On the issue of Ian Tomlinson’s death following the violence of a policeman at the G20 demonstration – I watched the video and I thought – there is nothing the police can say to justify knocking someone down from behind who is doing nothing wrong. And it pains me to say it – as I was on the MPA for 5 years and grew fond of the Met and believed there was progress – but my eyes don’t decieve me. What I see on that video, outside of the outrageous felling of Mr Tomlinson, is that there still appears to be that underlying, bullyboy stuff that we are meant to have cast into the dustbin of police history.

But it’s clearly alive and well and still part of culture – and that is monumentally depressing. Particularly as this was not one policeman on his own up a dark alley giving vent to whatever – this was done in full view of colleagues so one has to suppose there was no shame – therefore this is considered acceptable behaviour! Thank heavens for mobile cameras! We can see the truth with our own eyes.

Sometimes you come back from a meeting really energised and full of hope that, however bad the council or the government or someone else may be – together we really are able to change things for the better. Yesterday was one of those – because Haringey Liberal Democrats had organised a meeting for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to find out more about what’s involved. Not only was the meeting packed full of keen, talented people – so many people wanted to come that we’re going to have to organise a second event too!

There’s a whole mix of factors behind this great display of interest in getting stuck in to improve and look after our communities – but from talking to people part of it I’m sure is the day-to-day local experience that people who have got good councillors can see the difference they make.

Glad to see this in the news:

The leading reformist candidate in upcoming Iranian presidential elections on Monday condemned the killing of Jews in the Holocaust, a much different stance than current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who in 2005 called the Holocaust a myth.

Prime minister during Iran’s 1980-88 war with Iraq, Mirhossein Mousavi, 67, is seriously considered by many moderates and even some conservatives as their main presidential candidate and a strong rival to Ahmadinejad in the contest.

There plenty more of his views I wouldn’t agree with – such as on nuclear weapons! – but it’s good to see nonetheless – and a welcome reminder that when the far-out views of a country’s current leader are reported, that doesn’t mean everyone ther agrees with him.