A Happy, albeit reflective Birthday.

Today, my birthday, was a day of mixed emotions. Starting early, I met my two political opponents for an interview on Radio 5 Live. Having an opportunity to speak on a national radio station during their early prime time slot, really was a pleasure. I had the chance to convey my thanks to the people of our city for the growing support we are finding across Derby North.

I was disappointed by the negativity demonstrated by both the Labour, and the Liberal Democrat candidates. It seems the two of them have already decided who is going to win in Derby North at the next General Election, and apparently, they both are. Which should make for an interesting polling day. As I've said before, polls count for little in my opinion. The people of Derby will decide who is most capable of representing our city and that's the only poll that matters.

As enjoyable as it was however, my thoughts today have been with the people of Haiti. The scale of the devastation there grows more traumatic by the day. Death tolls rise and latest media reports tell stories of people singing into the night, consoling each other whilst trying to make sense of something incomprehensible. As I sit down tonight, so incredibly fortunate in my home, with my family, I think not only of the victims of this tragedy, but the rescue teams from across the world who are proving once again that human compassion really is limitless.