James To Kun-sun, a budding Democrat who a year ago was about to be ousted from Legco, recalls with occasional frustration his battle back to the chamber.
THIS has been a difficult year.
'I have had to work very hard as, not being in office any more, I was without a natural supply of information,' Mr To said.
As a shadow legislator, outside the chamber and with no vote, he needed to make the extra effort to make sharp analysis that would grab media exposure.
'I have experienced very bitter moments as well. With reporters trying to ask me for a quick response in the Legco corridors after some provisional legislature meetings, security guards would come up and stop me.
'We had to go all the way outside the building before I could make a statement or two. I was so angry. Even public visitors were allowed to speak in the corridors,' Mr To said.
He was also angered by what he regarded as the too-relaxed attitude of some provisional legislators and their failure to grill officials.