Column 11 - 15.9.04

David Savvides reads an earlier draft of a certain speech...

Regional assemblies are a great opportunity. It's about devolution from the centre and handing power back. It's about a new form of government and a new vision.

It's about offering the people of the North the same choice as the people had in Afghanistan and as we're giving to the people in Iraq.

But, it won't be my decision. It won't be the Government's decision. It will be down to you to decide. It's your region, your say, and your choice. We just give you the option.

For the first time ever we are consulting people in the regions before we publish the Bill. We want to hear your views. Have we got the package of powers right? Do you think we should be adding more or different powers?

For example, the power to create jobs for all our friends. The power to end poverty and crime. The power to shift stubborn stains. The power to have all the people living life in peace.

At the last count, there were around 180 quangos in the three northern regions, with about 3,000 board members - all selected by civil servants and Governments. That's the status quo.

These people are a drain on the economy, and we have to get rid of them in order to win the next election.

The first principle of the Bill is that elected assemblies should tow the Government's line. Our Councils are simply not doing this properly on their own.

At the moment, we have a variety of different regional plans and strategies: the Department for Trade and Industry's economic strategy; the Department for Transport's transport strategy; the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's cultural strategy; the Department for Education and Skills' skills and employment strategy.

Under our proposals, the assembly will carry out my strategy instead.

It's not about cleaning the streets, or running your local school or hospital. It's about me.

The North South divide is still with us. I am from the North but the media are in the south. I have my own way of thinking - what I call the Northern Way.

The chaps down South don't understand. Life expectancy is lower in the North. Obesity is worse. And fewer people are in good health. So, I am going on a diet.

Remember, elected regional assemblies only appear to be about handing power back to the people. We've done it in Scotland, in Wales, in London. Some people complain that their hands are tied.

We call it joined-up government.

It's about choice - your choice. You can choose to retain the existing system of quangos, waste and bureaucracy.

Or you can choose a completely new one.

Your say. Your choice. Thank you for coming.