I was delighted to be invited to speak to the Irish Pensioners Lunch Club at Progress Hall.  But even I knew that once the bingo started, it was time to stand back and keep quiet!

I had the great pleasure of meeting the Irish Ambassador at his Embassy this week, and was briefed on some of the significant issues that concern our two countries.  Many people living in and around this constituency have direct links with Ireland and it was extremely kind of the Ambassador, Bobby McDonagh and his colleagues, to spare so much of their time.  I hope to remain in touch with him and his team in the future and to further strengthen the relationship between our two communities.

I have just returned from a  truly wonderful St George's Day supper in Welling, courtesy of Bexleyheath & Crayford Conservatives.  Henry Bellingham MP, the Shadow Justice Minister gave a rousing speech and reminded us of why we should be proud to be English.  I very much hope that as a nation, in future, we might celebrate St George's Day more widely and with greater gusto.  In this regard, the Irish, Scots and Welsh could certainly teach us a thing or two.