02.05.2001

A candidate's diary

CPGB member Lawrie Coombs is the Socialist Alliance prospective parliamentary candidate for Stockton South

Wednesday April 25 Wandered around at work as sick as a dog, throwing up and feeling generally sorry for myself. Nothing political achieved today - other than blaming capitalist property relations and the destruction of the environment for my woes!

Thursday April 26 Still a little queasy - not even well enough for a glass of beer! - but managed to make a few phone calls to organise the next local meeting of the Socialist Alliance in Stockton.

Friday April 27 Listened to Louise Christian on Radio Four's Any questions? Although Louise was not the lyrical goddess I had imagined her to be, at least we had a Socialist Alliance voice. We must use every opportunity to publicise the SA.

Saturday April 28 Sunday April 29 Made up some time at work for the battles ahead by clocking up an amazing amount of time off in lieu. But that meant it was a lost weekend as far as political intervention was concerned. Heard the various stalls in Middlesbrough and the May Day activity (in April!) went relatively well.

Monday April 30 The month of the phoney war comes to an end - it has all been a bit strange: not too much discussion around about the election. Did some leafleting in the evening though.

Tuesday May 1 May Day What a good day to rev things up a gear ... the action starts here. Readying myself for a non-stop week.