MULGREW SURVIVES THE 'NEWSNIGHT CHALLENGE'- WHAT IS YOUR SACRED COW?........

Lib Dem Councillor Dale Mulgrew was put on the spot for a 'Newsnight' challenge at the recent LibDem Conference in Bournemouth by the notorious Michael Crick -political editor of BBC television's 'Newsnight'.

Michael Crick was on the Conference prowl once more, trying to poke a bit of fun with a motive of aiming to catch out the odd politician. This year the game was all about which cuts should be made to Government spending.

The game involved three panels lined up in front of the contestant. Key governmental departments such as Education and the NHS were listed in the middle panel, with a panel headed 'Sacred Cow' on one side, and on the other side a panel headed 'Prime Cuts.'

The contestant then has to choose which government spending commitments should be protected, and which should be slashed. Michael Crick will also take the game to the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Councillor Mulgrew skilfully managed not to get caught out, placing as his 'Sacred Cows' - the NHS, education, and international development. His 'Prime Cuts' for the chop on spending were defence, parliament, and business.

Mr Mulgrew added, 'it was a bit of fun, but obviously with a potential twist and a serious side. I was quick to seize on the areas I would prioritise, and the Sacred Cows for me are on health, education and International Development. I also managed to fling a pun in at Michael, as I commented that the stickers were Moooving in the right direction!.'

He added, 'But overall the Conference has been a very important gathering for the party, with a clear message of real change being offered.'

'This is underpinned by serious proposals on fairer taxation, a sustainable green future, a re-think on Afghanistan, and an emphasis on Parliamentary reform - all areas we are serious on and where voters need not require a second guess, unlike the deliberately coy Tories, and the lame wreckage of the Labour Party.