Demonstrations work, and I advocate regularity, e.g. a
frequent demo at the Council and outside the MP and MSP surgeries, whenever
they have them. As well as the bigger events.
But my anecdote relates to subtle political pressure: the
ruling class is now very aware of the surge in membership and rise in
popularity of UKIP, and are on watch to see that they are not outflanked by us.
Is that so, you say? How does Mike know this?
Well, a few weeks ago I published a Press Release to the effect that UKIP will monitor cases for fraud etc. The Press ignored this but I published it on FB and Blogger, but I have since had several direct approaches by people suffering the blight of turbines, and at a loss as to what to do. They have all asked their elected representatives for help, and to little avail. So they called me, having found me via FB, my blog etc.
I am no expert, but have political experience and am now in
the process of advising them - still to get round them all, some far afield,
but I will do it.
Now, here's the rub: I advised one caller, amongst other
things, to write to a party leader specifically outlining the mix of horrors
suffered and the lack of help received from the elected. I also advised that the point should be made
that UKIP had been approached - i.e. I was cc'd into the email to the said
party leader. The point was to rattle a cage. Politics, you see. I also
arranged to call to discuss the case.
Last week, I was able to visit as promised and on arrival
was surprised to see another caller already there, discussing the case. The
woman visitor concerned seemed a bit embarrassed when we were introduced, and
she left without further ado.
So what?
Well, it transpired that the visitor was an elected local
councillor, and had revealed that she was calling on behalf of the said party
leader and on behalf of the party's local MSP as well. There is no doubt in my mind that the sudden
and immediate attention, where previously there had been lethargy, was clearly
a direct result of UKIP involvement and a party attempt to defend their
indefensible policies and to cover their flank.