30.05.2001

A candidate?s diary

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

Thursday May 24 Joe still in hospital, so campaigning by me put on hold. View from the couch is that the election is fantastically dull: the Prescott punch and Maggie Thatcher rising from under her stone have been the only laughs to date.

Friday May 25 Joe out of hospital, but I?m still more Mr Domestic than Mr Activist. In the evening I sneak out and distribute some window posters to various supporters. Chill out later in the evening listening to Morcheeba and quaffing some Jennings bitter. What better way to spend an evening?

Saturday May 26 Stall in Stockton High Street. Amazing how many ex-Militant comrades are knocking about - we bump into more every week. The response this week is better than before - the TV broadcast seem to have made an impact. Some people from neighbouring Middlesbrough come up to the stall, saying they are thinking about whether to vote SA or SLP. Serious interest from a 16-year-old who mouths back at his sniggering mates. Get into a discussion with a young moslem man about the market economy, divinity and our politics.

Sunday May 27 Visit more interested parties. Plan the Stockton SA meeting to follow the election. Do some admin work, make some phone calls, take walk in the park, drink beer, etc.

Monday May 28 Bank holiday Monday - at work all day. Other comrades leaflet Teesside Music Festival.

Tuesday May 29 Last shift before going full-time for the election, and a long one. Leave home at 7am, will return tomorrow at 6pm. And no beer!