Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2005-04-23 06:07:13 - Graham Ellis
I've missed my opportunity to stand in this general election. Nominations closed at 4 p.m. last Tuesday.
OK - I admit it - it was never a serious idea but I do feel that there's a desparate need for a number of independent MPs who aren't afraid to say what they think and to provide a fresh questioning of what's proposed for the country.
My manifesto
"I'll honestly tell you my views as they are today. But as I learn more and as situations change, they're liable to pragmatic adjustment. Probably not too much will change in what I'm thinking, but I'm not going to promise that. Politicians make too many promises already."
I'll question and vote as I see fit - with the medium to long term security, prosperity, health, education and enjoyment of this country, the people who live and visit here (especially in the Devizes constituency and the rest of Wiltshire), and of the rest of the world as my strategic view. And that strategic view will help me decide shorter term tactics - whether or not any particular idea is a good one.
I've lived within the Devizes constituency for over 25 years and I love the area. I'll be delighted to represent its local interests and champion its people and places, including issues brought to my attention. What I won't do is set short term policies in line with what will be popular - in other words, I'll look to the longer term and not buy your votes and approval with populist policies.
I can (and will) say "I don't know" or "I don't have a view" sometimes / on some subjects. You can't expect that I'll be able to form an opinion on everything and if I did, some of those opinions would be very shallow. Where I do have an opinion, you may not agree with me - but please VOTE FOR ME ANYWAY as opinions need to be independently aired.
Perhaps I should start hawking these views around now, and build up a head of steam so that I can stand in 4 or 5 years time from a flying start. Or perhaps I'm not tough enough for the inevitable cut-and-thrust and harsh words and attention.