------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
How does a PM fare as a local MP? By Catherine Lee BBC News, in Sedgefield Anthony Charles Lynton Blair will be remembered for his 10-year term as prime minister, but for thousands of people in County Durham he has held an additional role as their local MP. Tony Blair became MP for Sedgefield in 1983 His daily agenda may have consisted of national and international issues, yet he has also been the elected representative for the constituency of Sedgefield. So have his duties as leader caused him to neglect his local ones, and do the residents of the former mining area feel they may have missed out? Tony Blair was elected to the newly-created constituency of Sedgefield in 1983, and even then it was felt that he would go far. Paul Trippett, one of the so-called famous five who are credited with discovering him, said: "When we picked him we knew he was special. He can be seen on TV every day, so he's more visible to his constituents than most other MPs are Paul Trippett, one of those responsible for Tony Blair's selection "At that time the area was dominated by the remnants of the pits, and I felt people would have been expecting an archetypal ex-union official or ex-miner who would have made a good and decent backbencher. "Instead we picked a very young, privately-educated barrister. But he had such charisma. We knew he would go to great heights." Limited access He conceded that these heights meant Mr Blair was perhaps not able to fulfil his local role in the way that a backbencher might, but said that people did not mind. "He can be seen on TV every day dealing with national issues which affect them, so he's more visible to his constituents than most other MPs are." Trimdon Labour Club is Mr Blair's power base in the area Although Mr Blair still has a home in the area, when he became prime minister visits were less frequent, and physical access to him became limited. For practical and security reasons local surgeries have been held by his agent, and close friend, John Burton, albeit at Mr Blair's constituency home. Mr Burton said: "People with problems hope the prime minister can wave a magic wand and solve them, but he still has to go through the usual channels. "Mind you, I'm sure a letter from him, even as a constituency MP, does concentrate the mind somewhat." Even political opponents agreed that allowances had to be made. People in Tony Blair's constituency give their views on their local MP. In pictures Nick Crass, chairman of the Sedgefield Conservative Association, said: "As a constituency MP he is not particularly accessible, but I suppose his job as prime minister does take up more time. "However, the area hasn't benefited economically as a result. There's been no great change." Others were more positive about his legacy for Sedgefield. Mr Trippett said: "At one time we used to be known only for the racecourse, now it's for Tony. "There have been visits from major figures, including the French Prime Minister [Lionel] Jospin, and George Bush. "People still talk about what they were doing the day the president came." Talking to people in the area, Tony Blair does appear to be popular, especially in Trimdon Village where the Labour Constituency Club is based. There were more dissenting voices in the larger, neighbouring town of Sedgefield. The "people's princess" speech was made outside the local church However, when considering his achievements or failures the line between local MP and prime minister seem to blur. A new hospital was named as a big local issue, though it was built under the national private finance initiative scheme, and the war in Iraq was frequently cited, even when it was his duties as local MP under discussion. One memorable time when the two roles merged was in the immediate aftermath of Princess Diana's death. Mr Blair delivered one of the best-known soundbites of his career, when he dubbed her the "people's princess", in front of the church where he was about to attend a thanksgiving service for becoming prime minister. The venue was St Mary Magdalene, Trimdon Village, in the heart of his constituency. Cip ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
