IT’S not something I want to shout out too loudly but, in my weaker moments, I feel sorry for politicians.

They can put in a bucket-load of hard work and, often through no fault of their own, get a metaphorical bucket-load of something else thrown back.

But most people enter politics for honourable reasons. They wish to do something for the community in which they live in – which seems absurdly brave or potty in these fiscally nasty times.

If they get elected, too often their wisdom can be drowned in the old acoustics of the corridors of power. But credit them for giving it a go.

And outside those civic circles, Joe Public, jaded by national politics, is liable to bunch the whole lot together and sling criticism at them however hard they strive or whatever they achieve. And that just isn’t fair.

Today our town and county halls herald the return of many councillors and welcome new members.

And, while the slate is clean this time round, I’d like to say well done to all candidates for standing up and being counted. Whether that count was kind to them or not.

And to say give thanks to those hard-working, decent councillors of the past who did not stand this time round or were unsuccessful at the polls.

Tomorrow the Echo will carry all the local results and may we wish good luck to councillors, new and old, facing difficult decisions in an economically challenging term.

And now, until the next election, let’s move on and leave the subject of lost seats to cosmetic surgeons skilled in lifting buttocks.

And the loss of old members to the likes of Mr and Mrs Bobbitt.