Perhaps there has never been a time when it has been easier to be cynical about politicians. Yet that is perhaps a very strong reason for pausing and not rushing to be dismissive. Somebody, after all, has to speak; to re-new discussion; to give a lead.
So, in The Independent today, David Cameron, a politician whose experience as father, until his recent sad death, of a disabled son, gives him unusual authority: The five lessons I learned as a father of a disabled child - and intend to put into practice.
How would you respond to David Cameron, were you invited to do so?
For me, what springs to mind is this:
1) to the 5 lessons David Cameron learned as the father of a boy who died at such a young age, I would add 5 more lessons, those of a father of a young woman venturing into independent adulthood
2) and I would suggest he should go beyond the advisors and the experts and the professionals, including those in the large national charities, to seek out those parents who, on top of their caring duties as parents, are trying to make a difference for all children locally - and listen to us. By all means go to Austria for solutions, David, but also come, for instance, to Sheffield.
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