FAREWELL SPEECH PARLIAMENT 2014

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP

In the realm of politics where MP's reside it is easy to get caught up in the game of politics - this in itself is not a crime as politicians do what they think they must, to convince people they can deliver a better government - the lines blurr however, when discrediting at any cost those seen as standing in the way of either arresting or holding on to power becomes the focus - when we start undermining democratic institutions, creating chaos and trying to render parliament unworkable or the country ungovernable - then we have gone too far.   

When we take ourselves and the game of 'seeking power' too seriously we forget the reason for the power - it is not about us - it is about the people we represent.  We cannot and must not use and abuse the responsibility we have - not only to this generation but to future generations. 

As a 'people' who - despite reservations - chose to find each other, build a nation based on democratic principles and freedoms, and to leave a worthwhile  legacy for future generations - I would say - we are going to have to show greater respect for each other and for those we represent!

We have come to the end of an very short and challenging year for Parliament - but we got here - I am grateful - and hopeful that we can go the distance and stand the test of time! 

As I stand here on behalf of my colleagues in the ACDP I want to appreciate everyone who has been involved in the life and work of Parliament this year and pray that we will all grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. 

Christmas is a time of giving and in the spirit of Christmas I want to give you something  to take from today that I think is special - it is a song that is the creative work of Andre de Villiers but as both the rules of parliament and my singing abilities don't allow for it to be sung - I hope you will hear what I hear as I read these words to you. 

"You and me we're made the same

We've got things to lose we've got things to gain

We see from different points of view

But when I look at your life it's like déjà vu

There's a little bit of you in me and me in you

You got me and I got you

Evening and morning make the day

Where the sun comes up somewhere it fades away

It all depends upon your point of view

When I look at your life it's like déjà vu

There's a little bit of you in me and me in you

You've got me and I've got you..."