Alas poor Philip

I first met him at a Liberal Democrat conference some years ago and was impressed with his energy and ideas. Even then Philip Thompson was beginning to display the vision and committment of a true believer in the cause. He is 26 now and certainly a lot wiser. Philip's decision to study American politics in Arizona was a brave career move. Only someone of his tireless ability could have contemplated combining complex study with the day-to-day responsibilities of serving the community in London's Kentish Town. Philip's move was, inevitably, controversial. The wagging fingers emerged. How, they said, could he possibly represent people from so far away? Why should he qualify for the £700 monthly councillor's allowance? These questions were cruel. I know that Philip would have managed it. Distance is no object to a young man like him. I understand. Here in Somerset distance is normal. And we are well accustomed to colleagues who may be physically with us but often behave as though they aren't altogether here at all.