I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for locally and regionally elected politicians who understand best the needs of their areas. And far more say too for the dedicated staff at all levels in health and education.
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When I started knocking on Highland doors in May 1983, two things struck me more than any other. First was the sheer depth of hostility towards the Tories in general. Second was the particular hostility towards Margaret Thatcher and her local ministerial spear-carrier, energy minister and incumbent MP of 13 years' standing, Hamish Gray.
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Politics means facing up to hard choices and facing down prejudice, short-termism, the easy, tempting court of knee-jerk public reaction.
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The growing influence of focus groups means we are all in danger of being excessively cowed by their feedback.
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I will go out of this world feet first with my Lib Dem membership card in my pocket.
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I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else.
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I believe that our country is a richer, more vibrant society precisely because it is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society.
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Decentralisation is controversial - but that's fine. We should be fearless about having a debate.
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Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.
