Blogging4Merton

Nadal winning Wimbledon

2008-07-07T17:01:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity of going to Wimbledon to watch the Men's final, and what a fantastic match it turned out to be. Despite the rain breaks, it was edge of the seat stuff throughout and was amazing to see first hand. Roger Federer proved why he won Wimbledon five times by fighting back so brilliantly from two sets down ,and from 5-2 down in the fourth set tiebreak. I lost count of the number of break points he defended in the match. Likewise Nadal showed why he is a worthy champion by playing some scintillating tennis which at times was sheer brilliance. To be the first player since Borg to win Wimbledon after the French, is a phenomenal achievement given that so few players have even won both tournaments let along back to back wins. I was glad to be able to watch one of the great Wimbledon finals - it may have been long match but there was never a dull moment throughout.

Spain winning the European Championship

2008-06-30T23:01:00.003+01:00

I have a confession to make - I actually wanted Germany to win the European Championship last night. With no involvement from the home nations, it was a hard choice to make, but I happened to draw Germany in a work sweepstake, so I nailed my colours and allegiance to them for the duration of the tournament. The fighting spirit lasted for a long time, but sadly it was not to be, and on this occasion they came 2nd. Still my support was for them was for this tournament only, if I had drawn another team I'd probably have supported them for the duration in the absence of any home nation - hopefully I'll not have to make that choice come the World Cup!

However, I am also pleased for Spain and especially el nino(Torres) who scored the winner, being a Liverpool fan it helped make defeat that much sweeter and Spain really had been the team of the tournament.

Andy Murray beating Gasquet

2008-06-30T22:55:00.003+01:00

What an amazing tennis match, and what a player. He never gave up, and won though in what had to be one of the most entralling matches I've ever seen played at Wimbledon. When Gasquet was serving for the match in the third, Murray looked finshed, but back he came, with some of the most amzing shots I've ever seen played in a tennis match.

On Wednesday I'll be going to Wimbledon and I am looking forward to his match against Nadal, maybe another classic??? Hopefully Murray will win, it will be tough, but if he plays as well as he did tonight in the final three sets he stands every chance of going further.

Barack Obama wins Democrat nomination

2008-06-04T22:22:00.003+01:00

Well I've been backing him from the start as the Democratic nominee and finally last night he was confirmed as John McCain's opponent in November. This has possibly been the longest drawn out primary season going right to the bitter end. Hilary Clinton is certainly a formidable fighter and fought him right to the end even though she'd effectively lost a long time ago.

I never really believed that Obama would win the nomination back in January and thought Hilary would come through - a prediction I thankfully got wrong. Now he has to pick a running mate, Hilary is touting herself around and has a strong case but given the divisive nature of the primary campaign is it really a viable option? One thing that does need to happen is that Democrats have to come together and unite behind Obama, if they embark on infighting they'll hand the presidency to John McCain and that would be a disaster for the US and the world. Obama is the change candidate and hopefully will be the next President of the United States.

Let the battle commence!

Mitcham Eastfields station opens

2008-06-03T00:02:00.002+01:00

After nearly a seventy year wait, just aftet 4 today the new Mitcham Eastfields station opened and services commenced. They had orginally meant to start this morning but due to techincial issues the opening was delayed till this afternoon.

The new station will impove travel significantly from the Mitcham area, and especially from my council ward of Pollards Hill, part of which is near to the station. London will now be only twenty minutes on the train, along with providing a direct link to the Eurostar station at St Pancras and to Luton Airport. Hopefully the station will also act as an economic stimulas for the area and bring much needed new investment into the area.

Its been a long time coming but at last its here.

It has to be Barack

2008-05-14T23:59:00.002+01:00

With the endorsement of John Edwards earlier today it surely spells the end of Hillary Clinton's campaign. It has been a fantastic battle and one of the most exciting primary races for a generation, but it's quite clear that Barack Obama will be the Democrat nominee for president.

Hillary will do herself no favours if she stays in beyond the end of the primary season in early June. It is clear that the momentum with super-delegates is with Barack and that he'll soon have enough support to take him over the line. The issues of Michigan and Florida are raised continuously along with their exclusion. It is clear that even if they were included Barack would win, and he wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan.

However, the one worrying thing about Barrack’s candidature for president is his polling among blue-collar workers. The Democrats need to win over that crucial demographic. What has also concerned me is his failure to really win any of the big states except his home patch of Illinois, it's all very well winning the small states but the big ones is where the vote is come election time.

