Isn't it funny?

Well, I hope so...

Avid readers of my blog will have observed that humorous commentary is not my strong point. People that know me in 'real life' will testify that I do have a sense of humour (I hope) and that I don't take myself too seriously at all. But when it comes to blogging, I usually write about the political issue that has preoccupied my thoughts that day. And said issue has normally dominated my thoughts because it's something I feel strongly about. The tone of my posts, it therefore follows, is ordinarily serious. Personally, I not one of those people who enjoys politics for its own sake. I'm interested in politics because it is the way we change the world around us for the better. So it follows that I'm quite serious when I discuss political issues.

Anyway, the point to this preamble is to share my nerves about a forthcoming engagement. When I was thinking about putting myself forward as a candidate, the aspect I was most apprehensive about was the public speaking role. Don't get me wrong - I have no problem getting up and speaking in front of people, even big audiences. However, in the past I have always been speaking about a topic I know - either in a work context or on an issue I am concerned about at events like SNP conference.

But now I've been asked to do something quite different. I have been asked to speak at a Burns Supper, and to a non-SNP audience! I wasn't too nervous about this until one of our constituency activists said: 'don't worry - you don't need to be political, just funny'. JUST funny!

So I now face one of the most daunting things I have ever had to do. I am terrible at remembering jokes and even worse at delivering them! And I have been invited along to entertain people with wit and humour - and I don't want to disappoint. So if you know any good jokes, please let me know. The comments section is moderated (not because anyone was making nasty comments, but because links to viagra sites kept appearing), so you wouldn't be posting publicly. Even if you like the thought of me suffering as I struggle to elicit even a pity giggle from people who have very kindly invited me along to their evening, then do it for them. :o)