Half Mast

Salford’s flag flies at half mast outside the Civic Centre.

AC, a former councillor, died at the weekend. He had been hit by a car and been in a critical condition for days.

He had been an opposition councillor until a few years ago, a real gentleman. It is awfully sad.

In my experience, people become councillors because they want to serve their communities, whatever the political party they belong to. Most work very hard, very long hours, and those in senior positions carry a lot of responsibility for limited remuneration. And get blamed for all sorts of things over which they have little or no control.

Not a popular thing to say in this cynical age (and when there is so much to be cynical about). But there are, in my experience, a lot of people still trying to do good things with real integrity.

The current language being used by some of those at opposite ends of the political extremes is therefore deeply disturbing. And dangerous. There are big issues over which people have strong and opposing views, and those need serious debate. But we also need some respect and courtesy for those who are trying to do the best for their residents and communities, whatever political party they belong to.

Rant over.