Gorleston man's state of world address

A GORLESTON man has been inspired by anger at the current state of the world, including the economic crisis, to write a book of short stories lampooning politicians and other institutions.

A GORLESTON man has been inspired by anger at the current state of the world, including the economic crisis, to write a book of short stories lampooning politicians and other institutions.

Tony Paul, of Lower Cliff Road, has penned the book, Short Stories from a Troubled World, to poke fun at politicians, think tanks, the media and ruling elites in general. The nine stories include Poisoned Chalice, which was written from the viewpoint of US president Lyndon B Johnson as he took over the office from John F Kennedy following his assassination in 1963.

Mr Paul, 60, who used to work as a welder, said he had read many political novels by such authors as Gore Vidal and Bowling for Columbine film director Michael Moore.

“For me, there is nothing worse than a grumpy old man, so I thought I would get it off my chest and talk. So if I can stimulate other people and create awareness of what is happening in the world, that would be great,” he said.

The former Lowestoft man, who works for Swift Taxis, said he was a keen golfer and listed his other interests as cycling, walking, reading and travelling.

He is married to Vonna, 50, and has two daughters, Laura, 41, and Amy, 37, as well as three grandchildren - Billie Paul, 12, Lila Fox, seven, and Elvie Fox, four.

His book can be bought from Books Inside in Market Gates shopping centre, Great Yarmouth, or online at www.iconoclastpublishing.com.