ONE thing Brexit has taught me in these high-tech, robotic days is how to use my own in-built remote control.

With radar-like effectiveness I switch off whenever the word Brexit is mentioned.

I now use the same approach when watching those tiresome building society adverts where we are repeatedly subjected to the same mind-numbing rhymes by people we don't even know.

Alas,while watching the BBC's Daily Politics this week that all encompassing word Brexit slipped back in to my consciousness when the 75-year old democracy charity 'Hansard Society' revealed their annual audit of political engagement.

It appears the public think politics is broken and they are not confident that politicians act in the public interest.

Really?

Hansard asked the question: does Britain needs a strong leader and someone who is willing to 'break the rules?'

Only 23 said no ... 54 per cent said a rallying yes.

But surely we want a leader who actually listens and not a careerist making it up as they go along - the political equivalent of a maverick TV cop who doesn't play by the rule book.

I also hope this desire for radical rule breakers doesn't apply to local government

As the May 2 elections approach we should vote for those candidates we think we can trust.

Those who don't have their own agendas.

It is going to be very interesting in Wirral which is now the subject of widespread media attention following the green belt and litter enforcement debacles.

We have already seen individual councillors breaking the rules by adopting zero tolerance to litter enforcement when it was made clear to them it wasn't the approach people wanted.

This really is the time for strong, brave leadership - nationally and locally.

As Fleabag - the best TV series of the year - came to an end on Monday it left us with a very inspirational, politically correct thought: 'Strength is knowing what is right.'

Opting for a rule-breaking PM just doesn't seem right ...

*

CLAPPERBOARD ... action.

I am enjoying going down virtual memory lanes again thanks to the ever-reliable Talking Pictures Channel.

It offers retro refreshment in an age of streaming, budget-busting Netflix productions and endless box sets.

Talking Pictures continues to bring back memories from the '40s to the '60s.

One gem I watched again this weekend was The Magnet from 1950 which was filmed in Wirral and Liverpool.

It may not have been an Ealing Comedy classic but it is a piece of film history as we see the ferry terminals, Overhead railway and New Brighton's famous pier.

Now Talking Pictures are having their sixth film festival on October 20 in Stockport - a whole day to dwell on classics with like-minded movie-goers.

A chance to discuss the past and the possibility of a Magnet sequel.

This innocent tale tells of a caring community helping to buy an iron lung with it's young hero gaining a civic pride medal.

It is a moving bygone picture postcard.

On second thoughts leave well alone.

Wirral then and now ... I know which I prefer.

*

WATFORD FC's Football-mad fan Sir Elton John cried when his beloved club made it into this year's FA Cup Final against quadruple trophy hunters Man City.

He sobbed last time they played at the then Twin Towers in 1984 when Watford were beaten by Everton 2-0 (Cue: That's why they call it The Blues).

Now emotional Elton says he will be there at the Stadium on May 18.

But his mammoth Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour itinerary says he is in Copenhagen on that same day.

Methinks a tactical substitution will be made (Cue: Sacrifice).

His film Rocket Man is out on May 1 while his tour is breaking office records. Is his club's name on the cup?

Alas here's my final 'cue song' I think he will be singing Sorry seems to be the hardest word to the fans.

It all brings back memories of seeing Elton appearing at the Liverpool Empire in the early 80s when he appeared on stage with his band including Wallasey-born drummer Nigel Olsen.

Elton wore a military outfit with an illuminated scoreboard on the back for that Night's Everton V Watford game.

Everton beat them that night as well ...

*

GROWING up it was so much easier without passwords.

The only security access I needed back then was the combination lock numbers for my bike.

Now with so many passwords to recall it is impossible not to forget them.

On average we can't remember them 36 times a year.

The stand-up comedian Nick Helm thought he had cracked it when he was asked for a unique password - eight characters long.

So he came up with 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.'

*

And finally ...

Popular Peninsular People Power ... now that's a contender for the Annual Alliteration Awards - the AAAs as they are better known.

I refer to Wirral Against The Litter Police (Kingdom Security) who have had a change of name ... but not of heart.

The word 'against' is now redundant and has been replaced by the gutsier 'axed' thus becoming Wirral Axed The Litter Police.

What next for this inspirational Facebook page?

How about Wirral Against Polling Day Apathy?

If anyone can persuade voters in the Borough that they have the power to change the future - it is these individual and collective crusaders.

Peter Grant