YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED
Dear Mary
Q. We have lived in a very nice, civilised square in south London for nearly 20 years. It’s surprisingly private and everyone gets on well. One of our neighbours is an eminent Liberal Democrat peer of the realm. Unfortunately his wife and he persist in aggressively canvassing and leafleting our neighbours and us, even though they know that I have belonged to the Conservative party since before the Liberal Democrats were even formed. I would never consider canvassing their household and I consider this macho flaunting of their political affiliations to be bad form, and actually rather rude. Can you tell me how I can make this plain to them without seeming rude in return?
Name and address withheld A. Next time you see your neighbour in the square, issue a cheery invitation to a local fund-raising event for the Conservatives. As he blanches, say, ‘I’m taking my lead from you, you know. I’ve often asked myself, “Why does he carry on leafleting and canvassing those of us in the square who are known supporters of rival parties?”’ Now laugh conspiratorially as you continue, ‘Then I suddenly realised why! You’ve taken professional advice, haven’t you? Oh yes, ha ha ha. Some marketing guru’s told you that pester-power eventually works. Just keep on battering at them! Am I right?’ Stay silent while he splutters. Then say, ‘Seriously though. Nothing to do with pester-power actually. You’re a Lib Dem. You’ve got an “open mind”. So will you come?’ This should make him think twice about wasting resources on you in the future.
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