I RECENTLY had occasion to visit several doctors and hospitals with a close relative. I was extraordinarily impressed with the service. It was quick; it was kind; it was caring and effective. It was just amazing. If I needed reinforcement, it certainly provided a reminder of how lucky we are to have such a wonderful NHS.

I thought about the debt of gratitude which we owe to the post-war Labour government which introduced the NHS. Its introduction was not universally supported. Indeed we tend to forget that there was vociferous opposition in parliament and outside. But the Attlee government was determined to introduce a health service that was available to all. Those post war years were extremely difficult. We were fortunate to be supported by the Marshall plan but nevertheless to establish the NHS took a very courageous decision by the Labour government, in the face of severe opposition and economic difficulties.

Subsequently, the Conservatives gained power in the 50s and early 60s. By then the NHS was established and other priorities took over: such as a desperate need for social housing. It was the turn of Harold Wilson to finish out the 60s in a time of economic and global turbulence.

My heroes during the period of 1945 to 1970, were Clement Attlee, Harold Macmillan, Harold Wilson and Roy Jenkins. - Attlee for the NHS and his role in the Cold War, Macmillan for the housebuilding, Wilson for the Open University and for keeping us out of Vietnam and Jenkins for the social reform while home secretary.

A keen observer of history will note that three of these four were Labour Party politicians. In those early post war years, Labour played a critical and historic role in shaping the cultural, economic and moral values of this country. I am not a member of the Labour Party. My allegiance lies with the Liberal Democrats. However, I am proud of what these Labour politicians achieved.

It is therefore with some sadness that I see a once great party in turmoil. We need a credible opposition to this administration. My belief, and election results bear this out, is that most people's politics are in the centre. Sadly that space is almost devoid of vocal representation. Indeed some of the politicians of the centre seem to be the subject of derision.

However if we are to address issues of social care, NHS funding, housebuilding, budget deficits and our relationship with Europe, we need to do so via a consensus that only the centre can deliver.

While the internal shenanigans in one or other major party may be entertainment, it is unfortunately distracting from the real goal of building agreement on how to tackle today's big issues.