Two garbage-collecting mules mysteriously “disappeared” and rubbish remained uncollected in certain areas of Hydra the day after our new mayor, Mr Kotronis, took office. It quickly transpired that the mules had been “re-possessed” by our former Mayor Mr Anastopoulos, who claimed them as his private property. Mr Kotronis argued that they belonged to the municipality…Further fuel was added to the heated dispute when, on entering the Mayor’s office, Mr Kotronis discovered that the Mayoral chair, or “throne” had also taken flight – together with many paintings.

After an initial lively shouting match in the port, (gleefully witnessed by many), over ownership of the mules, the paintings and the “throne”, the dispute is now being conducted through the rather more genteel means of written correspondence.

If I’d been able to vote in the latest municipal election held on the 15th October 2006, I would definitely have been one of those found perched on the fence!

Of course, I should have been able to vote but now the election is over I feel a sense of relief that I never had to make the decision because I’m still as undecided as ever.

I didn’t vote this year or in the 2002 elections because I wasn’t registered. This is rather reprehensible given that the local government of the day has an immediate impact on me as Hydra is where I have chosen to live, work and bring up my daughter. And there’s no point in my complaining that no-one told me that I had to register before June, because ultimately it is my responsibility to make sure I am better informed, although I do find it irksome that neither of the major parties saw fit to value my vote enough to make sure I was registered in time so they could canvas for it!