2004 - A dramatic year

January 2004

More than most, 2003 will be remembered as a year of dramatic events including the war in Iraq and on a lighter note the promotion of Pompey Football Club. And the repercussions of these events will continue to be felt in 2004 and beyond - starting this month when the Hutton Inquiry reports on the events surrounding the death of the Dr Kelly.

2003 also saw Tony Blair’s slogan turn from “education, education, education” to “money, money, money” with the half-baked idea of tuition fees of up to £3000 a year which will discourage many from going to university. I think the way that Labour are losing touch with ordinary people on issues such as Iraq, tuition fees and closing half the post offices in South Portsmouth could become a real problem for them in 2004.

The Conservatives, though, I believe have still not learnt the lessons of their heavy defeats in ’97 and 2001. 2003 saw Michael Howard become their new leader. But I doubt whether many people will be flocking to support a party whose leader was the minister responsible for the Poll Tax and served in a Government that ran down our schools and hospitals.

In contrast to the other two parties the Liberal Democrats made solid progress in 2003 – winning the Brent East parliamentary by-election and locally becoming the largest party on the City Council. Conservatives and Labour blew a £8.5 million hole in the council budget with their mismanagement of the Tower and we are continuing to feel the consequences.

However the Lib Dems on the council, after the other parties left us to run it, are getting a grip on the council finances and getting things done. The Kings Theatre was saved after its commercial operator went bust. And the Tricorn will finally be coming down in 2004. Finally Pompey’s promotion in 2003 was a great inspiration to all of us in Portsmouth as to what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Let’s hope they can stay up and my good wishes go to them and all readers for a successful and happy 2004.