricks brigade" and they don't care who knows it!

:)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

"The Tory few" is surely down to "the Tory one" now that Jaysay has jumped ship?

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That reminds me of a phrase I remember from somewhere, something about sinking ships and what happens to rats when this happens.

For the life of me though I can't remember what it was, but I think it was the catchphrase for one of the Conservative Annual Conferences, still it's not that important is it?
:)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Didn't remind me of that.

http://www.party-games.net/images/pi...e-donkey-3.jpg

:rolleyes::D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Personally, I couldn't give a toss for any of them. They've all been peeing in the Westminster pot for so long, a little extra wouldn't do any harm!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Is this an age thing?

:)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Things have been a little limp, lately -but I do enjoy a stiff whisky!.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Yeah well........Thanks to Mr.Eyebrows, that stiff Whisky is going to come with an even stiffer price !! :(

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Surely you don't resent having to pay an exhorbitant amount of tax on everything but the air that we breath in order to subsidise our grossly overburdened benefits for all (except the worker) system!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Though of course a worker may benefit from some of the following benefits.

Benefits and tax credits for people in work

Statutory Sick Pay : Directgov - Money, tax and benefits

NI17A - A guide to Maternity Benefits (April 2009) - DWP

HM Revenue & Customs: Child Benefit: Introduction

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Hmmph!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Is that code, for thank you?

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I will wee myself laughing if she does get in after all the moaning about her selection and no canvassing etc. :rolleyes::D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Maybe I just don't understand the benefits system - or rather, how to fiddle it! Having worked from the age of 15 to 65-years and having never received a penny in benefits until I drew my pension some years ago! On the rare occasions I have made approaches for assistance of one sort or another I have always been told that I am inelligable as my income is just above what it was required. So thanks for nothing.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

You just seemed, er...a little stumped, and unaware that people in work are entitled to social benefits, that your post seemed to hint were just available to those not working.

I find it hard to fathom how someone of your generation never received some social benefits in your working life.

Perhaps you were luckly enough never to have had a day off sick in those fifty years, and perhaps you weren't married, and had children, and therefore your spouse didn't receive any maternity leave, or child benefit payments, like every other parent of that generation, as it wasn't means tested, and available to all workers.

People work and benefit everyday.

People work, hoping they'll be able to carry on working, but knowing if they can't, because they lose their job, or they develop an illness etc, they will hopefully be cushioned by social benefits, that they've helped to fund.

People work and hope they don't pop their clogs before their retirement, so they can benefit from their old age pension, in later years.

There just a few benefits that are called as such, which workers in the past benefited from. Today there's a whole range more, as I linked in my earler reply, working tax credits etc.

We could also discuss worker's benefiting a from free education for their children, and a free health care system, if you wish, but perhaps we'll leave that for another day, when you've had time to realise, as a worker you might have benefited yourself, quite a lot in the past.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

If that does happen, enjoy the laugh. I personally would rather have a local MP who tries to engage with their electorate than someone from an unsupportive party who rode into town at the eleventh hour.

Still, each to their own.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

The local Conservative Association won't.

That's definitely not part of their clandestine planning.

It would mean a stunning victory for Cameron and CCO, as well as Karen.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I can't think of any reason to start canvasing a month before any election, people treat politicians knocking on doors worse the JWs, 8 weeks before an election people have forgot you've ever been, as for leaflets, any political leaflet is only as good as it takes to read from the front door to he recycling sack

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Perhaps the people forgetting ya have been,only applies to Tory knockers? after all you wouldn't know.:D:D:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

People aren't as stupid as you seem to think.

Any politican worth his weight would start a campaign as soon as the last election results have been announced.

