All change at GMPTE (Greater Manchester Public Transport Authority) 28 June, 2008

In a dramatic and pleasing move Conservative Councillor Mathew Colledge was elected chairman of the all powerful Greater Manchester Public Transport Authority. Taking over from the defeated Labour Councillor Roger Jones, who fell to third place in Irlam, Salford behind the Conservatives, over his support of the Driving Charge.

This is the ultimate vindication of the Conservatives’ long standing position to give real choice to the people through a citywide referendum, but as ever Labour will only ask us if they can be assured of a yes vote. Power to the people I say!

I wish to extend to him and the committee my very best wishes going forward, not back.

Roads pricing 24 June, 2008

The most laughable claim Labour made prior to the local elections, was that the state of the roads in Kersal have greatly improved, a touch ironic considering Labour, having been in power in Salford since time immemorial, they are responsible for the diabolical state of the roads.

The few roads repairs that were being undertaken were an obvious election gimmick, borne out by the fact that currently to my knowledge there is not a single road repair being undertaken in Kersal, it is a sheer shame and disgrace. One of the issues that were raised by residents on the doorstep unprompted, was the bus service, or the lack of it, particularly in Lower Kersal. Until Labour give us a real choice in public transport and take the people with them regardless of the price of petrol, or driving charge, we will not be priced out of our cars as there is no alternative, more incentives less coercion is say!

Supply V Demand 8 June, 2008

The most elementary golden rule of commerce is that the price of goods in an open market is fixed by supply and demand. As demand rises so does the price, and conversely as supply increases the price falls and so too vice versa .

However having spent a few days in London, it is increasingly apparent that despite supply falling dramatically, prices have stabilized if not begun to fall, turning the above rule on its head.

It is further interesting to note whereas ordinarily the rest of the country follows London, here it is London that is trailing, as prices are flat, whereas they are falling across the rest of the UK. Finally if I had a penny for every property dealer or vested interest that are behaving like ostriches, believing it’s only a blip, or they are somehow cushioned because.. I’d be a very rich man.

Let’s pray and hope prices do not fall dramatically as we will all pay the price in the long run, though I am not holding my breath.

Dad was right! 3 June, 2008

Many years ago, when I heard the name Max Mosley I asked my father if he was related to Oswald Mosley, my father explained to me that he is his son. The only difference being, his father was openly a Nazi and racist, whilst his son is a closet racist. I felt that a bit harsh, notwithstanding that my father is the son of a holocaust survivor, I felt a man should not be judged for his fathers actions. It is now clear that his campaigning for fascists in his early years was not incidental.

My mind boggles what these 103 countries that voted to keep him in post are thinking, I understand he pushed for a secret ballot, and he placated them by secretly promising not to stand again. What a complete joke! It has put me off following motor sport for the foreseeable future, and I hope others vote with their pockets.