On 29/11/06, Les Hunt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Many articles refer to the impact on boat owners, boaters, canals, or > somesuch, but miss the point that it's ALL waterway users that are > potentially affected by the DEFRA cuts. >
Les is absolutely right. We will win by mobilising every possible argument and ally. Cross boaters in safe seats will not be enough to persuade this government. Cross boaters in marginal seats have some clout, but a broad alliance of boaters, other recreational interests, those concerned with heritage, those interested in economic regeneration and others adds up to a more powerful coalition. Giving allies with influence the tools to make their case is vital. But the media also like good pictures. Images of canal boats will really help get a media focus in the way that anglers will not. And that will help sew the seeds of support in many other places. So grass roots boater activity is a vital tool, particularly when it makes the media - and well done SOW and everyone else for Saturday's mobilisation. (I'm afraid I was ill in bed, so didn't make Little Venice). -- Nigel Stanley
