New Statesman

I was brought up as a Catholic.  I am one of seven children.  We went to the local Catholic school.  Many people were poor and I was the only one who passed the 11+ in my class of 48.  We knew that society was unfair and did not give everyone a decent chance.

By the time I was 16 I knew that the Catholic teaching on contraception was wrong and I soon began to doubt the existence of God.  After University where I read lots of moral and political philosophy I became a member of the Labour Party.  It was my new church.  I threw my life into it, working for a party that stood for truth and justice for everyone.  I worked hard.  I believed that we had to be pragmatic to win power but that we sought power to spread justice, dignity and equality. 

For six years at the Department for International Development I was able to put those values into practice.  But then came the deceit over Iraq, the crushing of basic liberties and Thatcherite reform of the public services.  At first it broke my heart and then I lapsed for a second time.

I believe in truthfulness and justice and dignity for all people.  I think our kind of society is mired in greedy consumerism, lack of respect and unhappiness.  I believe the world is in deep trouble and that Labour has lost its way.  But new forces will gather to promote justice and fairness and I hope to be part of it.  In the meantime, I try to be truthful and good and serve others.  I often fail, but I keep trying.  Those were the values of my childhood and I still believe in them.