I think it’s time we got some perspective on the Raoul Moat story.
This morning I listened to a chilling telephone phone-in, on BBC Radio 5-Live, regarding the fact that several thousand people have joined a Facebook ‘campaign’, entitled RIP Raoul Moat You Legend.
The first point to be made is that that is not entirely inaccurate. The dictionary definition of ‘legend’ describes a story passed down (through generations). I think it is entirely possible that that may well be Moat’s legacy so, the title of the Facebook page may be reasonable. What would not be reasonable would be any suggestion that Moat was to be applauded for his actions.
The reason that the phone-in was so chilling was two-fold. Firstly, some callers gave the impression that Moat was some-kind of comic-book hero, for single-handedly escaping capture and bringing embarrassment to the Police. Let’s be clear here, if Moat gunned down his ex-partner’s boyfriend and then shot a police officer, he is nothing but a cold-blooded killer. Only the most misguided will call him a hero.
Second reason for the phone-in being chilling was because of the vicious verbal attacks on our police-force; it is, however, essential that government take seriously the fact that many people feel disenfranchised from those serving to protect us all. The reasons for this must be analysed and addressed, otherwise we are on a slippery-slope.
These verbal attacks were predominantly because of what was seen as the deployment of excessive force. Now, I accept that we will all be characterised by our life experiences but, coming only weeks after the Derrick Bird rampage in Cumbria, I think it entirely proportionate for the Police to garner as many resources as they did, in order to limit the risk of another blood-bath.
One caller suggested that he knew that Moat would not have been so indiscriminate. Easy to say, not so easy to believe when you have responsibility for the public’s safety; and, I’m pretty sure that associates of Bird would have said exactly the same thing about him, before events unfolded there.
This brings me to my main point – responsibility. One caller, this morning, suggested that the Government was at fault because they take your jobs, encourage you to drink and gamble and then, when you go off the rails, they want to kill you. I’m afraid that this went completely over my head. I may be more fortunate than most but, I fail to see how anyone, thinking rationally, can come up with such a bizarre outlook on life!
An earlier caller suggested that he thought that Moat’s actions in shooting the policeman may have been proportionate but, when asked if he would have felt differently if the deceased had been the caller’s brother, his response was ‘yes’. Completely irrational thinking, and these people are allowed to vote!
Another caller this morning suggested that the authorities had made mistakes by not reacting quickly enough to reports about the threats that Moat had made; to which another caller asked whether it was the Prison Officer’s fault then? The first caller replied by saying “why not? It has to be someone’s fault.” Dead right – it was Raoul Moat’s fault! End of debate.
There may have been contributory factors but, this whole sorry episode was the fault of one person - Raoul Moat; no-one else.
When, oh when, are the public going to grasp that they are responsible for their own actions? If you do not want a nanny-state, take some goddamn responsibility.

