Not so much a hiatus, more of a complicated hernia.

I have been away from regular posting for sometime now; it isn't unusual for me to take a bit of a break, but a change of circumstances and suddenly finding myself extremely busy has prevented me from finding the time to sit down and share a few thoughts, opinions, reflections, etc.

I am now in a position to at least have a bit of a return to the fray and will be posting on a fairly regular basis again. Politics is very interesting at the moment, the religious world is forever full of fascination and it is only football that presently leaves me depressed.

I will doubtless be sharing some overviews and thoughts on the forthcoming local elections, which have been delayed by two weeks to coincide with the European Parliamentary elections. I will again be visiting the politics of Stockport, Portsmouth, Manchester and Rochdale, as well as my new home of Blackburn.

The Personal Ordinariates have continued to progress in the UK, Australia and North America and it will be interesting to see what, if any, effect that decisions in the Church of England will have on the growth of the Ordinariate the UK.

The Pope continues to confound people with his approach to his ministry and it is worth having a look at the following link for this perceptive article (don't be put off by the title): http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2014/02/13/beware-of-pope-francis/30949

As for football, for the love of all the is holy - David Moyes, get a grip!!!!!!

Thank you Sir Alex.

It has taken me a couple of days to get over the shock of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement - I know, kind of pathetic. He has brought me such joy over the many years and I wish him the very best.
I do not gamble but have been predicting David Moyes to take over for the past three years so am happy enough about that.
For Man United fans everywhere:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ykMNtzMT8

Happy and Holy New Year...see you soon!

Dear All,

I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. On this, the last day in the Christmas Octave and the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, may the blessing of the Christ child bring light hope and peace to you and all your loved ones.

After a self-imposed purdah, I will return to posting next week with a few reflections on the events that I have missed - the so-called hostage taking at my place of work (so much for the Levenson-era level of reportage by the 'Sun', 'Daily Mail', etc...), the absolute nightmare being visited upon those who are working full-time for low wages and trying to find a decent home on housing benefit, along with the continuing developments in the world of the Personal Ordinariates.

I might force myself to mention Manchester United's beginning the New Year at the top of the League (whatever the outcome of today's games).

I am also planning to concentrate on the County and Unitary Council Elections due in May of this year. Following the debacle for Labour in 2009, it is easy to predict big gains for them, so I will take a bit more of a risky strategy of making guesses (educated, I hope) about the outcome in the politically unusual unitary authority of Cornwall, the former Liberal redoubt of the Isle of Wight, my former home in Durham and the county of Suffolk.

For those in the know, the Cornish electoral world is a wonder to behold so wish me luck.

Anyway, take care and best wishes.

A brief moment of smugness.

I forgot to mention - 19 League titles!! Are you watching Liverpool?