So, in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, the UK had the least votes and came in at the very bottom of the pile. I don't think it is something the performer, nineteen year old Josh Dubovie, or the songwriter Pete Waterman, should feel too bad about. The sad truth is that the UK could put forward a choir made up of ALL our biggest acts and still not make headway, in a competition that has become even more eccentric in its voting, although this time it was Germany who made it to the top.
It is suggested that while we, in the UK, treat the whole event as a joke, the rest of Europe take it very serious, with countries spending fortunes in an effort to win the prestige of broadcasting it. Perhaps it is time we sulked a little and withdrew our presence and our finance. The latter is the reason we have an automatic right of entry.....nothing to do with whether our song is good, bad or bizarre. As it happens, the Pete Waterman composition "That Sounds Good To Me" sadly didn't.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
David Laws: Did the honourable thing and resigns from government
David Laws did the honourable thing and resigned as Chief Secretary to the Treasury tonight (Saturday). His talents as a minister will be sadly missed and it is accepted that he was one of the most talented within the new government. However, as with many other MPs caught up in the expenses scandal, his was an excessive claim, regardless of the reasons.
While he has done the right thing in resigning, I find it sickening that both David Cameron and Nick Clegg appear to have regretted his decision to resign and have suggested he should return to government at the earliest possible opportunity. So much for the new politics. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister showed little concern about his action in claiming the money, treating his resignation as a noble act of sacrifice, rather than the result of someone caught taking advantage of the taxpayer.
David Laws should have dealt with the situation earlier and could have avoided this personal tragedy. His talents will be missed, but it would have been impossible for him to talk to us about cuts and sacrifices, knowing what we know. David & Nick should have sent a powerful message to the country, not just accepting his resignation, but reaffirming their intention to stamp out excess in Parliament and beyond.
Should David Laws return to the government in the future, no doubt his abilities will be welcomed, but for now, at least, the electorate is seeing that there are consequences in behaving badly. But you would never think that from the statements made by the PM and his deputy.
By resigning now, Mr. Laws has behaved with dignity, good grace and, finally, superb judgement. Attributes that this Coalition Government will need in abundance in the future.
While he has done the right thing in resigning, I find it sickening that both David Cameron and Nick Clegg appear to have regretted his decision to resign and have suggested he should return to government at the earliest possible opportunity. So much for the new politics. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister showed little concern about his action in claiming the money, treating his resignation as a noble act of sacrifice, rather than the result of someone caught taking advantage of the taxpayer.
David Laws should have dealt with the situation earlier and could have avoided this personal tragedy. His talents will be missed, but it would have been impossible for him to talk to us about cuts and sacrifices, knowing what we know. David & Nick should have sent a powerful message to the country, not just accepting his resignation, but reaffirming their intention to stamp out excess in Parliament and beyond.
Should David Laws return to the government in the future, no doubt his abilities will be welcomed, but for now, at least, the electorate is seeing that there are consequences in behaving badly. But you would never think that from the statements made by the PM and his deputy.
By resigning now, Mr. Laws has behaved with dignity, good grace and, finally, superb judgement. Attributes that this Coalition Government will need in abundance in the future.
David Laws: Are politicians thick?
It prompts me to ask the question are politicians thick? I mean, he must have known that sooner or later it was all going to come out and one wonders what made him think he was going to get away with it? This is the man who told Ministers in the Coalition Government to walk instead of avail themselves of their chauffeur-driven cars, but was quite happy to take the public for a ride himself.
It was he, after all, who promised spending cuts that would send "shockwaves" across the nation, but presumably his little nest egg would have cushioned him and his long-term partner from any hardship. It is disheartening that it appears he has only realised the wrong after a newspaper published the details. He says he did it to protect his relationship becoming public, but pocketing taxpayer's money was not the way to go about it.
In this great new world of transparency and responsible politicians, it is inevitable that David Cameron and Nick Clegg will sadly agree that Mr. Laws must go. It begs the question, were they already aware of his cavalier attitude towards taxpayer monies and if so why, oh why, did they behave like two more thick politicians and go ahead with his appointment?
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
The Coalition Government: There is no more money left! Plus The Queen's Speech and the trouble ahead.
So, where Labour fudged, hid and denied, the Coalition Government has come right out and confirmed what Liam Byrne kindly told them: there is no money left! The first round of cuts have been announced, a mild taster of things to come, with just another £151 or so billion to go!
