The Wisdom of Uncles
The wisdom of English Democrat, Steve Uncles (I had a good chuckle at this press releases and follow up comment).
English Democrats London Mayoral Candidate - Matt O'Connor, today announced in a press conference close to his "Shock Scot" Campaign Poster at London Bridge Railway station, that he would be launching a new "Hard Hitting" English Parliament Campaign Group in May 2008, directly after the London Mayoral Elections.
He explained that the English Parliament issue is a "Killer Issue" and the established "Campaign for an English Parliament" is virtually invisible to most members of the public,and that's after 10 years of existance, he continued it's difficult to understand what the leadership of the Campaign for an English Parliament have been doing, it's time for a fresh radicle approach to gain justice for England, and maximum publicity for the issue.
He promised to firmly establish the "English Parliament" issue at the very top of the political agenda, once outside the restrictions of an the Mayoral Election Campaign, in a similar way to his Fathers-4-Justice campaign.
"I'll make sure the established politicians can no longer ignore the will of the English people"
The Campaign for an English Parliament recently rejected an offer by Matt O'Connor to speak at their "Future of England Conference" on April 26 in London, as they were afraid it may attract "too much attention".
ENDS
Actually it was the wrong sort of attention they were worried about.
The snub by the CEP in not allowing Matt O'Connor to speak at the "Future of England" conference was not a good move by the CEP, and could have been a key note speech for Matt O'Connor in the London Campaign.
The occassional snipes by some of the CEP bloggers with regards the English Democrats is also something the English Democrats have never responded to, the CEP go over board to quite rightly let other organisations know that the CEP is an inclusive Campaign Group, however some of the bloggers for the very same CEP want to try to imply that the English Democrats is linked to the "Far Right", at any opportunity they have, this is not something that should occur, and is of course totally incorrect.
It is worth remembering that a proportion of those in the CEP are paid up members of the Conservative Party, Labour Party and indeed one bizarre individual chose UKIP instead of joining the English Democrats to stand in a Council Election - difficult to understand ! - these "Party" members have their own agenda.
The current Vice-Chairman of the CEP was the English Democrats Chairman of Oxfordshire for a while, he was approached by and became a Conservative and I believe is trying to get a career as a politician in the Conservative & Unionist at all cost party !
It won't do any harm to have Two Campaigning Groups for an English Parliament.
There was the organisation (and still is) "Families Need Fathers" but this group although government funded never achieved the same publicity as Fathers-4-Justice.
I'd suggest that Matt Man is a better "front man" then Michael Knowles, for an English Parliament Campaign Group however I am sure they will end up working together.
Wry smile from Mike Knowles. Yes, I know it's easy to be wise after the event, but even so it's bloody funny given recent events: Steve Uncles arrested.
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Matt O'Connor was a bad
Matt O'Connor was a bad choice.
But as far as I'm concerned this "after 10 years of existance, he continued it’s difficult to understand what the leadership of the Campaign for an English Parliament have been doing" rings true.
No disrespect to Mike Knowles and the others at the CEP but it desperately needs new blood at the top.
There does seem to be
There does seem to be something rather pedestrian about CEP's approach. A more dynamic and headline grabbing approach should not be discounted as being counter productive. Lots of mass media exposure could well bring a new dynamism to the campaign.
An organisation in disarray
An organisation in disarray is always easy to ignore - and it is unfortunate that the major players in the fight for an english parliament seem to be in constant public conflict. However, having said that the choice of Matt O'Connor seems to have been disastrous. By the way it's August now, is there any sign of the new party for english democratic parity?
The problem is that it does make it so simple for others to totally disregard the basic message unfortunately
Dear Wyrdtimes, The NC of
Dear Wyrdtimes,
The NC of the CEP would welcome new blood. Unfortunately when we spot someone who has the potential they seem to disappear when the prospect of hard unrewarding work is presented!
Dear Greg, Better to be
Dear Greg,
Better to be plodding on relentlessly than some fly-by-night organisation that's here today and gone tomorrow. How is Matt's new and virile campaign for an English Parliament organisation going?
Dear Scilla, Your
Dear Scilla,
Your point is well taken. However, are you satisfied with the public's level of awareness of CEP and its aims after ten years?
In answer to Gregs' question
In answer to Gregs' question I have to say that with the resources the CEP has it has done extremely well in its efforts to raise public awareness of the inequalities of devolution as it currently exists. The CEP has also raised awareness of its concerns in political and academic circles which is no mean feat.
In reply to Veronica, I
In reply to Veronica, I readily accept and acknowledge the awesome achievements brought about by all supporters of CEP. In ten years. CEP has ensured that England's position has not been sidelined in the devolution debate. It has given a focus and energy to the efforts of those who want an English Parliament and many people have put in mammoth efforts to bring this about. That politicians (some) and academics are on board with CEP's case is not the issue. My concern as an English Nationalist relates to the English public, the man in the street, everyday folk who vote - are they aware of the CEP and what it stands for? If you feel that there is a high level of public awareness, then of course CEP has no real problems. If you maintain that that is the case, then all supportes of English nationalism will be thrilled. If not, then ideas aimed at broadening CEP's appeal should be welcomed. I carry no brief whatsoever for Matt O'Connor but his ideas may well have some merit in bringing CEP to a wider public.
one bizarre individual chose
one bizarre individual chose UKIP instead of joining the English Democrats to stand in a Council Election
That would be me. A bizarre individual? Sometimes, I suppose, but I'm not sure that joining UKIP instead of the EDP makes someone bizarre.
Lots of people warned the EDP about Matt O'Conman but they didn't listen. Lots of people warned the EDP about Steve Uncles but they didn't listen. I detect a theme - they don't listen.
I support the aims of the EDP with respect to an English Parliament and euroscepticism but the biggest barrier to an English Parliament is the EU. David Camoron isn't going to dilute our relationship with the EU and the EU forces the British government to balkanise England. A unitary English government is against EU rules so we have to leave the EU or stand up to it an the only party that's in a position to do that is UKIP. I don't agree with UKIP's devolution policies and I make sure that I tell people that on a regular basis.