The Return of the Prince of Darkness

Who'd have believed it?He's back - arise, Lord Mandy! One of the most devisive and controversial figures in recent Labour Party history is back in the Cabinet, to the bewilderment of many. A man who was forced to resign - not once, but twice - is back in front-line politics, and enobled with a seat in the House of Lords too! David Blunkett - not perhaps the finest judge of character himself - described the appointment of 'Fighter not a quitter' Mandy as 'a masterstroke'. Many others have been rather more critical, however, and if Gordon Brown believes Mandelson's appointment will bring an end to the internal plotting against him and unite the party he's got this very wrong. Mandelson's a habitual conspirator and he'll never change. Watch your back, Gordon!

Another Return
Another far more popular figure made a return last week. Postman Pat (above), is back,with hos old chum Jess the cat of course - and he's been promoted after all these years! Who knows, maybe Pat will follow the Alan Johnson route and become a member of the cabinet too!

Worst Kept Secret Is Out
Popular local lad John Loughton is to stand in the forthcoming Forth by-election. John is perhaps best known for winning Big Brother Celebrity Hijack earlier this year, but there's an awful lot more to young John than that. I've known him for a number of years and watched him grow into a socially aware, honest and articulate young man who passionately cares about his community. Yes, he may be naive and he may not have all the answers - who does? - but he's willing to stand up and fight to make his community a better place. He's rejected overtures from the big political parties - expect the dirty tricks to intensify as the camapign develops - and has decided instead to be his own man. I admire his fighting spirit, and I know he has gathered a lot of support among the organised North Edinburgh community. He's certainly added a new dimension to the by-election, generated a lot of press interest and he's committed to running a positive campaign, hoping to enthuse voters who are turned off by the traditional 'ya boo' style party politics. Critics who would write him off as a joke candidate do so at their peril.

Other News
The world's financial systems teeter on the brink, Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling promise to 'do whatever it takes'. What exactly that might be is less clear, however.
Young Derek Riordan is banging in the goals for Hibs just as in the bygone days of yore - sorry, wrong club ...! Happy days at Easter Road, however.
Happy birthday to Janice Russell, who is 60 this week. Attended a pre-birthday celebration at Slateford Bowling Club on Friday night. £2.05p a pint - the more you drink, the more you save! - suffered for it on Saturday though ...
We're hoping my mum may get home from hospital today - great relief for all concerned, particularly my dad as it's been a very worrying couple of weeks. Her treatment, and of course the staff, were excellent - top class.
Fairer Scotland - the final presentations took place last Monday and now the really difficult part begins: thrahing out the detail of who gets what. There's just not enough money to meet the needs of all the projects, and a number will be receiving bad news following decisions that will have to be made next week.
No heating all weekend following the start of building work at home - cleared out bags and bags of books, clothes and the clutter of 20+ years. Good news for the local charity shops, but hard work for Caroline and me - be good to get back to work for a rest!
Hopefully the heating will be working again tonight - frostbite is setting in as I type this!
See you next week