Joe Public take notice of the little things throughout the whole term, and what's actually being done, rather than what some politicans decide to tell them about their achievements, such as saving a pensioners' seaside special, weeks before an election....yet again.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I agree, but not knocking on doors especially after the last few years, and that goes for all sides. You keep knocking Britciffe but if he is as bad as you want us to believe why as he been a councillor for 27 years and if the Tory council is so bad and Labour so great under Jones why are they not in control, I notice you were gratefull earlier last year when you needed help, maybe that's what most people in St Andrews ward think that somewhere along the line he's helped them out too, and vote for him

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Posted by myself yesterday, in reference to Cllr. Britcliffe.

Though I'm still waiting for any pathetic accusations of being pro-Tory.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Bet you had everything crossed when you wrote that:D:rolleyes:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

No need for that, as I don't lie, and give credit where it's due...when applicable.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ffe-46467.html

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

You'll be wearing hats alike next:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I'd be afraid an organ grinder's monkey might steal it, and throw it into some ring.

Only for it to be thrown right back out again.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Never realised you were on a leash:rolleyes:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Oh dear me Jaysay, that was pathetic, the only reason you know he was grateful was because he told us all how helpful your mate had been, rindy keeps telling you he isn't affiliated to any tantrum filled party and like any normal adult, if someone has helped him willingly acknowledges that fact.

Why you should make a ridiculous attempt to turn that against him doesn't lower him in my standards, but it certainly has me doubting your common sense.

Tsk, talk about dummies and spitting?

How much lower can you get?

By the way, so far as canvassing no-one from any party has appeared at Westwood villa's, (perhap's it's the long walk from the gate to the tradesman's entrance or the fact the dogs haven't been fed lately?).

However let's make this a bit of a competition the first one from ANY party that calls will be offered a brew and considered just because they have bothered to turn up.

Come on Karen, this could be the very bit of press coverage you've been waiting for.
:rolleyes:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I didn't 'need' help.

I asked my councillor, Peter Britcliffe, a question, and received an answer, and very useful additional help.

Before all this happened, even though I've criticised some of the council's ideas and policies in the past, a council lead by Cllr. Britcliffe, I've always stated that I knew catagorically that if I ever needed his help, I knew it would be offered willingly, and unconditionally. Which was the case, when this later happened.

The shakers and cripples of Hyndburn were very grateful for the help we received, and I publicly thanked the council, and it's leader, on their behalf.

I wasn't aware that this would be raised again, but I can assure you, the crippled shakers are eternally grateful.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

At the risk of sounding rude, I've been out again today and more than three quarters of those I've spoken to were undecided until I knocked on the door - and yes, they did decide that they would vote for me.

There are any number of ways of cheap political point scoring but I am winning these people over by showing what I am actually doing in Rishton via honest talk and well-presented flyers.

From what I can gather, Cllr Britcliffe wins in Ossy time and again through raping all the other wards to feather his own nest. The official figures from the HBC website demonstrate just how much money has been spent on facilities that are already there in Oswaldtwistle and yet nothing is spent in other wards where there is nothing.

Spare a thought for poor Clayton-le-Moors which raises enormous amounts in tax revenue and gets virtually nothing back.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That's come up a lot on here, accusations of a heavy Ossy bias, which those outside the town resent.

The party acolytes always retort with the answer that he's been a councillor for umpteen years, so he must be doing something right.

Right yes...for the people of Oswaldtwistle. As the vast majority of people in the borough seem to see it.

The blue faithful haven't realised yet that the people of the whole borough didn't elect the Leader of the Council, his fellow Tory councillors did.

When he could have claimed a mandate from the people of Hyndburn, that they wanted him to lead them, in two different General Elections, they decided against him..twice.

Which perhaps is some sort of a mandate from the electorate, after all.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

should probably be a new thread " who contributes most to Hyndburn" but here goes ...... are there any figures available showing which of the Hyndburn 'townships', Accrington/Gt.Harwood /Rishton/Clayton/Oswaldtwisle/Church/Altham. Contribute the most per head of population thru council tax to the Borough after deducting all amounts subsidised by council tax relief .
just curious ;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

The figures are available and show that Oswaldtwistle does indeed raise quite a large amount of tax which is comfortably represented in its facilities. In comparison, Rishton's tax revenue is almost exactly half of that figure and we've seen nothing like the investment we should have had.

