"Always expect the unexpected" said the great sage Confucius.

The current political scene has a distinct air of the unexpected.

Who would have thought our headlines could be dominated by news that inflation may reach four per cent this year or that a right winger like David Davis has resigned over civil liberties?

Freedom is the most precious part of our cultural heritage but freedom from poverty is for me, the most important.

There is no doubt that the current economic climate, high prices for fuel and food, is dangerous at all levels – local, national and global.

While I am not complacent about civil liberties, I believe that in Britain and Europe we are not governed by oppressive regimes and the ballot box allows for change, unlike the situation in Zimbabwe.

I believe strongly that one of the top priorities for any government is to provide conditions for full employment. With a job comes self respect and a means for self improvement.

I say this because as a child I saw the impact of poverty and today it's a tragedy that so many children are still living in poverty.

The work locally of anti poverty strategies such as Communities First, Sure Start, Open Door is essential if we are to create a fair and just society. These programmes can only continue if there are sufficient tax revenues. Obviously full employment provides income taxation and the ability for governments to implement anti-poverty strategies.

Jobs are important then, and the Government has the opportunity to retain jobs at Welshpool Tax office and they are worth around £2million to our local economy!

One of my main aims as a local politician is to fight for a healthy economy and the forthcoming recession will present an immense challenge. Over the next months I will be lobbying the Welsh Assembly Government and Powys County Council more than ever to invest in our local economy.

For example, the Severn Valley Regeneration Plan, better train services, investment in infrastructure, the new Welshpool livestock market, and a Newtown bypass all become top priorities.

At the same time, government programmes to reduce poverty must be maintained.

Over the coming weeks the Liberal Democrats will be mounting targeted campaigns to ensure Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire receive a fair share of investment.

I hope that the headline grabbing issues will not allow our government to take its eye off reducing poverty, sustaining local economies and preserving local jobs.