People have the power

Edinburgh 2nd July 2005

I had the choice of watching the lamest set of pop acts known to man on Live8 on the teevee, watching the Ladies Final at Wimbledon on the teevee or joining around 225,000 people dressed in white, walking for hours in a circular route around Edinburgh to Make Poverty History.

I voted with my feet.

I did it for the Miners Strike, the Poll Tax and both Iraq wars and it only seemed fitting that I add my voice to Saturday's protest. It was an honour and a privilege to be able to do so. If the G8 leaders had their way, no-one would be allowed to make any protest.

On Wednesday, the leaders of the G8 arrive in Gleneagles, about 50 miles from here. I reckon it is just a golfing holiday and all this talk about world finances and economic infrastructures is just a smokescreen for a deluxe break. Why else is it always some ultra-expensive resort like Sea Island last year? Why else do the wives come? They are being ferried round the country to Glamis Castle and Harvey Nichols and lunch with the Stagecoach wifie at her castle. So much for making poverty history. Those spoilt, pampered women must think we all live in castles!

Perth and Kinross Council have magnanimously decided that protesters can assemble 500 metres from Gleneagles Hotel and exercise their democratic right to protest. What a shame that I will be working to pay my taxes which pay for the policemen who will be on duty and the millions for security and Tony Blair's shiny new suit. In my heart and mind, I am there with a loudhailer. What a shame these leaders never really come face to face with real people.