I started off a Barack supporter and remain one, the next few months will be crucial. The Republicans are so unpopular in the USA that now is never a better change to enact real change in America. However, in John Mc Cain you have a maverick candidate who leans to the left on some issues to the ire of the Conservative wing of the Republicans. He may have difficulty motivating his vote to come out on election day which played such a crucial role for Bush in 2004.

The battle is nearly off, and then it's on to the big one Barack V McCain

New Mayor of Merton

2008-05-14T23:54:00.002+01:00

I was elected as Mayor of Merton on Wednesday night and I'll be in for a busy year ahead. The mayor-making ceremony went quite well, though being dressed up in robes is never the most comfortable of experiences. The ceremony in itself is not the easiest but I think I just about managed it on the night. It is a great honour for me to become the new mayor, the youngest to be elected to that position and the first born after 1965. The next year promises to be a busy year ahead but it's a great opportunity and I'm greatly looking forward to it all.

Ward results for GLA/mayoral election

2008-05-13T23:14:00.003+01:00

The results by ward are out for the GLA election. Looking at my own ward of Pollards Hill; Labour were ahead on all three counts in my own ward of Pollards Hill and by a bigger margin then at the 2006 local elections. The results cab accessed on the following link: http://results.londonelects.org.uk/Results/DownloadResults.aspx

Down to the wire

2008-05-05T22:15:00.002+01:00

The Premier League is down the wire, with Chelsea winning today at Newcastle it goes down to the final weekend with both teams on the same number of points and possibly the most exciting end since 1989. Although I'm bitterly disappointed at Liverpool losing last week to Chelsea in the Champions League,in this country we possibly have the best teams in the world at present, and this has been replicated through having an English Champions League final for the first time ever.

As for who'll win, my money is on Manchester United to win the Premier League and that Chelsea will get their revenge in the Champions League final.Hopefully next year Liverpool will be challenging for the Premier League, but it will only happen when we clearly the disastrous team of Hicks and Gillett out of the club.

Marks & Spencer opens new store in Colliers Wood

2008-05-05T22:01:00.002+01:00

Today, I visited the new Marks and Spencer in Colliers Wood which opened last Thursday. This is actually the first full range Marks and Spencer in London Borough of Merton(we have a Simply Food store in Wimbledon) and the store itself is one of the largest Marks and Spencer in the country. The store adds to the growing retail environment in Colliers Wood, which now seems to have every major chain present in various retail park along with providing hundreds of new jobs to local people. The one downside though, is that it's likely to impact on traffic coming into the area and with free parking provided it's likely to encourage even more car journeys. This will need to be watched carefully, but overall it's a significant boost to retail in the borough and is to be welcomed.

The aftermath of the local elections

2008-05-05T21:07:00.004+01:00

Having spent the bank holiday weekend recovering from an arduous election; and the shock of seeing Boris win the mayoralty, it has not been the best weekend and along with many on the left it has been a pretty depressing time.

London under Boris means we'll have to face new realities, and adapt to new circumstances. The thought of Boris in charge of London does not fill me with much confidence,and the days of progressive politics in this city are at an end, for the moment. I believe that this great city has a lot to thank Ken Livingstone for, especially the transport improvements, the neighbourhood policing teams and of course London becoming the host city for the 2012 Olympics. Ken, despite his mistakes had a track record of success. Likewise his policies on affordable housing, was something I welcomed, getting on the housing ladder and making housing affordable is of vital importance in a city which has some of the highest property prices in the world. One thing I will guarantee, is that Boris Johnson will not have the same commitment, and Tory councils across London including Merton will be able to get away with providing little housing that is affordable.

Despite the success of Boris Johnson, this is still an evenly balanced city. Labour despite the mayoralty saw it votes rise in real and in percentage terms. In losing Ken received more votes then in 2004, sadly more of the suburban Tory area of London voted then the strong Labour areas.

The other disturbing part, is the election of the repugnant BNP to the London Assembly, their vote only marginally rose from 2000. but it was enough the see Richard Barnbrook elected along with giving them a platform for their polices of hatred and division.

Like the results across the rest of the country, it was not a great night for the Labour Party. Lessons have to be learnt from the result which were poor for us across the country with a few notable exceptions(Slough, Oxford, Ipswich and Liverpool, spring to mind). As a party we need to have a seriously at how we can re-connect, the whole 10p tax issues has not been helpful. What would be disastrous however, would be recriminations, if this happens we haven't a chance in hell of winning a fourth term. These are difficult times, and lessons need to be learnt. The party does need to be focus more on addressing issues have had an impact on support for Labour. Unlike some in the media, Cameron hasn't the next election in the bag and the Labour party can recover from its present position.