Before a figure of £90k is brought up about Holt Street recreational ground, it amounts to draining a playing field and building a rudimentary hut, which makes that a remarkably expensive project for what it is. Work has also halted because the money 'ran out'.

I can give you a list of projects in Ossy from October 2007, for which the newspaper reports all seem to have a smiling picture of Councillor Britcliffe next to them. Like I said, I've never met the man but Rishton has two Tory councillors to Labour's one, so why are they not standing up asking Mr Britcliffe to spare a penny for Rishton?

I should also add that I used Clayton-le-Moors as an example because it raises more money per head of population than any other ward, if the official figures are to be believed. The official spending figures certainly shouldn't be believed, particularly when Rishton had well over £1m spent on it in the last twelve months from HBC.

Filtering out services provided by LCC which can't be included in those figures, where exactly has £1m been spent in Rishton in one year??? That would more than solve all the problems that the residents are screaming out about. The figures also show that spending far outweighed tax revenue by millions of pounds across the borough.

We certainly need more clarity on that particular issue.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Thanks Ken ,was just playing the Devils Advocate and trying to stir public awareness up :D but appreciate your immediate response ,I'm not sure if you really belong in the Labour coven , hope you get local support , you come across a a decent guy ;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

when we had a Labour Council Ossy got nothing whilst Labour heartlands such as Springhill and Huncoat were awash with anything they wanted so don't come tha crap with :(

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Thanks for that, and I'll apologise retroactively for being a bit brusque when I first joined the forum!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That's before my involvement so I can't really comment, John. I'm simply putting across what I see at the moment and it is substantiated by official council figures. Whoever is 'in power', it doesn't do to concentrate money in one ward which is what appears to have been happening for quite some time.

To look at Huncoat and Springhill and say that they were given what they wanted at the time, they're hardly overflowing with facilities, are they? I understand that plans to convert a greenfield site into a housing estate in Huncoat were fiercely opposed by residents who had no proper consultations and the discussions that were held were not recorded.

What is required at HBC, and this really should go for all meetings between officials, is that they are properly minuted. I certainly won't be having any meetings (whether elected or otherwise) without a witness and a minute-taker. No impropriety and everyone is quite clear about where they stand.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Do you mean when I jumped on your every word?

:rolleyes:


You eventually grew on me, because you explained and defended what you said, and didn't stamp your feet, pull a sulky face, and shout that you were being picked on by an anti-Labour 'twister' of words.

Heck you even showed you have a sense of humour, which is rare in some circles.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Yes you did, and I'm still considering what to do about you. Your penchant for political bias shows that you're clearly a staunch Tory who picks on innocent thin-skinned Labourites such as myself. The lack of research that goes into your ill-thought out posts is also beneath contempt and the accusations of you victimising those with political ambitions is not without merit and may God strike me down.........

.........
....

.
..

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Okay, calm down.

I said a 'sense of humour', not that you were semi-pro, and once appeared on The Comedians.

:eek::rolleyes::p:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Interesting range of expressions there - you're not Phil Cool, are you?

Anyway, back on topic. Those pesky Tories.....

Actually, 'pescatore' is how seafood pizzas are listed - is there a joke in there, Gary?

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

No, professionally I'm Garinda Cooler-Still.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Sorry jaysay , much as I respect you, think you are out of order in slagging off Ken Moss for his comments , I was born in Ossy, raised in Gt. Harwood and moved to Accy on getting wed, but it's allways been a "sore spot" amongst the Borough electorate that the old UDCs lost out to "centralized Accrington power" Accrington got the money and sod the old UDC's districts ..... maybe PB, has been thru his position been good for Ossy , (natural, nothing wrong,local lad, you look after your own nest)I think the folks of Gt.Harwood/Rishton/ Clayton may think diferently :confused:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That's what always makes his old neighbour and classmate Wynonie laugh.

