So I write a letter to my MP...

[TheAnimus]

well done!

can someone post a transcript for those of us at work? Its kinda frowned upon to listen to things on your PC before 3pm here

[G4Z]

I will get an mp3 up this morning mate, will that do you?

i really cba with transcribing another interview...

[G4Z]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/netwo...e_parr_new_mon

Approx 1 hour and 55 mins in.

[G4Z]

http://www.speedyshare.com/515837280.html

[TheAnimus]

someone in HR has too much time on their hands, and has decided that some websites should be banned. will have to wait till get home now

But on the bright side at least the goon must of been exclied to the back office office thats about 30min away!

[SiM]

G4Z... The radio went well imo!! Well done.

[staffsMike]

I think you did a good job there and held your own in what became some tricky questioning

[Saracen]

I think you did a good job there and held your own in what became some tricky questioning

I agree.

G4Z did a god job of making his points, and while the interviewer certainly challenged him, he wasn't overly critical or harsh. He gently prodded, but then, I guess that's what they're supposed to do. Widening the scope of public "support" out to issues beyond 42 days puts MrClelland's justification for his "party line" voting stance in context too.

Nice job, G4Z.

Let's hope, at the end of it all, that Mr Clelland hears that interview, and that you and he can both get past whether the letters were offensive or not, and deal with the actual issues, which are your perfectly legitimate concerns about how your representative is representing you.

[G4Z]

Indeed, and I would be quite happy to do that with him.

[Stringent]

Nice accent. Well done for sticking up for what you believe mate. I like the turn where you asked Mike what he thought. Haha he ran off and sat on the fence.

[Saracen]

Indeed, and I would be quite happy to do that with him.

Be interesting to see if that were to happen.

Me? I'm not holding my breath.

But, judging by what Mr Clelland said in the extracts played in your interview, at the very least, the furore that's blown up over this will make sure he thinks twice before writing another letter quite like that one. That in itself is a small victory for people power ..... though a very small one.

[Sybarite]

I think Mr Clelland is what is known as an MP with 'bottom' meaning his arse is securely parked during government questions. Mine used to be a Labourite yes-man, but it's a marginal seat, so now it's a wallpaper backbench Tory whose CV is remarkably thin (as are his response letters). Oddly the MEP - a UKIP representative (remember them) gives remarkably good detailed responses: not what was expected from one of the men in nylon suits.

In a weird way Clelland's reply is sort of reassuring as it's so surprisingly off-message. Usually it's simply a 'thank you for your interest' type reply. He should have known better though.

I've just listened to the Radio interview and I think GZ4 came off very well, a good robust articulate response, perfectly legitimate to ask the interviewer what he though of the letter, not so good of the him to sit on the fence. Glad you will keep an eye on Clelland's voting record, I do (on and off) with mine. They really don't like being held to account over their action, or lack thereof. Wish more people did this, then we might get an improvement in the quality of our MPs, or at least people who are a little less inclined to forget that they are public servants.

[Stewart]

The man done good. *****

So I don't have to read the whole thread, just explain to me how this got from you writing a letter to your MP to you going on the radio?

[G4Z]

Well...

He went on Radio Newcastle the day after it appeared the paper and basically inferred that I was against child pornography legislation despite the fact I never mentioned it at all. So I rang them up and asked for the right to reply and they got me on the following Monday.

[Quack]

Too many MPs (especially Labour ones right now) just tow the party line and do not represent their constituents properly.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with accusing them of this as it is so blatantly obvious.

Mps reply was far ruder and more offensive - telling people to stick it where they please is just not on. I wish more people would make their MPs look silly like this, keep up the good work.

[yamangman]

Hah. Only just stumbled across this thread. I've tried to read it from start to end Gaz, for your sake. I may not agree with you, I may not agree with the way you express your views, I certainly don't agree with Mr Clelland but, I love you mate, you know that right? You uncouth untactile northern bugger