Talking Politics by Councillor Pat Flynn

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Nov 2006

Councillor Pat Flynn - Over 25 years of Talking Politics!

This is my 26th year as a member of Rochdale Council and I can't say that much has improved as a result of all the changes. For instance, full Council meetings are no more than a rubber stamping exercise now whereas when I was first elected in 1981, each Chairman of Committees was held responsible for his/her committee minutes and was expected to answer questions and comments on the hoof.

I agree with Sir Cyril Smith in that I don't see how this new system of Cabinet, O&S Committees etc.has made things any better. The last Council meeting was ill-tempered and much has been made of the behaviour of some councillors from all parties, but I can tell you that over the years I have seen equally unruly meetings where regular insults were traded as a matter of course. It's funny in politics that the main reason that people get involved is to improve the lives of local residents. It's just that people have a different idea of going about that.

When I first stood for election in Castleton, I never imagined that I would be heavily involved for well over a quarter of a century. I would like to put on record my thanks to the people who live in Castleton Ward for their continued support. I will continue to work alongside my husband Ted and the ever popular Peter Davison - who seems to love the continued challenge, especially now he's on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. Peter is regularly seen walking around Castleton - he is assures me that he uses public transport when he has to!

One of my roles within the Liberal Democrats is to Chair Group Meetings. As we now have exactly half the Councillors, they can be long ones. I also act as the link between our Council Leader Alan Taylor, Cabinet Members and the rest of the group. It is great to see some really capable young Councillors coming onto the group including Dale Mulgrew, Mark Birkett and Peter Rush - who's young at heart!

Over the 25 years my main interest has been the environment, especially the protection of the green belt so I was particularly delighted to hear that the Planning Inspectorate had dismissed an appeal to erect log cabins at Gelderwood Country Park in Ashworth Valley I have been involved in this particular application which has been heard at several Regulatory Committees and this latest victory will, I hope, put at end to ambitions of development in our most precious green belt.