"On what basis can you say the ex ruling party has tried to silence the ICG?"Oh come off it Alan. Do you really want me to post up the various quotes from officers of your party which immediately followed my election to the council in 1998? Or "that" letter received from a senior council officer shortly afterwards, of which I sent you a copy at your request but about which no comment was forthcoming?Or the leaflets circulated around Isleworth on polling day in 2002 which described me as "a nasty piece of garbage", or those circulated four years later effectively accusing ICG members of being arsonists and firebombers?Or witness testimony to the appalling things which your candidates and canvassers were saying to potential voters on the doorsteps?Alan, it is down to you and your colleagues to decide upon what strategy you will pursue and to what end. What you cannot do is make public pronouncements about councillors from certain groups being "pariahs" and talk of "campaigns of non co-operation", and then later accuse the same people of having a persecution complex.I am pleased that you now appear to be taking a more reasoned and constructive approach, and in the fullness of time there may hopefully be room for some kind of dialogue. I am not a person who bears grudges. But this will not be achieved simply by rewriting history. It is a fact and will always remain a fact that for many years Labour's policy towards the community movement in Isleworth was one of confrontation and uncompromising aggression, and that it was this attitude which led to the creation of the ICG, its involvement in the electoral process and ultimately our victory in six seats and your subsequent removal from control of Hounslow Control.My advice, offered with sincerity and in a genuine spirit of friendship and goodwill, is to learn from it and move on.
Phil Andrews ● 7185d