Aiming High: Cllr David Christian and Cllr Ritchie McNicholl.

Last months General Election whilst interesting for many reasons gave a particular insight into the arcane art of municipal marketing. Up and down the country Returning Officers posed in front of hastily constructed backdrops featuring a comittee-written slogan extolling the particular virtues of their region. We all remember that Glasgow’s_miles better Sheffield was the Steel City (now, post-Full Monty steal city perhaps?). These purple prose aspirational vision statements have been skillfully analysed elsewhere. Various regions attempt to associate themselves with a particular local creative talent “Constable Country”  “Shakespeare Country” etc.

These efforts to engender an aspirational identity are a laudable attempt to provide an uplifting boost to a locality… but I can’t help thinking Cllr Christian and Cllr McNicholl of Douglas on the Isle of Man have not quite grasped the concept. Here they are seen proudly revealing their corporate call to action: “Don’t Let Douglas Become an Ashtray”

Go for it Cllrs …. Aim High!