Quite clearly there are those who think I have been too forthright and controversial in my views. The criticism I have received is totally valid, not unexpected and very healthy. The fact remains that all of this has been overwhelmingly outweighed by continuing support and by a significant number who actually believe that I don’t quite go far enough in my search for clarity. What on earth would be the point of NUBA if we were to meekly toe the line and allow ourselves to be cowed and bullied into silence? The views I express are my own, they are genuine and are the result of experience in the field coupled with an unfortunate and deeply unfashionable inability to spin! That said, they are largely echoed by NUBA members many of whom I have spoken to personally and at length over the past six months. Rightly or wrongly these views have struck a chord with many and I simply would not be representing our membership if I were to blandly and safely seek public approval just for the sake of an easy life. Furthermore, the views expressed are never made on a whim or merely for effect but are the result of much thought and reflection. That of course doesn’t make them right, that is for others to judge. These days ordinary decent people (I still hope I am one) are too often frightened to express legitimate concerns for fear of ridicule from a well organised minority apparently threatened by anyone so rash as to stray from their entrenched mindset. Fine with me. I try to say what I believe to be true and will always welcome constructive argument. Certain things simply need to be aired, whatever the reaction. Sport England have recognised NUBA and quite properly answered the ten questions I asked of them and then accurately published on the NUBA website together with their answers in full. I have ridiculed their findings on angler participation numbers but applaud and respect their openness. By next week I will be posing ten questions to Martin Salter MP anglings most prominent political representative. These questions will again be accurately and faithfully posted on http://www.nuba.org.uk/ together I hope with Martin’s answers prior to July 11, NUBAs official launch date. I hope Martin will respond positively and that he too will see this exercise as a welcome opportunity to inform NUBAs now 2000 members and every other concerned angler as to the politician’s vision of the future of angling in the UK. I want to thank everyone for their cards and messages following my recent health scare, very kind and much appreciated. I will take NUBA through to launch even if it will only be me, two men and a dog that turn up. This I promise. Sadly due to present circumstances it won’t be quite the event I once intended but it will still be of great significance. I will post the time and venue online. Tight lines, good luck for the 16th.
Alan Suttie |
