Stephen Lloyd's New Year message

10.48.06am GMT Tue 6th Jan 2009

Stephen Lloyd sends out his New Year message by email

Text of Stephen's message:

Dear friend,

By nature I am, and have always been, an optimist but in the current difficult economic climate it is a challenge for anyone to remain optimistic.

Right across our town and the surrounding area many residents have told me just how difficult the last year and in particular the last few months has been for them and their families. Things aren't that much better further afield - with our country and many others across the world feeling the pinch as we head into a recession.

In times like these, we all learn just how important it is to look after our hard-earned money. We also appreciate how important it is that our taxes are well spent.

That's why in the New Year, the local Lib Dems will be announcing their positive plans to put money back in the pockets of local tax-payers as well as produce fully-costed proposals to show how the County Council can be stopped from wasting even more of our money.

When times are hard, it's important local people know they're money is being looked after.

With the New Year just a few hours away though, I do not intend to send out a long email listing all the difficulties facing the UK - I am quite sure you know only too well what they are. Nor do I want to list all the perceived wrongs done by our political opponents. There is a time and a place.

Instead I'd like to share with you a little homily which always stands me in good stead when things seem a bit rocky: Life is never quite so good as we thought it was or quite so bad as we think it is.

And when it comes to being optimistic about the future? Despite evidence to the contrary I remain upbeat. Why?

Because despite the difficulties that may lie ahead I profoundly believe that optimism is not a denial of misery - but a refusal to be defeated by it.

I wish you, your family and your friends health and prosperity for 2009.

All the best,

Stephen

Stephen Lloyd

Lib Dem Campaigner

Eastbourne & Willingdon