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| Front cover of FBU newsletter from 2006 |
It is clear that the FBU is trying to personalise this dispute by describing Brian as a bully and worse. Let's be clear, Brian is blunt talking and is the ultimate "marmite" politician but he is devoted to his constituency and the people who live and work there, unafraid to challenge Boris when he feels the need to and takes elected office seriously.
I don't expect everyone to love (or even like) Brian but as a former commanding officer of mine once said "If I wanted an officer that everyone loved I'd have recruited a spaniel".
This strike is not about Brian, and attempts to tie it to him are a distraction from the real issues about the effectiveness of the fire service and the prevention of fires. This is borne out by the treatment that the former, Labour, chair of the fire authority received by a number of FBU members and that the threat of stike action has been on the table for over four years (as you can see above).
I think the FBU leadership realise that they've shot themselves in the foot with their Bonfire night strike threat and I hope that they will come to a settlement at the talk that have now been arranged.
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6 comments:
I thought Nick Griffin was the ultimate marmite politician. Funny how bullies like to describe themselves in these terms. But you should be warned that Unilever will probably sue you for such a claim. But good to know that you see Coleman as the same sort of politician as Griffin.
Are both sides really willing to risk the lives of Londoners on this issue?
It seems the NJC didn't have the same faith in Coleman when sacking him this year with a vote of no confidence as the Chair of a National fire council! Chief executive John Ransford claimed the cause was Brian's consistently belligerent attitude and abusive behaviour towards other politicians and members of staff.
He is the driving force behind the sacking of Firefighters. Blinkered by his own vanity and political ideals. Quoting "doing a Regan" in relation to the mass of sacking Air traffic controllers in the 80's shows the contempt he holds for the work force.
This man is not fit for office. Shall I start a list.
1. The proposing and voting through of a 38% pay rise as the the government makes cuts on average of 25% across the board.
2. Expenses for taxi fares running to over £10,000 when being on a salary of over £100,000 in addition to having a £1700 free travel card. Then holding out to the very end in releasing these expenses in the hope it would all be brushed under the carpet.
3. Receiving gifts of lavish lunches and luxury hampers from AssetCo and agreeing a £9m contract to supply fire cover in the event of a strike.
4. Outing Sir Ted heath and making claims of cottaging after the former PM had sadly passed away.
I could go on but you only need to google the man's name and your find countless evidence to prove he has no place in office.
Really James,
So the fact he sat in national Tele, smugly announcing he will be there for talks the next morning, then didn't show up, leaving the fbu waiting for 4 hours doesn't make him a lying, manipulative little toad then.
The man is a joke, and I ask you James, why did he not show after promising in front of millions that he would?
Please respond
Another interesting post. I only wish the wider media would show a little depth to this situation instead of largely ignoring it.
I have no comment to make for or against Brian. I do not know the man and I am not naive enough to believe that one single person calls all the shots and shoulders all the blame.
Not even the Prime Minister has that.
Based on what I have read here and on numerous other blogs, I believe that the FBU and the general public deserve to be provided with proof that the fire service in its current form is ineffective in tackling and preventing fires.
The Fire Brigade do not own our firefighters. The general public do. If there is no proof that things could or should improve, then I do not beleive that anything should be changed without prior approval from the firefighters themselves.
If the firefighters do not approve, then I back that decision.
No need to make any comments over the universally hated Brian Coleman.
I am however curious to your personal interest in his "marmite".
Are you a giver or a taker?
Personally you look like a taker.
PS leave the Firefighters alone, you never when you may need their services.
"... he is devoted to his constituency and the people who live and work there"
I live in East Finchley (in his constituency) and I dare him to walk down the street. There would certainly be a big rush on rotten eggs that day, that's if they can throw them through the blue air.
Hated is not the word. Liar, arrogant, selfish, greedy, disliked, unkind, tyrant. Are all better words.
Need any more references? http://barneteye.blogspot.com/2011/02/brian-coleman-barnet-parking-special.html
Of course, you have your view, which is your right. Only 'your mate Brian' doesn't extend the courtesy to the members of his constituency. May I quote him from last night's Council Meeting when referring to Barnet's residents...
"I've rarely met such rude members of the Public"
I believe the phrase is "go figure'.
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