There's a long way to go before politics can be described as the new football, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of interest being shown in the proposed directly-elected regional assembly for the North-East.

Local newspapers have been carrying a stream of letters which appear to come from "real" people rather than the handful of serial letter writers who sometimes hog such pages.

I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on all sides of the debate before concluding we should say 'Yes' to such a regional assembly.

I have the greatest respect for some of the leading businessmen who oppose an assembly and I also spoke with senior figures within the Conservative Party whom I rate.

One stressed there was no need for a regional assembly as a Conservative government would give local authorities far greater powers. I told him straight that, in my opinion, that would be a disaster.

Whilst there are many very able councillors and officers, there are others who seem to be interested only in their own back yard.

I have been very impressed with the likes of Prof John Tomaney, Sir John Hall and leading local businessman Trevor Arnold. They seem to have no ulterior motive other than what is best for the region.

Ashok Kumar MP was also influential. Though he is a Labour man, I know he speaks from the heart however big the whip!

In the end it was the recent visit to this area by a high powered delegation of developers from Dubai that proved pivotal in making my mind up.

They were given an aerial tour of the region and, from the sky, there are no council boundaries, no demarcation lines between Tyneside, Durham and the Tees Valley. That is how we should ensure big players see us: a united region with opportunities to match all requirements.

A regional strategy is also the best way to address fundamental issues such as housing, transport, planning, leisure and sport, as well as public health and co-ordinating the 50-plus quangos in the North-East.

Once the Dubai delegation was back on the ground it was not so simple. Despite the visitors travelling half way round the world to see what we have to offer, certain local representatives couldn't be bothered to travel a few miles to meet them. Still, we did pretty well without them.

The lesson is clear. If we can attract candidates of the appropriate calibre and vision, a regional assembly can provide a powerful voice for the North-East in Whitehall, Europe and globally.

And the thriving debate on the matter is encouraging because it suggests able people who have not previously become involved in politics will step forward. I want to see candidates from all walks of life becoming involved, bringing their skills and experience to the assembly.

First though, I want to see as many people as possible vote 'Yes' for a regional assembly at the forthcoming referendum.

A final sobering thought.

It seems to me the Government is effectively saying to the North-East: do you want more key decisions about your future to be made locally and by people you elect ?

What does it say of us as a region if our answer is 'No' ?

Published: 17/09/2004