Wynonie, the lad with Accrington running through his veins instead of blood.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I honestly don't know if there's areas which receive more than their fair share of benefits, and I think it's irrelevant which location provides more funding per capita.

The borough should be seen as one body, and monies spent where it is needed, irrespective of which town, village or parish it happens to be in.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

so does that mean PB will never be accepted as a gobbiner :confused: :confused:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That's a pretty good philosophy and there really should be some sort of priorities list across Hyndburn but I fear my head is in the Utopian clouds on that score at the moment.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Depends who you ask.

The acolytes would argue that being elected by the people since 1878 would qualify him some claim to that status.

Whilst Gobbiners view him as a cosmopolitan sophisticate, bringing his metropolitan fancy ways were they aren't appreciated.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Shamocracy always benefits self interest
Communism brings down all to same low level
....a no win situation

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

In the end, he's a big city boy like me...always was, always will be.

Incidentally, Gary, I hope that was a typo in your second para...we're not that soddin' old! :D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

As much as you first grated on me, perhaps there's room at H.B.C. for someone who's striving for Utopia here.

(Perhaps the anti-Labour accusations never came from the party faithful, because they think there was some fiendishly Machiavellian, pre-planned, plot, when anger slowly turns to support.)

:p:rolleyes::D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

No mistake...this time.

Just my stab at humour, because it feels like an awfully long time.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Do Accy webbers Niel and Gayle count as metropolitan sophisticates ?

by the way where is Gayle ? (or shouldn't I ask ) ;) :D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I wonder if, when he first ran for the council in Ossy, the local Tories got all upset about having an "offcomer" foisted on them? ;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Niel's a born and bred Ribble Valleyite, with Ossy roots.

Gayle's an Ossy lass, but with some roots from over t'border, in the bustling, nearly a city, town of Blackburn.

They both have dual passports.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Willows Lane to New Lane...a five minute car ride, but worlds apart. ;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Before I'm jumped on, I would like to state he is a very good local councillor, and that's why he has been one for so long.

Historically Ossy has been traditionally Labour, like many of the other towns and villages that make up the borough.

So it's nothing to do with Ossy being some sort of 'safe seat'. It isn't.

I know lots of people who have benefited from his work as a councillor. On that level you'll rarely hear a word of criticism.

I think he's re-elected because of the man he is. A man with a proven track record.

He might be a pompous tyrant in council chambers, I don't know, but face to face he's a nice bloke.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Just popping this post in an evidence bag.

So it can be used by the defence, the next time Jaysay writes to the Observer, slating this forum a place of 'vile and vicious attack', against his old chum.

:rolleyes::D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

...and he was a good paper boy. The people in the newsagents down Charter Street thought very highly of him (just trying to contribute to Garinda's positive assessment of him). :)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Paper boy, teacher, frock and sweetie shop empresario, 1970's David Cassidy looky-likey, politican.

Truly a Renaissance man.

:D

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

...just to add to the accolades being heaped on his head, my old dear who was a regular customer at his dress shop in Whalley Road still speaks of him in glowing terms (and if she could read what some of you lot write about him, you'd be in for a severe handbagging, believe me). ;)

I also recall someone I used to know who lived up Ossy, a dyed-in-the-wool Labour voter, who was very fulsome in their praise for him.

As for his conduct on the council, it's hard for me to judge because, as Jaysay will be the first to tell you, I live in Cheshire now. However, as I'm continually saying, perhaps if more local Tories had the bottle to join Accyweb, they'd be able to leap to his defence!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Quite agree.

Someone was seen as the Devil incarnate, at the height of the Panopticon furore.

Until she joined the debate herself, put a human face to her arguments, and even if people disagreed with her, won one hunded percent respect, for having the guts to face the critics.

