Happy Birthday from the Lib Dems

It seems that despite the public’s disliking for party political games, I am in the middle of one, kindly created by the Lewisham Lib Dems, who have recently misquoted from my article “Defending public service…”

During one of the worst recessions facing the planet, where one child dies every three seconds in the developing world, when people are facing difficult financial choices, with some losing their jobs and having their houses repossessed, the Lib Dems think it is more important to engage in party political point scoring. I find this dull, to be honest, and I will not engage in such silly games.

This morning, I met a lady called Maureen at the 170 Centre, in New Cross, who needs help with anti-social behaviour and adaptions to her home. She is not interested in attacking the Labour Party, nor creating melodramatic metaphors, but in finding help and support. She is the reason I am involved in politics.

2009 is a different place to that of even 2007. If the Lib Dems, or anyone else wish to live in the past, then that is up to them. I am more concerned with helping people.

However, I am involved in the Labour Party, because I grew-up in poverty, and I saw that the Labour Party is the best vehicle to attain social justice. Day-in-day-out, Labour Party members, volunteers and representatives work tirelessly for people in Lewisham and around the country. We are constantly faced by a negative media response. We are also a Party that is alive and discussing issues that everyone faces and coming up with solutions. When I first came to Lewisham, I was impressed by the passion and commitment from people like Steve Bullock, Jarman, Jackie and Sylvia – councillors for Crofton Park, and Joan Ruddock. Tough decisions are made in the best interests of the people of Lewisham, not against them. This is the real story.

I will continue along with other Labour Party members to work for people like Maureen, because this is the real politics not the cynicism that we often find in the media.

So, as it is my birthday today, I’d like to thank Cllr Chris Maines for my birthday gift.