Distractions

It's an interesting time, as they say in parts of the world where explosives, missiles and suicide bombers are par for the course. Naturally, our interesting time is a little less unhealthy, but the news that Tryfan might not be as high as was once thought, coupled with the petition to turn the A55 into a motorway sits well with the local Nuclear Power chaps, who are suggesting that they might build a nice bypass for a village in Anglesey so they can build their shiny new Nuclear Power station.

If you're all both wondering exactly what the connection is, it's all to do with distractions. The Nuclear power industry is in the throes of making a comeback. Years ago it received a dreadful press, largely because of silly issues, like contaminating a large chunk of Russia and North Wales, doubling cancer rates and generally being a bit sloppy with some of the most lethal substances known to man.  So the A55 - which never fails to cause controversy - and the height of Tryfan have both provided useful talking points, when otherwise folk might be nattering about death and destruction over their elevenses.

The Nuclear power industry spends an enormous amount on PR, yet there's a quiet acceptance growing that we generally prefer warm and well lit homes to living in caves, and that if we're to continue enjoying the benefits of central heating, hot showers and Chris Evans (although whether that last should be described as a benefit is debatable) then we need nuclear power.  Wind power, despite its 'green' credentials, which are rather less than might be imagined after the manufacturing process has been taken into account, is really just another distraction, with many long-term reliability issues. Tidal power - which could be really effective - needs technology still in a fledging state, and the promise of Fusion - the great hope for tomorrow - is still, er…tomorrow's dream.  Realistically, we need nuclear power, just not too close. Perhaps they could hollow out Tryfan and use that?