Focus

Originally published @ 11:07 am, Fri 31st Dec 2010

Given the experiences of referendums lodged via the Number 10 web-site in the past, a bit of a surprise to hear the ConDems talking about an item of legislation each year being determined via some kind of polling process. Now talk could be all it is, and the arguments about populist legislation not being good, such initiatives causing incoherence and politicians abstaining from exercising judgement all apply.

But maybe the take-up of facebook and twitter is such that listening to campaigns conducted by such media are given the same if not more recognition that the given opinion of the media (see Alistair Campbell’s blog).

I guess one of my new year’s resolutions has to be to use the full range of social media for observations and comment rather than just diving into the blog.

But everyone will say well done to the England cricket team on facebook and I hate texting.

And I’ve already left it too late to join in on the comments regarding Christmas Day TV (Dr. Who taking a risky and long-winded way to save a spaceship , by deciding to save a civilisation first, and in a bit of a dull way; the Royle family, which was padded out a bit too long; and the rest underwhelming).

Highlight otherwise was Shane MacGowan dueting on A Fairytale of New York with a Beluga whale on Harry Hill’s TV Christmas Burp. Surreal. Hilarious.

As was the white hot chocolate (with nutmeg) I was given for Christmas (no added sugar required).

And, being a freeview TV viewer, I saw the film “Juno” for the first time. Terrific dialogue and acting, with 2 notable exceptions that no reviewer appears to have picked up on. The appalling portrayal of a receptionist and a technical providing health care services. Seemingly necessary to show that the 16 year old lead woman (a student in junior high who is pregnant) is deterred from an abortion, and then to show her step-mother stands up for her, the scenes were a bit desperate and portrayed people who chosen to give their working life to caring, in an uncaring way.

The news breaking in the Guardian about the efficiencies still to be found in the NHS, and the people needed to deliver the efficiencies just as they’re told that the re-organisation will make them redundant and perceived as excess to requirements.

From my time on a scrutiny committee, I was clear that the various levels in the quality of service being provided could be perceived and that there was scope for improvement. But progress here has been turned upside down by a proposed re-organisation that was not advertised in any manifesto or even declared in the ConDem coalition agreement. It seems set to cost £1,000 million and detract from the focus needed to deliver more with the same money.

Both the NHS reforms and ideas for increasing political participation need a clear focus on a proper ambition.