A healthy debate
One of the pleasures of being involved in politics is meeting people with differing views from yourself and having animated discussions. Sometimes you are wrong, and sometimes you win the debate, but hopefully you end up still be very good friends with your opponents.
One of the things of which I am proudest is that I can sit down with virtually anyone and have a debate about the issue of the day, and no matter how much we disagree, we still have a chat and a pint afterwards.
That's not just in the Comhairle, but also with acquaintances whom I meet sporadically, and who love to discuss politics and party Politics sometimes in the most 'robust' manner.
Many of these 'robust' debates take place with people who support political parties other than the one I represent, but sometimes they can be just as lively with members of my own party about nuances of policy, about ambition for the future, or about the (in)ability of the elected representatives (self included).
However, what I always do is stick to my principles and whilst accepting the arguments of others, I have never parotted the 'party line' if I did not believe in it. Indeed, my opponents will confirm that I am open and honest about my views, even when they differ from the official view.
Oooooh! I'm a maverick!!!
What I cannot abide is politicians who regurgitate the briefing without thought or understanding. I exclude the payroll vote (Ministers etc.) on the grounds that they are chosen for their ability NOT to think.
Having said all of this, I get very, very, annoyed when some people try to gag me from speaking my mind on something I strongly believe in and try to stifle debate about a major issue in the islands. Suffice to say, I won't and can't be gagged, and those who try to should be aware that such a course of action has the converse effect.
Oooooh. Now I'm a rebel!!!
I know that the public hate cloned politicians, and want people to speak their mind. So why do the clones never see this??? Perhaps because they cannot think for themselves?
One of the things of which I am proudest is that I can sit down with virtually anyone and have a debate about the issue of the day, and no matter how much we disagree, we still have a chat and a pint afterwards.
That's not just in the Comhairle, but also with acquaintances whom I meet sporadically, and who love to discuss politics and party Politics sometimes in the most 'robust' manner.
Many of these 'robust' debates take place with people who support political parties other than the one I represent, but sometimes they can be just as lively with members of my own party about nuances of policy, about ambition for the future, or about the (in)ability of the elected representatives (self included).
However, what I always do is stick to my principles and whilst accepting the arguments of others, I have never parotted the 'party line' if I did not believe in it. Indeed, my opponents will confirm that I am open and honest about my views, even when they differ from the official view.
Oooooh! I'm a maverick!!!
What I cannot abide is politicians who regurgitate the briefing without thought or understanding. I exclude the payroll vote (Ministers etc.) on the grounds that they are chosen for their ability NOT to think.
Having said all of this, I get very, very, annoyed when some people try to gag me from speaking my mind on something I strongly believe in and try to stifle debate about a major issue in the islands. Suffice to say, I won't and can't be gagged, and those who try to should be aware that such a course of action has the converse effect.
Oooooh. Now I'm a rebel!!!
I know that the public hate cloned politicians, and want people to speak their mind. So why do the clones never see this??? Perhaps because they cannot think for themselves?
2 comments:
i notice you said virtually anyone and not anyone virtual....
...or virtuous! :-)
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