Well, as you all know Tony Blair has just called the general election, and this evening, after I get off the phone I get one of those recorded messages.

No, it's not that I've won a competition and I should phone 0906 numbers to claim my prize.

It is a recording of Michael Howard, which was clever to kick in on the beep of the 1571, saying that he is contacting people as part of his campaign, and to remind them to use their vote wisely, and a few other bits and bobs which I can't remember.

However they also stated that if I didn't wish to hear any more recorded messages from him again, I should phone 08454049455 if I wish to get my name removed!!

Not a very good start to Conservative campaign.  If his campaigning team are trying to get every vote possible, then surely they want to be telephone friendly, and they would use an 0800 number.

The political parties have enough issues to lose votes over.  Alienating voters with NGNs is an unnecessary waste of potiential votes.

Let's see if any of the other parties try the same stunt.

Also, something for everyone on this forum.  When we get canvassed for our votes, then we can let our views on 0870 numbers be known to any campaigners.

And further to my previous post, anybody who lives in an area where the local GP has switched over to NGNs, should especially be mentioning this to the campaigners.

Also, Paul Tyler who is MP for North Cornwall has been mentioned on this board as being one of the few that take this issue seriously.  I'm in his neighbouring constituency.

And of course, come the summer, and when Tony Blair has his feet under the table for another few years, the government might continue with 0844.

Typical political reply, saying that they're looking into it, and taking the issue seriously, but won't commit to a result quite yet, until the votes have been counted!!