Ellee Seymour

Maybe Charles Clarke is sucking up to Minister Miliband by declaring his green credentials and hoping for a new post. However, admitting to his previous failings will not help him much.

The Norwich South MP and sacked Home Secretary was asked by his local paper about his wish list for 2007 and replied:

“As Home Secretary I did have a number of ambitions for reducing crime and improving security, which I was not able to achieve. I regret that. I intend to make progress towards green and sustainable policies here in Norfolk, focusing particularly upon transport and energy.”

He also plans to be fitter and healthier by the end of 2007. He certainly looks as if he needs to shed a few pounds. I shall look forward to seeing him ride around the county’s scenic country lanes on a bike, he can achieve both goals then.

There’s no doubt we are all going to have to be greener in 2007, so Charles Clarke is not alone there, pity he didn’t think of it a few years ago and urge his government to take action then. Judging by Charles Clarke’s previous achievements in office, it is best not to get too excited about his green and sustainable plans.

So do you have a wish list for 2007? I would like to read more books, which was the only resolution I didn’t stick to this year because I hadn’t started blogging then. I also plan to go on lots more long walks and have already booked a couple of weekends away with my local Ramblers Association. I would also like to find more time to practise my clarinet which I find so pleasurable and have neglected lately.  I would also like to pass my PR diploma. What are your hopes and plans for the New Year? Do you usually achieve them?

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  After the car bombs and celebrations following today’s execution of Saddam Hussein, can Iraq expect a more peaceful future?  His execution was the only appropriate fate for a despotic tyrant responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. His death marks the end of the Saddam era.

I would like to think his death marks a milestone to democracy, but fear there will be much bloodshed and reprisals first. But what will happen next? Will it help Iraq to move forward?

Anyone reading Saddam’s last letter penned on 5th November and just released would believe he was a saint, is this the Saddam you recognise?

“To the great nation, to the people of our country, and humanity: Many of you have known the writer of this letter to be faithful, honest, caring for others, wise, of sound judgement, just, decisive, careful with the wealth of the people and the state… and that his heart is big enough to embrace all without discrimination.

“His heart aches for the poor and he does not rest until he helps in improving their condition and attends to their needs.

“His heart contains all his people and his nation, and he craves to be honest and faithful without differentiating between his people except on the basis of their efforts, efficiency, and patriotism.”

Will Saddam’s death make him a martyr? Will it strengthen the hand of Sunni insurgents in recruiting people to their cause? Will the celebrations in Shia areas only make these sectarian divisions worse?

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