AT THE moment it's as though the government is falling apart.

Nothing, but nothing, seems to be going right and everyone is blaming someone else with judges, prisoners, health, Iraq, drugs and crime all in the headlines.

Perhaps there's a time and tide for everything and after that time the rot sets in, and there is no stopping it.

They do say politicians, like nappies, need changing often, and for the same reason!

They start off with the best of intentions, but along the way get bogged down, perhaps because they only mix with other politicians and lose contact with reality.

Well, whatever, they must get their act together before we get to the point of no return.

Great to see St George's flags everywhere. I'm hoping all those now showing such love and loyalty to their football team will show the same devotion to their country next St George's Day.

At the weekend I went to Leeds, and then on to the seaside resort of Whitby, it was absolutely packed with folk.

Also in town were about 200 to 300 moped enthusiasts, for some sort of rally.

All good natured, all having a roaring about' time, and I felt glad that folk were enjoying holidaying at home for a change.

There were lots of families eating chips or licking ice cream, in some cases, both at the same time, and suddenly I was a child again back on Blackpool front holding my dad's hand as we all walked along the prom.

My dad was always dressed in a suit and wore a trilby, no matter what the weather, so he was constantly stopped and asked are you Lobby Lud?' The News Chronicle at that time was giving a prize to any member of the public who found and approached Lobby.' They had printed a vague picture in the paper and my dad must have looked like him.

Of course he cracked on to be really annoyed, but we all knew dad was just a little bit chuffed at his five minutes of fame.' Ah Blackpool! Pablo's ice cream, Fairy Land, Punch and Judy, donkey rides and the Tower Circus.

Oh yes! I've had lots of exotic holidays since then, but none that pleased all the senses quite as much.

You might have heard I'm to be embroiled in a hostage taking' event for Blackburn Hospice and it seems I have to get folk to give money for my release.

Our Andrew says he will donate but only if they promise to keep me in, so, if you feel the urge to contribute, however small, I promise to send you a thank you.

We never know if we or our family might need its services.

I was having a meal with a family the other day and one of the young boys was speaking with his mouth full.

Needless to say we couldn't make out a word he was saying, but Colin did. So how can you possibly understand?' I asked.

Well, it could be because I'm a dentist,' he replied.

Till next week.