Adam Price out Campaigning

I was in town earlier today and saw, for the second time in my life, a politician campaigning. Adam Price (see here, here, here, and here) was out sporting his Plaid Cymru rosette with his support posse.

Needless to say it occurred to me that this was my chance to interact with my representative and make sure he was singing from the correct song sheet. Needless to say I didn't. I would have except that I suddenly realised that I did not have the slightest clue what he (or his party) stood for. Also I would be wasting his time as I can't vote (I'm Swedish).

So I didn't get him on the way fox hunting was dealt with, the lack of respect for the public protests over Iraq, the terrorism over drive, the biometric problem, intellectual property patents, ASBOs or my pet peeve - the VAT discrepancy between new build and renovation. There is some movement on the VAT though.

Nor did I go all popular and discuss immigration, law and order, education, tax, or any of the other issues that he probably expected to be quizzed on.

Learn from my mistake. With an election looming and hundreds of politicians suddenly on the streets and approachable it might be a good idea to line up a few questions for them. And remember that you are not interested in how they will answer, your interest lies in making them answer the way you want them to. Prepare your arguments.

Still the sentiments of the market traders was apt: at least it was good to see him - the other candidates apparently don't do the rounds like this anymore.

As it turns out, my research has now shown that he appears quite a likeable chap. He is after all the one trying to impeach Blair over Iraq. Slightly futile perhaps but it shows a bit of pluck to give it a go.

My other campaigning politician experience? Watching David Mellor being chased down Putney High Street by a man in a 'Big Toe' outfit. The 'Big Toe' was the symbol of some single issue party. Priceless.