Category Archives: Random stuff

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 →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

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 →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Love and Hope (for Manchester)

Posted on May 23, 2017 by

Last night’s atrocity at the Manchester Arena is beyond words, as many, including the singer Ariana Grande in the aftermath, have said. Beyond senseless. Pure evil. I have nothing I can add to that – just my heartfelt best wishes … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments