Category Archives: Random stuff

On re-reading “1984” – the Brexit connection

Posted on May 24, 2019 by

Over the last few days I’ve done a fair bit of travelling. Memphis to Chattanooga by bus, then back to Nashville, and the flight home via Detroit. Amongst other things I took the opportunity to re-read George Orwell’s dystopian classic … Continue reading →

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The “Put it to the People” march, central London, 23 March 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by

Like a million or so other people, I went to the Put it to the People march in central London today. Ostensibly a march for another referendum, the mood was much more about cancelling the whole Brexit thing right now. … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Beauty in small things

Posted on January 4, 2019 by

Back in the early 2000s, when I’d recently become a senior civil servant, I went on a two week leadership course. It was brilliant, and one of the highlights was a day on creativity (yes, in the civil service!) where … Continue reading →

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Reflections on retirement

Posted on September 15, 2018 by

Yesterday was my last day at IPSA – the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which regulates MPs’ expenses and decides their pay and pensions. I was the Director of Policy and Communications there. I’d been there since its creation in early … Continue reading →

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My novel: “The Decision”

Posted on April 28, 2018 by

I’ve written a novel. It’s called “The Decision”. It’s now available for sale – direct from me at the moment. Like to know what it’s about? Here’s a summary; “The Decision” is a novel about politics, the environment, relationships and … Continue reading →

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Belfast Part Two: The City in Pictures

Posted on April 16, 2018 by

Part two of my Belfast trilogy. Mainly photos, but putting them together reminded me how much I loved this city. Even though I’d never looked properly around it before, I felt it was part of me. My second city – … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos, Random stuff | Tagged | 8 Comments

Belfast Part One: A Driver’s Story

Posted on April 10, 2018 by

My wife, Kath, and I have just been to Belfast and environs for a few days. It was a brilliant trip. For me, the first proper visit to the the place that my mother is from – I’ve had a … Continue reading →

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