Page 16 - link magazine

16
The Link Magazine • November 1997
L FIlE FROM WES' I 'MINS I 'FR Local politicians
How MPs should MPs listen to the sounds of Guy Fawkes night get ready for the
Michael Wills, MP for North Swindon, considers the importance of paying attention to the electorate next round
The House of Commons finds sis point. In a recent poll, only 4% Candidates are starting to line up
its own distinctive way of cele- said they believed that the Tories for the local elections to Swindon
brating the great national holi- keep their promised, while only Council next May, the first for
days. But it does not seem to have 6% believed that Labour and the two years.
any plans to mark 5 November. Liberal Democrats keep theirs. One of the most keenly contest-
Perhaps all us MPs are still a little That is why Tony Blair never ed will be the huge Toothill ward
too conscious of the fact that peo- ceases to remind his Parliamen- which takes in Toothill, Westlea,
ple might be celebrating how far tary army that what the people Shaw and Roughmoor.
Guy Fawkes got with his plot, have given, the people can take Sitting councillor Terry Winter,
rather than the fact that it was away. Being an MP is a job and a who is up for election next year,
foiled. vital part of the that job is to start has resigned from the Labour
Despite all the euphoria of the restoring that trust between people Party pending charges of indecent
new Labour government's pro- and government. Keeping our assault on an under 16.
tracted honeymoon, politicians promises would be a good start. Nick Martin, below, from Mid-
forget their true standing with the The Government has made a fly- dleleaze, Shaw has been selected
public at their peril. None of us ing start in implementing our by the Conservatives to campaign

are elected because of who we are. manifesto pledges. Listening to for the seat. He has lived in the
All those personal qualities in people would be another. That is area since 1994 and stood for the
which we take such private pride why I have spent the summer Toothill seat in the 1996 elections.
have little impact on the elec- because it saves time. holding a series of open meetings -
torate. We are elected because of Not much of a joke perhaps but on PMH, on education, on
what we represent - in my case, it passed for one at Westminster. Swindon's bus service and on my
the Labour Party. And all too And it is a telling example of the first term at Westminster. And I
often public enthusiasm for what distaste in which politicians are plan many more to come in the
we represent is distinctly luke- held. No comment in the joke months ahead.
warm. 'Not bad - for a politician' about policies. Just straight abuse. But there's a long row still to

is about as positive as it gets. Politicians regularly come top in hoe. And the fireworks lighting
Before the election, a joke was polls about the most despised pro- up the Guy Fawkes night sky
going round Westminster. fessions - even above estate agents remind us of how far we all still
Michael Portillo once asked a close and my previous profession of have to go.
friend why, whenever he television journalist.
appeared on television, people The breakdown of trust between • Michael Wills can be contacted
took an instant dislike to him. His politicians and those there are via the Pinehurst People's Centre,
friend replied, 'I suppose it's meant to represent has reached cri- Olive Grove, Swindon. Tel: 481016.
The biggest car launch ever...

Daewoo has revolutionised the way cars are sold. By selling direct to the public and cutting out the middleman Daewoo
has ensured that its customers can enjoy unbeatable value for money and service. All Daewoos come with

a comprehensive warranty package which includes 3 years/60,000 mile free servicing (inclusive of labour and parts),
3 yearsl60,000 mile warranty, 3 years Total AA cover and a 6 year anti corrosion warranty. No other car manufacturer
can offer such a peace of mind package.
Equally as impressive is the standard level of equipment which includes Power
l
rn
CORPORATION Steering, Dual Airbags, Side Impact Bars etc., and of course a courtesy and cus-
STREET
oco tomer care programme which is setting new standards in the car industry.
]-(
FLEMING WAY ...that'll be the Daewoo

ii 311SV3MN
Cn le The Daewoo Support Centre at Halfords
10 DAE WOO S Unit 2
QI(( . I3U1 Fleming Way DAEWOO
at Halfords Swindon SN I 2NG 014
I Tel: 01793 434063