I also believe that the current economic circumstances will change, people are feeling the pinch at the moment, the economy is going through a rough patch and there is no denying that things are challenging for people, especially those with mortgages. However, things are in no way comparable to the early nineties with interest rates and unemployment a fraction of what it was under the Tories.

This is not the beginning of the end, and we have to remain confident that things will change. Politics has its up and downs, I've had many ups but sometimes you have downs, last week was one of those. We lost on Thursday but we can return to winning ways.

A cruel blow at the end

2008-04-22T21:43:00.002+01:00

Looked like Liverpool tonight we were set for a 1-0 success, and what happens? an own goal is scored with the last kick of the game. Football can provide some cruel blows and this unfortunately was one of them. Still, it's a long way from being over and I'm sure we can bounce back at the Bridge, though it will be difficult given Chelsea's record at home.

Gwyneth Dunwoody

2008-04-18T21:35:00.002+01:00

Although she could be a battleaxe at times, and had very forthright views, Gwyneth Dunwoody was a great parliamentarian who was fiercly independent and a true champion of Parliament. Having recently become the longest serving women MP ever, she contributed a great deal to this country during her time in Parliament which stretched back to 1966.

The Labour Party also has a lot thank for MP's like Gwyneth Dunwoody, who helped move the party towards more commonsense policies, instead of election losing policies which was the hallmark of Labour back in the early eighties. If hadn't been for people like her, the Labour Party would never have recovered from the electoral disaster of 1983.

She was unique, and will be very sorely missed.

Liverpool pull it off again!

2008-04-08T22:18:00.002+01:00

It looked it all over after the Adebayor goal; but like on so many other other occasions Liverpool came bouncing back to set up another re-match with Chelsea. It's night like these which makes up for for all the heartache and failures you have to endure as a football supporter. There is also something about European football that brings out the best in Liverpool, time and again we look down and out and we always seem to manage to come back from the brink. If we knock out Chelesea then it's on we go to Moscow - this may very well be another year of success in the Champions League and with El Niño Torres in such great form, anything's possible.

Mugabe clings on to power in Zimbabwe

2008-04-06T23:30:00.002+01:00

What has been happening in Zimbabwe is greatly disturbing, a once great country has been reduced to a wreck through the policies of the despotic Robert Mugabe who uses every trick in the book to cling on to power.

When a country can barely feed its own population, where the economy has collapsed with the highest inflation in the world and 80% unemployment, the present situation has to change if the people are to be given any hope for the future. With the population collapsing and life expectancy now in the thirties, a country that was once of the most prosperous in Africa has collapsed into a shambolic state.

Of course, if any solution is to come, it needs to be from African countries and especially for the South African government of Thabo Mbeki. The have a clear duty to help bring to an end this regime given the mounting chaos and that as a country they're flooded with migrant fleeing Mugabe. The failure of the government of South Africa to speak out against this regime is nothing short of scandalous given that they could place influence on Zimbabwe and help bring to an end the regime of Robert Mugabe. Likewise, other African governments need to come together to condemn this despot. These governments have influence in a way that the British government will never have where it's seen as the former colonial power.

I hope that a peaceful solution is found and that an orderly transition takes places, I fear though that it will end in bloodshed as Mugabe takes ever more desperate measures to remain in power.

Steve Sinnott

2008-04-06T23:27:00.002+01:00

The union movement lost a great figure with the sudden death of the NUT General Secretary, Steve Sinnott at the weekend. Steve was a great trade unionist who fought for teachers and for better pay and conditions in the sector. His loss is a great tragedy for the union movement, and for education in this country.

Olympic torch protests in London

2008-04-06T23:14:00.002+01:00

The scene of protest throughout London today during the Olympic torch procession is not surprising or unexpected. While I condone the behaviour of some of the protester's, it shows the strength of feeling the existed and that as a democracy people have the right to protest freely. Unfortunately, these scenes will not be repeated in China, as any dissension will be stamped upon severely along with any freedom of expression and freedom to protest. The way the government systematically blocks western websites shows that are uninterested in allowing free and open access to information.

While the may be hosting the Olympics, the Chinese government have made little effort to open the country up and what has happened in Tibet of late, should disturb us all. The Olympics in China were for a wonderful opportunity for the country to reform its ways, but I fear that nothing has really changed and it's business as usual for the totalitarian regime that runs China. I don't believe that a boycott would solve anything as in the past they've made little difference and that countries from across the world should participate in the games. Thankfully with London, the host in 2012, we will be seeing a games held in a country where freedom of speech is allowed, we have a lot to be grateful for and as a democracy it's something we should value.

