Geordonia no go
Despite the best efforts of Brendan Foster and other local dignitaries, the North East population have overwhelmingly voted against regional devolution.

As a Geordie in exile, I didn't get the chance to have my say, but having spoken to several people in the North East I can’t say I'm surprised at the result. Inevitably people had concerns about the likely cost, particularly in relation to the supposed benefits being offered. Essentially it looked like John Prescott was offering a very small carrot, whilst hiding a very big stick behind his back.

The fact that so little appears to have been done to really educate people on the issues is the saddest thing. Speaking personally, I'd have supported the idea of an independent state for the north east. I’m heartily sick of my home being treated like a distant cousin at a wedding by Westminster (yes they exist, yes we HAVE to invite them, but NO we don’t want to). Independence should have provided a stronger voice for the area, and hopefully given it a bit more clout when it came to all things political.

The problem is that none of this came across in the Yes campaign. All they seemed to say was that Sir John Hall (who lives in Spain) says it’s a good thing, so vote Yes.

To which everyone (well, the No campaign) pointed out that they were more concerned about the rise in council tax for apparently sod-all return.

Perhaps the plan will resurface in a few years time, but if it does, it will only ever work if two things happen. Firstly, the assembly needs to be given real powers, and secondly the cost of the whole venture needs to be a price worth paying for everyone.

Dreams of independence will simply have to wait until then…

- posted by Paul @ 10:49 am