THE GOVERNMENT MINISTER'S GARDEN

First of all John,
I want the theme of the garden
To be absolutely clear.

It is important that people visit it
And feel represented by it.

No, I don’t accept that John.
The flowers have not died.

We are in a planned process
Of replanting.

Yes, there is still more to do.
But don’t overlook what we have achieved
Since we took the garden over.

And you’ll remember John
Just what a state it was in
After the last owner had neglected it.

A great deal of money
Has been set aside for it
And that is why John
We are fully committed
To make this garden a success.

Again John, I don’t accept that.
This garden has been a partnership
From Day One.

No John, staff cuts is not an issue.
Overall there will be no net loss.
What we are talking about here John
Is new challenges, a demand for new skills.

Look John, when work is completed
This garden will be a showpiece.
A cutting-edge example
Of what an old concept and new technology
Coupled with imaginative working practices
Can achieve.

No John, I can’t give a guarantee
That there will be flowers, as such.
But John, think of the labour costs,
The time needed, the competing priorities.

If we were to rest on our laurels (so to speak)
And turn our backs
On much needed reform …

John, if you ask me a question
Please allow me the courtesy
To answer it.

Yes John, the new garden life experience project
Will indeed have a roof,
But do you not see
That this will allow us
To avoid unnecessary elemental configurations
Which if left untackled
Would interfere with our climate control mechanisms.

John, let me give you this pledge:
By ensuring that each one
Of our family garden experiences
Has a on-line Casino opportunity booth
We will be able to dispense
With entrance fees
And John, yes, we do have the mechanism
To partnership-fund the whole operation.

Thank you John.