Boris Johnson lead down to two points

2008-04-03T01:02:00.002+01:00

The latest ICM poll tonight is encouraging news for Ken given that lead for Boris Johnson only has a 2% lead, down from margins of 10% and 12% published by You Gov. This election is all to play for, it'll be extremely close but when the voters consider the issues they'll hopefully realise that Ken is the only option for London. Ken has achieved a great deal for London on transport, policing, affordable housing and in winning the Olympics which will do a great deal to regenerate East London. If elected again, I have no doubt that he'll do even more to improve this great city. All this is at risk under Boris, he may play the lovable buffoon but underneath it's the same old Tory with policies that will only benefit the few. He should not be underestimated, but if elected you can guarantee that the advances made under Ken will soon be reversed.

Liverpool draw against Arsenal

2008-04-03T00:56:00.003+01:00

A very good result and sets Liverpool up nicely for the return leg next week at Anfield. Sadly I missed the match tonight due to the Council meeting, but I managed to get regular updates. The away goal will hopefully also prove crucial to our hopes, but the ball is in our court, now we have to finish off the job at Anfield.

Bertie Ahern resigns as Irish Taoiseach

2008-04-03T00:39:00.003+01:00

Although he was not perfect and many question remain unanswered relating to his personal finances, Bertie Ahern's contribution to politics in Ireland has been significant and he'll leave behind many achievements. The main one has to be the Good Friday agreement in 1998 and peace in Northern Ireland, what has happened in past few years would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. His contribution along with Tony Blair was significant and very successful.

During his time in office, Ireland has enjoyed unrivalled prosperity. As a country it has turned from being a basket case economy to one of the most successful in the western world. Every time I go to Ireland, I see this changing society and as a country it has never had it so good. Though like the rest of the western world, the economy has slowed down recently and levels of personal debt are high.

Bertie was certainly a character, indeed his sheer charisma probably helped him win a third term last year. His departure from office will undoubtedly be overshadowed by recent events and investigations, but his impact on Ireland has been huge and his legacy is a changed Ireland.

Merton Council meeting

2008-04-02T23:58:00.004+01:00

Another month and another Merton Council meeting.The main issue under discussion was post offices in the borough and the council passed a resolution opposing the closures. Regretfully, an amendment proposed by the Merton Park Residents' and seconded by the Labour group was narrowly defeated. This sought to remove the reference to all post office closures being opposed throughout London, and some inaccuracies in the Conservative motion (the Tories even amended their motion to correct some mistakes). While we agreed with most of their motion, some of the motion effectively committed Merton to opposing closures across the capital. While the case for post office closures in other boroughs may have a very good case, we don't know the full circumstances of those closures and as a borough we should be focusing first and foremost on Merton. Sadly, instead of trying to obtain a consensus motion, the Tories decided to play petty politics which makes little contribution to putting the case for Merton.

On the street scene (i.e. environment), we moved amendments on the Conservative motion (which praised the extra resources) despite nearly all the extra money coming for the capital budget. On the revenue budget, the Council has cut the amount spent on the street scene by £1 1/2 million this year. With capital spending for one year it more a case of short term solutions and long-term spending remains unclear. The package of cuts implemented by the Conservatives that relate to the street scene is likely to have an impact over the next year.

Another debate was on Mitcham town centre and the Tories failure to do anything over the last two years. Currently the plans are stalled and have been characterised by in-action from the Tories, the hopes of re-development have all but evaporated of late. Since coming to power, they've undertaken a consultation, which changed nothing but has managed to delay regeneration and the opportunities that would've arisen from the ASDA proposals. The council has been keen to boast a great deal about Eastifelds station which is opening in May (thanks in large part to Siobhain McDonagh). Whilst it will assist, it's not the key to solving all of Mitcham's issue, which the Tories have shown no sign of tackling.

The debate was also characterised by the Tories obsession with Siobhain Mc Donagh, indeed Tory Leader David Williams called her’ Auntie Siobhain' in a derogatry manner. It was a sign of their desperation, when they resort to these types of remarks, indeed Siobhain has done more for Mitcham then they'll ever do. If you asked the people of Mitcham their views on Siobhain, she would come out a great deal more popular then David Williams' Tories. Given the remarks by David Williams tonight, it exposed first hand his lack of understanding about Mitcham.

Andrew Judge to step down as Merton Labour group leader

2008-04-02T23:40:00.003+01:00

Although I've known for a while, it was announced officially at the Merton council meeting tonight that Andrew Judge will be stepping down as leader of the the Labour group in May. On Monday, we elected Stephen Alambritis, the current deputy leader as his replacement.

