Q. Are you doing less driving since the price of petrol increased?

A.Unfortunately, I have been doing extra miles since taking over the business. My family and I live approximately 40 minutes away and so we are constantly filling up – ideally in Peterborough though, as it is cheaper. We are hoping to be closer to Peterborough in the near future so, hopefully, we will be able to economise then.

Q. How else have you economised?

A.I have often been reminded by my partner, Sue, that I should turn the car's air conditioning off which does not come naturally for an Aussie. She's also keen to remind me to turn off the computer when it's not in use and aim to keep heating and lighting costs to a minimum.


Q. Is there anyone in the Labour Party who would make a better PM than Gordon brown. If so, who?

A.The cleaner. . . No seriously, Gordon Brown has often had to deal with issues arising from decisions made prior to himself becoming PM – a difficult task no doubt.

I think anyone who has their finger on the pulse at all times would be a better PM.

My ideal politician would have spent time at the grass roots level in education, health and social care and would thoroughly understand how the government's current decisions directly affect these areas.

I think the Government should use common sense in all of its actions particularly with regard to law and order.

The form filling and paperwork needs to be reduced in order for people to do their jobs.


Q. Do you see Russia's invasion of Georgia as a threat to world peace?

A.I feel many people would look at these recent events as a threat to world peace.

A stabbing or a robbery happens every day around the world and they should also be viewed as a threat. I think we shouldn't wait for wars in order to get people's minds focused on doing something.

I believe everyone has a responsibility to foster peace each and every day in their own communities and this starts with every one of us finding peace within ourselves.

Happiness in people rubs off on to others and the more this happens, we would find ourselves in a better world.