Greg barker - some of your views

One view:

Without going into to much depth - or I'll be here all night! - my personal feelings are that Greg Barker was wrong to betray his marriage with another person, of any sex, because marriage is supposed to be about loyalty, trust and faithfulness as well as love and all that stuff. But people make mistakes in life. Errors of judgement. Commit sins if you like. Maybe his mistake was getting married in the first place. Who knows? What I do know is that I've met Greg a few times and have found him to be a very nice, approachable and 'genuine' sort of individual. And I know he's a politician so is meant to appear like that - but he really does appear to care about things, so I'm happy! I don't necessarily share his political beliefs - but I will not ignore the fact that he has tried to do a lot for Bexhill, and for that I think we should thank him. I've also had the priviledge of meeting his wife and children when they took part in a charity fund-raiser at our shop for Demelza-James (Hospice]. And I would like to point out that there appeared to be real, genuine affection between the children and their parents - plus a great sense of humour which I doubt would have appeared if the relationship between them all was strained and distant. I dread to think of the teasing the children may be going through or of how Celeste is managing to cope with it all - but they seemed to me to be quite a strong family unit, and I suspect they'll get through the media frenzy and eventually get their lives back. Whatever Greg decides to do with his political life in the future is up to him, his party and their supporters. Not my business! However, he has done what his electorate voted him in to do - which was to support his party's politics and try to improve things for his constituents - so let's not forget that he's been doing the work he was elected to do, whether we agree with his policies or don't. My heart goes out to Greg, Celeste and the children because this is a tough time for them anyway - without their private life being plastered all over the media as well. So I wish them well - and hope everything works out the way they need it to be in the future. Meanwhile, what on earth are they putting in the water in Peasmarsh? The McCartneys. The Barkers. If anyone is thinking if moving there - here is a warning!!!!!!!!! (And this is a joke - although Bexhill-on-Sea even sounds safer than Peasmarsh!]

Another view: I've just been out to buy my Bexhill Observer, late as it is half term and 5 children take up a lot of my day (went to Bodium Castle). The front page has the Greg Barker story and asks for opinion on this board. I know i will get a lot of negative feed back for what i am about to post but i stand firmly behind every word. I campaigned for his election. I was only a member of the Conservative party for one year, the only time i have joined any political party before or since. I am a christian and daily bible reader. It is the bible's position, and i know people will argue (how i just don't know!) that homosexuality is wrong. If, and it has not been comfirmed as i read the article & Observer comment, that our MP is homosexual i certainly could not support him, being a christian. I also could not understand how anyone else could vote for him and call themselves a christian. Also i would feel the same had any MP had an affair with someone of the opposite sex while married with children. This would not be a private matter, anyone who lies to those closest to them can lie over anything. In my opinion he should do the honourable thing and resign his seat and re stand in an election and let people decide on an honest platform if they want him as he truely is. I would like to point out here, that i honestly wish Greg Barker all the best for the future. We all sin/ do wrong every day of our lives. Somethings are known, many only we know and hide till the day we die. I want the best for everyone whether friend, family, or stranger. I extend love to Greg the person, while hating any sin commited, as i hate my own sin. I find elections very differcult as all the main parties accept homosexuality and yet leaders call themselves christian i believe. They also accept other faiths as equal, also not a biblical position. The replies i will find most interesting will come from other people calling themselves christian. I really hope this is published in next weeks paper. I would value a reply from an local priests/ minister of religion, who is prepared to stand up publically and re enforce my stated biblical position. Love to all readers, Paul Minter