Blog from Paul O'Brien

25 January 2007
White Paper Inferno!: We hold our one day seminar on the White Paper at Manchester's new Hilton skyscraper. Its only been open a few months and I have previously driven detours around it as it constantly reminds me of the 1970s film towering inferno. Obviously others have thought the same as several people reference the film during the day, adding to my feeling of unease.; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

24 January 2007
Lets Get Physical!: Went to the Scottish Executive's Health and Physical Activity Council meeting in Edinburgh today along with Pat our Principal Advisor in Scotland.; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

19 January 2007
Pressing engagements: Visit the offices of the MJ today to meet Deputy Editor, Heather Jameson to discuss the column that I am writing for them. Heather gives me some good advice and I encourage her to be harsh with the editing when required.; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

19 January 2007
The Future of Housing on track, pity about the trains!: Give the lead presentation in a debate on the future of Housing at an event held on public services by the left of centre think tank Compass in conjunction with UNISON.; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

18 January 2007
Liberal Outlook: Meet the Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson Andrew Stunnell MP at Westminster today to discuss a range of matters including the White Paper, Housing, Healthy Living and the Environment. He knows his brief having previously been a Councillor on three different local authorities.; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

13 January 2007
Trading and Charging Scottish Style: Held a meeting today with Civil Servants from the Scottish Executive on the issue of trading and charging. This has been a major dilemma for Scottish local authorities since a drafting error at the final stages of the publication of the 2003 Local Government Act (Scotland).; By Paul O'Brien; Read More

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