A New Year is an opportunity to do better as we resolve to improve on the past. It is a time for a new broom, a fresh look and a determination to get fit, lose weight, forego a nasty habit and project a positive outlook for 2008.
That applies beyond our personal lives. It is true that, amid wars, political and economic instability, and global warming, we got a brighter 2007 with a breakthrough on power-sharing at Stormont. Sinn Féin's signing up to policing also marked huge progress in peace-making, even if 2008 must resolve that issue by devolving policing powers to those being policed.
Notwithstanding that there was plenty to cheer, there were also disappointments, not least the failure of the Assembly to put its own brand on democracy here. There are far too many hangovers from direct rule (PPS14 and stripping hospital services from Tyrone). Some ministers are being led by over-cautious and personally ambitious civil servants. Perhaps 2008 will see the confidence of our representatives grow to take their own decisions.
On that score, the tortured issue of the 11-plus must be put to rest for once and all and the needs and welfare of children placed ahead of traditions of selection, exclusion and snobbery. If the matter is dealt with properly, children might enjoy being children for that little while longer... at least until they can realise their latent potential.
So to the Review of Public Administration which promised to get rid of much of the duplication in our flabby public sector. Has it been dispatched to Limbo? Nobody knows if its main recommendations will see the light of day again. For 2008, the minister and her political colleagues need to admit the optimal number of councils is seven. That is not just the view of a particular political party; the review found it shared by business and the general public. It makes eminent sense to go for identifiable councils (six counties) and Belfast. Anything else is flab and confusion.
Meanwhile, all those who claim to serve the public, and who are paid to do so, must extend their vision even to far-flung Strabane. It is not good enough to take heed when yet another disaster befalls us. Outside committment is needed to sustain and nourish the growing pride of place and identity that has begun to grow in our community once more. We have endured much in the past; we deserve better for 2008.
