Wednesday 5 December 2007

ROTTEN BOROUGHS

Despite many attempts to have a letter printed or article covered in the Eye, I have to date failed. I am therefore awestruck to find that Mr Ahmed Khan has made the pages at his first attempt. The “Case of the Missing Ballot Boxes” is covered in this week’s issue, and it doesn’t make pleasant reading for the Councils hierarchy. Highlighting David Milibands calls for Pakistan to gets its electoral house in order, it then goes on to explain how South Tyneside managed to “skip” ballot boxes which contained a section of legally disputed forms. “The cock up – if that is what it was”, (their words, not mine) is under the “Rotten Boroughs” section, with the heading “Deep In The Skip”.

As an avid reader of the Eye for nearly 30 years, to be included in its Rotten Borough section is more than a slur, it is a national condemnation of shame. The writer of the piece, Tim Minogue, is a highly respected journalist of the “old school” i.e. when he smells a rat, he digs and digs. As such, he always has a lot of material for the column. The article is the first item to be covered, so for South Tyneside to finish top of the pile then, is pretty disgraceful.

I always said this issue was far from over. This article will stimulate other journalistic interest and more column inches will follow. Who knows, we might have an interview with the “porter”!

I sincerely hope that Ms Lucas et al are made aware of this element of our notoriety! What next, councillor attendance rates? South Tyneside issuing parking tickets on land which doesn’t even belong to them?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is typical of you Peter. If it appears in print then it must be true.

Just a few months ago on a different site you had a go at Cllr. Audrey Macmillan because Kahn mentioned her in his failed petition.

Macmillan was absolutely in the clear yet because Kahn had named her in his petition you automaticaly thought the worst of her.

I think if you were any sort of a decent bloke you at least eat humble pie and learn a valuable lesson. The lesson-don't always believe what you read in the papers!

PETER SHAW said...

Perhaps Neil, you could actually outline what isnt true in what has been printed, then I can address the issues you raise.

Many thanks

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see this one!

Mind you his response will probably need to be vetted (ops I mean approved) at 'the Saturday club' (apparently Audrey is still a prominent member) that’s if he’s been allowed back in after being ‘expelled’ for spending too much time with the ‘opposition’ in the Fountain.

Who knows this might also explain his sudden reappearance as the labour candidate for Harton in the forthcoming local elections a favourite comeback zone for ‘Fountain boys’ just ask Mr Dix!

Mr Maxwell

I do wish people would spell my name correctly. Perhaps you could check the correct spelling with Audrey the next time you speak, she’s bound to know!

Oh yes, I don't mind you can calling me Mr if you can't remember my first name.

PETER SHAW said...

Once again hello Neil

I hope you are reading these comments. I don’t won’t to have to contact you personally under different circumstances. I refer to your original comment:

“Just a few months ago on a different site you had a go at Cllr. Audrey Macmillan because Kahn mentioned her in his failed petition.”

And again

“I think if you were any sort of a decent bloke you at least eat humble pie and learn a valuable lesson.”

My reply was:

“Perhaps Neil, you could actually outline what isn’t true in what has been printed, then I can address the issues you raise.”

I have trawled all the sites I can which to date are available to me, and can find no reference to your specific allegations, notably where I have mentioned the Councillor by name as you have outlined. Perhaps you could let me know where I made them and I will be happy to amend them as regards to what is correct or not. I think 24 hours should be enough.

Nobody wants a repeat of the BRENDA situation, so I am eager to resolve this issue as soon as possible, both for you and for me.

Anonymous said...

Peter, can I refer you to your comment on a certain other blog dated 05/06/2007.