Andrew has done a fantastic job as leader of the Labour group over the last seven years. He took over during very challenging times for Merton Council in 2001 and went on to win a fourth term for Labour in 2002. During his leadership, the performance of the council improved significantly and a number of significant projects were successfully undertaken; school re-organisation, the extra resources on the street scene and the introduction of Merton Link which significantly improved customer services within the council. The significant improvement that has taken place in Merton over the past few years is in no small part due to his work. He also came very close to bucking the trend at the 2006 local election when we lost the council by a whisker but were successful in holding all our council seats in Mitcham and Morden.

In Stephen, we've got a fantastic replacement who I'm sure will be an excellent replacement as Labour group leader. I have known Stephen for a number of years, and I know what a great ambassador he'll be for the Labour party and on Merton Council.

Observations from Cape Town

2008-03-22T14:59:00.004Z

Having nearly spent a week out in Cape Town, South Africa my holiday out here is drawing to a close. The place itself is a fascinating city and very diverse; it has certainly been a learning experience. One of the most memorable parts will have been visiting a township and seeing some very primitive living conditions andpoverty, it was certainly an eye opener. This country is still very much in transition from the apartheid era; the country has made a start in healing those wounds but it still has a long way to go.

In terms of my week, Table Mountain had to be the highlight. The views from the top are amazing and it has to be one of the best natural wonders in the world.

I have a long flight back to Heathrow tomorrow and then it's back to the reality of life in London.

In Cape Town

2008-03-15T20:34:00.002Z

After a twelve hour delay and a night spent in a Heathrow Hotel courtesy of Virgin Atlantic(it was the least they could do) I am now in Cape Town, South Africa. Thankfully getting through immigration, baggage and customs was a great deal quicker then in many other airports in the world(and I've experienced some shambolic airports in the world and that includes some of the London airports) and I was at my hotel just over an hour after I'd landed. On the flight itself, I also managed to watch three films, Juno, The Valley of Elah and Brick Lane which made the time go that much faster given that it's a twelve hour flight, I would also recommend watching the films as well.

Having been here for the last 24 hours, my observations of the place to date is that it's a country with many contrasts especially between those who have and have not. Crime as well is a major issue out here with fear of crime very prevalent and when you see the barbed wire around houses and security it does bring home how lucky we're back England compared to here. Many people I have spoken to have suffered from crime and compared to nearly everywhere else I've been to in the world crime is a huge issue and exercising caution is a must.

That's not to take anything away from the place, Cape Town in itself is a very beautiful city and Table Mountain that overlooks the city adds to the natural beauty. I hope to go up Table Mountain in the next week and from all accounts it gives an outstanding vista of the city.

The one thing as well that I've noticed is how everything shuts up shop at Saturday lunchtime. It really is eerily quiet in the City Centre on a Saturday afternoon with only the bars and some restaurants open. Apparently Sunday is even quieter. The afternoon was spent watching England beat Ireland in the rugby at Catu Irish bar in Cape Town; though I missed Wales triumph against France. Drink is a fraction of the price it is back home with a pint of Guinness being just 20 rand(about half the price it is in London).

Over the next few days I hope to as well see the main attractions in Cape Town, including Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. As well, I hope to visit a township to get some kind of view of how the other half lives. All in all I have a busy time ahead during my stay in Cape Town. The weather here is pretty nippy, with a strong wind making it seem a colder outside the it actually is, apparently it's a feature of Cape Town. No doubt I'll be learning more about this city during my stay here.

New intergenerational centre in Mitcham

2008-03-13T11:09:00.003Z

Thanks to Labour Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Merton is to get an extra £1.5 million capital funding for the countries first intergenerational centre. When opened next year it will see a range of service under one roof for older people, young people and families.

In the press release announcing the decesion Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: 'I want the first intergenerational centre in London to be a resource for all age groups, old and young, for families and for individuals. The new centre’s aim is to break down barriers between people of different generations, challenge ageism and generate a sense of shared purpose bringing together and benefitting all members of the community.'

The new centre will be located near the new Eastfields station on the site of a new disused youth centre. Going past the site this morning work has already started to clear the site and it's hoped that it will be open by the middle of 2009

Among the activities at the new centre will be IT, training facilities, arts, crafts and sport activities.

This is a great boost to the local area and it's thanks to Ken that we're getting these fantastic new facilities. Along with the new train station, extra buses and neighbourhood policing, Mitcham has benefitted considerably from having a Labour mayor in Ken. None of this would've ever happened if we had a Tory Mayor of London and if Boris wins on May 1st the area will certainly get none of the benefits it has had under Ken.