...and of course we then got the chance to know Gayle, and that she isn't a one trick pony, but has many differing interests, plus a sense of humour.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Indeed, my good lady received child benefit for our four offspring and my ocasional bouts of sickness/injuries on duty were covered by my employers, but I maintain that I have contributed more in taxation of one kind or another and national insurance over my working life than I would ever hope to achieve in benefits. Time will tell. In the meantime I am happy to sit back and watch the prospective parliamentary candidates continue to knock lumps off each other in the unseemly fashion that they seem to relish.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Well you were lucky to receive so little benefits. Only receiving such things as child benefit, and sick pay, and happily never needed the social benefits you were entitled to, because an employer no longer needed you, for example, or that you developed an illness that prevented you from working, and which would have seen you claim more of your entitled benefits.

I wish you a long and happy retirement, on your pension.

I know plenty of people, who work all their lives, paying into the pot, and who snuff it before they even get their pension book/card, posted through their letterbox.

My father was one such person. Though he was the kind of man who counted his blessings in life, and wouldn't have moaned about paying money into a social benefit system, and not get his 'fair share' out.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

It's a good job your children benefited from an education funded by the tax payer.

Sending four kids to Eton would have cost a fortune in fees.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

That isn't the same as benefits, paid for in a completely different way isn't it?
:confused:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

No, education isn't a 'social benefit'.

Just pointing out, to anyone who might have wanted to have a moan about 'paying a lot in', and 'not getting much out', that taxes go to fund a whole range of things, we all benefit from.

From books in schools, and soldiers in tanks, to social benefits if some losed their job.

It's all funded by the tax payer, and society at large benefits.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Don't I know it. Two of my kids went through university funded by ME as they were refused grants of any kind. Not that I regret a penny of it. You are quick to criticise, but families suffered hard times even in the 'olden days' of Wilson and Callaghan, which you seem to have conveniently forgotten.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Whom I criticising?

I was merely pointing out to those who seem to enjoy a little moan, about the unfairness of life, and paying more into a sysyem than they were lucky enough not to get more out of, that our taxes fund a whole range of things, other than social benefits. Social benefits, such as sick pay, and child benefit, you seemed to have completely forgotten you'd been paid, until it I helpfully pointed out to you...and then it all came flooding back, and you agreed you did in fact receive more than 'a penny' in benefits, as a worker.

Since I've personally made no mention of some halycon 'olden day', or mentioned Harold Wilson or James Callaghan, I'm stumped as to why you've brought them into the discussion, in relation to myself.

Perhaps it's time one of us had a little nap, in a nice quiet room, and it'll all make perfect sense later.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Again, I'd just like to point out that the majority of funding for further education, doesn't come from student tuition fees. They receive funding and subsidy from central government, which of course is funded by all those little tax payers, some of who might be childless, or whose children decide they don't want to go to university.

Such is life.

You win some, you lose some.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Are you sure you weren't a politician in previous life, i'll take it back you don't wear two hats, That statement is very true in every aspect, including the bit about the council chamber, but in that respect there are two of them on on each side:rolleyes:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

The greatest joys in my life are - and always will be - family based, and I am thankful of the benefits provided me through honesty, integrity, a long and happy marriage, and an insight into the rare freedoms that are currently being eroded on an almost daily basis by those I deem to refer to as a bunch of politically correct nerds.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Jolly good.

Personally I'm decidedly in the camp that believes the glass is half full.

For those who gloomily insist that life's glass in half empty, I do understand their need to have a little moan, and grumble.

However, when those moaners start to whine about things that aren't factually correct, I do have this overwhelming urge to redress the inaccuracies, and offer the truth of the matter.

Just a little quirk of mine.

Turning fiction into fact.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

When are we going to have the explanation about how Callaghan and Wilson suddenly popped up?

Is there a raincoat, or favoured holiday destination link?

Wives maiden names?

Or have you not had that little nap yet?

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

And, I might say, when it comes to sticking the knife in and twisting it - you appear pretty adept. Probably in the back, though!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Something springs to mind about a certain PM putting a lit pipe in the the pocket of his overcoat, but I feel a yawn coming on as I lost an hour's sleep last night. Bye for now.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Perhaps finding out about all these new things, facts, has made you a little dizzy, and more confused, and you're under the illusion that you're actually communicating with Marcia, Lady Falkender.

