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The ludicrous Countryside Alliance - Charlie Bolton, 7 February 2005

To: Western Daily Press

Dear Sir

Am I the only one to be amazed at the ludicrous level of self-importance displayed by the Countryside Alliance ('It's an attack on democracy itself', letters page, 7/2/2005).

Delly Everard of the Wessex Countryside Alliance says the hunting act is 'ridiculous and unenforceable legislation, which seeks to make criminals of law-abiding citizens'. Well, it may be ridiculous - that is a matter of personal opinion. It may even be unenforcable - that remains to be seen. But if she and other members of the hunting lobby defy the act, there is no doubt that they are not 'law-abiding' but are 'criminals'.

She then says 'this law is not just an attack on the rural way of life, but democracy itself'. This is an astonishingly idiotic statement. First off, under our democratic system, with all its flaws, the Labour government did get elected. Secondly, we have just seen people in Iraq choosing to vote when their lives were at risk. The Countryside Alliance seem to believe that the banning of a slightly pompous and cruel sport which affects a small number of people is of equal importance.

As a 'politician', I frequently get accused of talking nonsense, but I have to take my hat off to the Countryside Alliance - the true masters of drivel.

Charlie Bolton
Parliamentary candidate
Bristol South Green Party