#stonystandoff

I was, like many, waiting with eager anticipation for the debate on Talksport last night between Councillor Paul Bartlett and blogger Dick Puddlecote about the proposed banning of smoking in all public spaces in Stony Stratford. Unfortunately, for reasons that I will never be certain of, Paul decided not to engage with Dick on this subject. Instead he made an appearance over 30 minutes after the scheduled time. For those of you who missed it, or for some reason cannot access the recording on the Talksport site, I've uploaded a copy of both interviews for your listening pleasure. Feel free to download or embed them.

First up we have the admirably punctual, salivating nutter Dick Puddlecote



Followed over half an hour later by the rational, calm and collected Paul Bartlett



The difference in delivery is staggering isn't it?


UPDATE: I've just listened again to the interview with Bartlett and this exchange, which I've done my best to transpose, that starts at about 7:15 in, shows exactly why we should follow the shining example of Councillor Paul.

TS: If you believe you’ve got a lot of support because of what you just said why are there four petitions in circulation?

PB: Anyone will sign a petition and the petitions I’ve seen aren’t even, not even saying who they’re from. I .. I .. I .. I .. we could all sign a petition, it doesn’t take a lot of effort, and if you’ve got somebody breathing smoke down your neck then the chances are you’re going to give in and say get away from the smell of the smoke. Sorry mate. I mean you’ve done it, I know you’ve probably done it and I’ve done it just to get some peace and quiet. And because you don’t want to upset your mate on the next table in the pub. Or it’s his round and he won’t buy it if you don’t sign it. So, you know, petitions are petitions, if you want to send me emails give them my email address, forward me the tweets and emails you’ve had I’m quite happy for that. Get them to write to me. Petitions? Anyone can do that. I don’t sign petitions because, you know, I could be Mickey Mouse and sign it Paul Bartlett what’s the point?

TS (talking over): You, you you kind of just contradicted yourself by saying that

PB (interrupting): No I haven’t

TS: Well you have because

PB: How?

TS: You gave the scenario that you sign a petition because the bloke sitting next to you in the pub wont buy you a round and then you said you wont sign petitions

PB: No No No No No I didn’t say I would I said someone would I didn’t say I would I said someone would

TS: Well then

PB: I said someone would I wouldn’t I wouldn’t

TS: OK well then I stand corrected

PB: play your tape back and you’ll realise what I actually said