New Year's message 3rd January 2005Dear All, First of all, best wishes to you all for the New Year. While the GAG has effectively been dormant for over a year, it is still worth reflecting on what challenges the year ahead might pose. A number of subjects which could cause friction with the Spanish government come to a head this year, so this is by way of a "heads up" that we could be out demonstrating again sooner rather than later. There is potential for both good and ill to come out of the tripartite talks. Unfortunately, Spain has a habit of throwing a spanner in the works at last minute, so we can but wait and see what will come out at the other end. Suffice to say, if they start being unreasonable again, I'll see you outside the Spanish Embassy! Also, HMG will have to pronounce itself one way or another on the new Constitution. Which way it goes will decide whether I'll see you outside Downing Street as well! And just because the group isn't demonstrating, it doesn't mean that there is nothing going on. There are always letters to write, politicians to lobby, websites to set straight. These included the AA, which no longer considers Gibraltar to be part of Spain in its route finding website. I ask you to be vigilant for similar errors elsewhere. If you have e-mail, then sign up to the mailing list at www.gib-action.com. That will ensure that if something is planned, you can be a part of it. All the best, John Borda |