Once again in Tallinn, finally completing the paperwork of a transaction that we executed a few weeks ago to fund a reverse takeover of a Polish company listed on the Warsaw stock exchange.
Coincidentally, a party of British Liberal Democrats is visiting Estonia, and since the party of Parliamentarians is being led by my Uncle, I am able to tag along to a couple of the meetings. Some of the members of the group visited Tallinn four years ago on a similar mission. They are, inevitably, astonished to notice the dramatic changes, not least in the Tallinn skyline, that have taken place since then.
As with the last trip, the delegation meets the All-Party British Group in the Estonian Parliament. Several heavyweights, including former Prime Minister Mart Laar, come to join the exchange of views. As before I am struck by the fact that the debates between the different factions are over issues that are encompassed with the UK Lib Dems. Both Mart Laar, a nominal Conservative, and Sven Mikser -a leading Social Democrat- express views that are identical to UK Liberal policy. Indeed Mart Laar clearly has little time for the virulent anti Europeanism of the British Conservatives, and his general disappointment with the Party of his hero, "Maggie Thatcher" is palpable.
As I talk with the British MPs and members of the House of Lords later, they finally help me make my mind up about committing to run for Parliament next time. I have been asked to stand for one of the most winnable seats for the Liberal Democrats in the country. Initially I was concerned that my commitments, especially my job, would not allow me to make the massive effort that actively fighting a seat requires. However after much thought I have now found a way that I can make that commitment. It will not be easy, and is certainly a significant loss of income. However the messages of support and encouragement from the constituency have made up my mind for me. Having such close family ties to the area has meant that many of the members of the party have known me most of my life, and all of them have been definite that I should fight this. So, this morning I have sent in my application and the supporting paperwork. The shortlisting meeting is this week, and I will know over the weekend if I have gone through to the next round. There is at least one other candidate, so we shall just have to see if my application is successful.
However, seeing the success of Liberal Estonia, I am determined that the same ideas can make a real difference to Aberdeen, to Scotland and to the UK.
Coincidentally, a party of British Liberal Democrats is visiting Estonia, and since the party of Parliamentarians is being led by my Uncle, I am able to tag along to a couple of the meetings. Some of the members of the group visited Tallinn four years ago on a similar mission. They are, inevitably, astonished to notice the dramatic changes, not least in the Tallinn skyline, that have taken place since then.
As with the last trip, the delegation meets the All-Party British Group in the Estonian Parliament. Several heavyweights, including former Prime Minister Mart Laar, come to join the exchange of views. As before I am struck by the fact that the debates between the different factions are over issues that are encompassed with the UK Lib Dems. Both Mart Laar, a nominal Conservative, and Sven Mikser -a leading Social Democrat- express views that are identical to UK Liberal policy. Indeed Mart Laar clearly has little time for the virulent anti Europeanism of the British Conservatives, and his general disappointment with the Party of his hero, "Maggie Thatcher" is palpable.
As I talk with the British MPs and members of the House of Lords later, they finally help me make my mind up about committing to run for Parliament next time. I have been asked to stand for one of the most winnable seats for the Liberal Democrats in the country. Initially I was concerned that my commitments, especially my job, would not allow me to make the massive effort that actively fighting a seat requires. However after much thought I have now found a way that I can make that commitment. It will not be easy, and is certainly a significant loss of income. However the messages of support and encouragement from the constituency have made up my mind for me. Having such close family ties to the area has meant that many of the members of the party have known me most of my life, and all of them have been definite that I should fight this. So, this morning I have sent in my application and the supporting paperwork. The shortlisting meeting is this week, and I will know over the weekend if I have gone through to the next round. There is at least one other candidate, so we shall just have to see if my application is successful.
However, seeing the success of Liberal Estonia, I am determined that the same ideas can make a real difference to Aberdeen, to Scotland and to the UK.
Comments
Needless to say if you are taking on Labour, Good Luck!
Lepidus