Rex Makin may only have a small column once a week in the Liverpool Echo, but many of
us like to have a little look at what he has written. Rex is maybe at a point in life
where he cares little for the consequences of speaking out now and again - he's not
a political animal, not as an active participant, but now and again he does make
political commentary when certain issues perhaps rattle his cage.
You often read his column then wish you had a few more pages with
Rex giving it the old intellectual punches amidst his frequent trips down memory
lane. You wonder what's coming next. It could be a recollection of the
old horse and cart trundling past his office in Town - or it maybe a
stern warning to the Police regarding topical issues.
Jim Keight Selected to stand again!
This week's column gave a little insight into news which many of us in Kirkby
and Knowsley had been waiting for, the resurrection of Jim Keight's political career.
Rex informs us that the 'ex leader of the Republic of Knowsley' (classic) has been
selected by the New Labourites to stand in a ward left vacant following the death
of Councillor Fred Curran, a ward which saw only 16.72% turnout in the year 2000
- Lab 578 - Lib Dems 145. Maybe not as safe as Rex thinks, in fact , given that
Keight himself was defeated last year - a strong Lib Dem campaign in 2004 could
see Keight once again losing. That would be the end.
Credit Rating
Rex also tells us in the short article that 'Jim does not have a large credit
rating' - Rex often speaks in riddles and rhymes - maybe a force of habit after years of
courtroom banter - but this reference to credit isn't about Jim Keight's Bank balance
- it's a devious little pop at Keight's possible lack of credibility in Knowsley and
in the Council he once held sway over with a rod of iron. Jim Keight is not as popular
as he once was and many Councillors in his own party were glad to see the back of him last May.
Keight and the Banning of Kirkby Times
We wonder whether Mr Keight is one of the former Councillors who have banned
(or tried to) Kirkby Times? Jim Keight himself had the following to say last April .......
"Political apathy may have created a vacuum but I believe that for you to sit
at your computer pointing out the ills of the world and those who may or may
not be at fault, particularly when you have not made a contribution yourself
- that is another reason for the "vacuum" created. There are two kinds of
people in the world - the doers and the talkers - in my view you fall into
the latter category"
Funny how a mere 'talker' like myself is banned from speaking out! - And also funny
that Keight can accuse Kirkby Times of creating a political apathy! So has it been
'banned' for promoting apathy in Kirkby? Not quite.
Jim Keight also stated the following back in April 2003, before he got defeated.....
"I am not aware of any article on Kirkby Times regarding myself, whether they
be endearing or otherwise".
Really?
More soon on the return of the Politician who won't retire! - He's like the awkward
relative who wants to drive when there eyesight is failing and the wooden legs won't
reach the accelerator. Jim Keight, in his mind, thinks he is still a spring chicken
looking to peck out a career in Politics. Jim Keight's reign in the Republic of
Knowsley went on far too long -now, like Eninems 'Slim Shady' - he reckons he's back.
