Right I feel really bad about not having updated so far from Labour Conference. This is largely due to being very, very drunk most of the time.

http://www.conferencebloggers.com/ have been kind enough to syndicate my political commentary so please go and have a look at my more prolific comrades.

I have just listened to the Bono speech and this really is one of the highlights of conference. Our willingness to put our own comfort before the lives of millions of poverty stricken people around the world is downright uncivilised and once again, conference has got my hopes up about what can be achieved over the coming year.

Sadly, my hopes are usually raised at Labour conference and then the passion seems to get bogged down when we get back to dodge. Do you remember, “We are at our best when we are at our boldest?” Unless we’re talking about university top up fees, I’m not sure precisely how bold we have been since last year.

Tony’s party address had some noble points. One powerful moment was when he told us to be proud of our achievements in government. In truth, we tend to forget this - we spend so much time apologising for the mistakes and being slightly embarrassed when asked about our political affiliation.

Tony’s announcement on affordable childcare for all is a massive boost. There is a pervasive poverty associated with families forced to depend on one low income or on benefits that effects a child’s developmental capacity and so perpetuates the cycle of deprivation. But this isn’t just a social policy, it’s an economic policy because what we do first and foremost as socialists is to value people. People are and economic resource and a parent who can work and pay tax and get off benefits helps contribute to a productive economy.

Let’s see how long it will be before the excitement wears off.

“Red” Recess Monkey