It is not often I am moved to be so critical in this way but, in the cold light of day, I am still angry enough to vent my spleen, over England’s shocking display against Algeria in the World Cup last night.
Now, before I go any further, I would say that the performance was so bewilderingly bad that the only acceptable explanation would be akin to the experience of the Brazilian team, just prior to the 1998 final, when Ronaldo suffered a seizure. It may yet come out that something untoward went on in the England camp (God forbid it be anything quite so serious); otherwise, I am afraid to say that last night was nothing short of a disgrace. The team and manager must accept that they deserve every bit of criticism coming their way.
I am not an advocate of booing, as it seems a puerile way of expressing your feelings but, Wayne Rooney, on this occasion you were out of order. I certainly would never condone supporters booing their own team during a game for a poor performance but, they had every right to do so, afterwards, last night. Some of those supporters had spent good money to go to South Africa to watch and they were treated to an inept shambles.
Our players are multi-millionaires as a result of their talent; most of us are struggling in the face of the recession and, quite frankly, we deserve better from those who are fortunate enough to earn rich reward for representing their country. They do have a responsibility to both show and, generate in us, some pride. We got neither! So, take the criticism on the chin, Mr Rooney, as I think we are owed an apology, not you whinging like a little baby!
Having said that, I will be fully behind the team once more, on Wednesday, as there is still a chance to turn it all around but, nothing short of a semi-final appearance will atone for such abject failure to perform so far.
I recall, a decade ago, saying to friends and family that English players are technically inferior; a point proven by Algeria last night, who were all more comfortable on the ball. I’ve heard players denying that but, I don’t think they understand the true meaning of the word. Yes, they may understand and respond well to the tactics employed by coaches and, utilise modern technology to improve fitness through diet and recovery from injury but, their technique is regularly found wanting.
Take last night, Kevin Keegan commented that England’s only real scoring opportunity had fallen on Frank Lampard’s wrong foot. Good grief! I could easily swear in response because, I simply cannot accept that as any sort of explanation, let alone excuse. I could kick equally well with both feet so, why can’t someone who earns a fortune for doing nothing but kicking a ball be able to do it? Answer; we are too arrogant in this country to realise that we are light-years behind the rest of the world in technique.
It’s like this bloody nonsense about not practising penalties, because you cannot replicate the tension. So, why is it that Johnny Wilkinson is able to kick goal kicks for fun in Rugby? Because he practices! Funny that; as he cannot practice in front of 50,000 people every day. No, he grooves his technique so that in the face of tension, he has a much higher chance of coping with it. It’s not rocket science, for God’s sake.
If we are ever to aspire to win anything again we need a sea-change of approach; why can’t those ‘in the game’ see it? In those last 10 years, we have won the Rugby Union World Cup and, earlier this year, a world cricket trophy. Why can we do it in those sports? Because the whole infrastructure is geared towards a successful national team. Not in Football, the clubs rule the roost and, most of the top teams are full of overseas players. Not good for our team.
Some argue that our top players develop by playing against other top players. Maybe so but, because overseas players are filling our club-sides, we have not the strength in depth and, as a result, those that are in the England team know there aren’t many good enough to replace them. They become complacent.
Going back to the ‘change of approach’, this needs to begin at absolute grass-roots and get away from the parents instilling a ‘must-win’ attitude. Instead, youngsters need to be given the freedom to enjoy the game and develop natural skills, not work-rate; that can easily come later when they are physically stronger. They need to be rewarded for being gifted at controlling, passing, beating players and shooting.
We claim that the English game is built upon hard-work and industry but, what happens when that doesn’t work? We have no alternative. The Brazilians, on the other hand, are more naturally gifted but, if they found that not to work in any particular game, they can resort to hard-work; we don’t have an option. Just huff and puff!
Talking of Brazil; it has been suggested that our players may not have coped with the pressure. Well, if that’s the case then they don’t deserve to play again. England cannot be under more pressure than the Brazilians, because every tournament they are expected to win…by everyone in the World. Most of their players seem to cope with the pressure, because more often than not they get to the Final! Why? Because they are confident that their technique will allow them to cope with most situations.
If I was Capello, on Wednesday, I would replace the entire team from last night to get the message through that it was simply unacceptable; and say to the alternative eleven go out and show me some pride and take your chance with both hands.
Can’t see it happening but, come on England!

Listening to a radio phone-in this morning left me frustrated once again. The question was raised about how the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives will be able to canvass at the next election, as they will not be able to score points by having a 'dig' at the other's track record, as they will both be equally culpable for this new government's track record.
How small-minded can you get? Isn't this exactly what has been wrong with politics recently, parties have embarked upon petty points scoring by deriding anything they see as wrong with another party? What they should be doing is telling the electorate what are the benefits of voting for their party.
So, once again, I stress this may be a turning point in British politics, not only may we get a ground-breaking government but, we might actually get a grown-up general election next time; fought in the mind, rather than the playground!

I tuned into the early stages of the television coverage of last week's General Election results, on Thursday evening, and found myself frustrated that the Exit Polls - which proved remarkably accurate - were predicting a largely familiar landscape: dominated by the two main parties. I am of no particular political persuasion but, I was hoping for something different.
My frustration was not lessened until yesterday evening, when news of the coalition emerged. I find this exciting news, not least because of the parties involved. Why?
Well, political idealism has been proven to not work all over the world. Whether it be right-wing dictatorships, or hard-line communism, none have endured really sustained levels of success...however, that be measured!
Having some of the greater intellects from two of our main political parties working closely together may signify a ground-breaking move in British politics. There is much hard-work to be done but, I honestly believe we stand on the brink of a major opportunity to move this country forward...and upwards. The temptation of power has long since proven a human failing so, the politicians involved may yet weaken and let individual desires over-ride national good. But, let's hope that that opportunity is recognised and grasped by all concerned.
As for the electorate, we need to be a little patient. I suspect that that may be asking too much. I live in hope!

My son, Jack (15), has today completed a 50-mile cycle ride in aid of Cancer Research UK. Apart from being a proud parent, this is also a very worthy cause. So, well done, Jack. I will report his fund-raising in due course but, any donations will be very gratefully received, go to:Jack's Cycle Ride