this explains why he's not returned my call when he specifically asked me to ring him to discuss it.

Do I detect somebody feeling a little heat and not sure how to back away ? I think he's actually painted himself into an embarrassing corner and feels stuck, so is toughing it out. I can't see a way out for him unless he reneges one or other of his grand positioning statements.I hope we get a big turnout on the 6th so's he can't ignore it.