You're not.

;)

So I'm sure we're still all dying to know where Callaghan and Wilson come into the debate.

:rolleyes:

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Not at all.

I'll look you straight in the eye.

If you're very lucky you might even get a pityingly little smile.

:)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

...and for throwing facts and figures into the pot, instead of wild inaccuracies, I expect not a word of thanks.

It's my utter pleasure.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

My thanks go to you in return for your politeness.

Harold Wilson and James Callaghan were both Labour Prime Ministers during my formative years, and both their governments ended in disappointment. Wilson promising that 'the pound in my pocket' would be unaffected by devaluation, and Callaghan bringing us the 'winter of discontent' when strikes damn near brought the country to it's knees - much like your idol, Brown is doing now. Incidentally, it was the late Harold Wilson who set his gannex raincoat on fire with his pipe. His mind may well have been diverted by his 'amore' who was to become Lady Falkender. Hope I've got my facts right this time.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

What you have to understand rindy, is that at a certain age the brain gets full and introducing this type of thing to us, can and often does cause something far more important to be pushed out to make room, so please be very careful about what you post.
http://www.tiptopglobe.com/skin/smile/s9458.gif

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

My 'idol, Brown'?

I'm terribly sorry to disillusion you...yet again, and shatter your sorry attempt to pigeon hole me, and attach a neat lttle label.

Morally bankrupt, incapable, and out of touch, are just three of the decriptions I've used recently to describe 'my idol'.

My views are entirely my own.

I have never been a member of any political party, nor have I always voted for the same party.

I am non-partisan. Free to speak my own mind, and someone who doesn't follow party lines, and I couldn't give two figs if my comments upset any politican, of either side.

It's really a very refreshing, and rewarding position to be in, and how you must envy me the freedoms that I enjoy.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Without being rude, I did suggest a little nap might be beneficial, and help bring a little clarity to the confusion.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I also had my formative years spent under Premiers Wilson and Callaghan.

There are a couple missing though.

Perhaps they have just slipped your mind, and didn't make it to the chronological list.

Heath, and Thatcher.

They too helped form the opinions I hold today about politics.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

I stand corrected. At least we can agree on being non-partisan when it comes to party politics. Just a pity that Screaming Lord Such is no longer around as I'm sure that his party's memberbership would have soared. Our verbal-sparring seems to have resulted in some common ground.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Heath was the guy responsible for conning the nation into joining the so called Common Market, and Thatcher the one who deprived my kids of their school milk, hence the beginning of my disillusionment with politicians of whatever ilk.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Apology graciously accepted.

I'm here to help and enlighten, and am your humble servant, in this on-going endevour.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Without wishing to be rude, I would've thought that Sir Anthony Eden and Harold MacMillan were in Downing Street during your "formative years"...or are getting your Harolds mixed up?

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

If we're going to have lists of Premiers, it's nice if we don't miss any off, especially such important ones.

Otherwise some scallywag will start bleating about political bias, and especially because the influence of the missing two can still be felt today.

;)

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Glad to hear it. Though the verbal sparring takes precedence over The Times Crossword for raking over the old grey matter - provided the veiled insults remain tongue-in-cheek!

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

Reckon it depends on what one considers to be their formative years. Winston Churchill was PM during my early years, the only one that I still maintain any respect for, but not for his mishandling of the economy after the war. Incidentally, I still have a couple of my old mums ration books.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

With fear of being labelled incredibly rude, I was going to go back a little earlier, and mention Attlee, but I wouldn't have been so impolite as to mention any influence from Balfour, or any formative political opinions gained prior to that.

Re: The Tory "dirty tricks brigade" and the media
 

They're usually considered to be the years between childhood and adulthood, but maybe yours came later. I'm still waiting for mine! ;)