As for the Queen's Speech, the programme looks ambitious and, if you asked a Conservative MP, very Liberal in its content. There may be trouble ahead if David Cameron doesn't do more to appease his seething warriors in the House and down the Dales. If anyone is happy right now it must be Nick Clegg who has taken his bunch into a government with a Prime Minister who has no choice but to compromise.
As the promised Bills go before the Commons, it will be interesting to see if the Coalition holds and if not, which of the famous names rebel. With Labour, for the present and immediate future, toothless, it is ironic that the only real opposition to the government's plans, is likely to come from within.
As for the Queen's Speech, the programme looks ambitious and, if you asked a Conservative MP, very Liberal in its content. There may be trouble ahead if David Cameron doesn't do more to appease his seething warriors in the House and down the Dales. If anyone is happy right now it must be Nick Clegg who has taken his bunch into a government with a Prime Minister who has no choice but to compromise.
As the promised Bills go before the Commons, it will be interesting to see if the Coalition holds and if not, which of the famous names rebel. With Labour, for the present and immediate future, toothless, it is ironic that the only real opposition to the government's plans, is likely to come from within.
Cheryl Cole: The Media's Sweetheart
Cheryl Cole, the media's sweetheart and therefore the nation's, is to divorce her wayward husband Ashley for his "unreasonable behaviour". With every female columnist in the country demanding she dispose of him, the pending divorce appears to be a proclamation of a vengeful sisterhood, rather than a private sad end to a marriage.
Every since Princess Diana died, the media has been searching for someone to replace her on the front pages and has never quite succeeded. Victoria Beckham and Kylie worked hard to be worthy contenders, but the likes of the trashy Jordon and Kerry Katona, may have got the front pages, but the affections of only a particular section of the population.
So Chery has been chosen and is reaping the benefits of an amazingly kind media....for now. But watching the recent Boy George docu-play, I was reminded how he was once the golden child of the press, until it grew bored and then went all out, maybe not to destroy him, but to make sure his bad behaviour was fully-exposed to public scrutiny.
If Cheryl is replacing anyone in the nation's affections it is Kylie Minogue, who hypnotised us all with those pants and clever videos. Alas, she is now too old for the former and unfortunately her music and videos have become rather samey and stale. She kind of spoiled it for me when she choose Kermit over Jason Donovan for a duet on her TV show, at a time when his career was in the doldrums.
Cheryl Cole has been a breath of fresh air, bringing style and humour to our television screens and the media will continue to embrace her, until someone else comes along.
As for Ashley, well, to every straight man in the country he had it all, until he produced his mobile and stroked his ego. But that doesn't make him a bad footballer.
Every since Princess Diana died, the media has been searching for someone to replace her on the front pages and has never quite succeeded. Victoria Beckham and Kylie worked hard to be worthy contenders, but the likes of the trashy Jordon and Kerry Katona, may have got the front pages, but the affections of only a particular section of the population.
So Chery has been chosen and is reaping the benefits of an amazingly kind media....for now. But watching the recent Boy George docu-play, I was reminded how he was once the golden child of the press, until it grew bored and then went all out, maybe not to destroy him, but to make sure his bad behaviour was fully-exposed to public scrutiny.
If Cheryl is replacing anyone in the nation's affections it is Kylie Minogue, who hypnotised us all with those pants and clever videos. Alas, she is now too old for the former and unfortunately her music and videos have become rather samey and stale. She kind of spoiled it for me when she choose Kermit over Jason Donovan for a duet on her TV show, at a time when his career was in the doldrums.
Cheryl Cole has been a breath of fresh air, bringing style and humour to our television screens and the media will continue to embrace her, until someone else comes along.
As for Ashley, well, to every straight man in the country he had it all, until he produced his mobile and stroked his ego. But that doesn't make him a bad footballer.
Monday, 24 May 2010
The Duchess of York: An easy target for the News Of The World
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, just can't help it. If she was in the middle of the Sahara desert she would still find the only banana skin to slip on and is therefore an easy target for the nasty men from The News Of The World.
Is her situation so desperate that she didn't for just one nano-second think that perhaps it was all too good to be true? Is her world so unreal that a twinge of concern did not even cross her red-haired head when the stranger placed forty-thousand dollars in front of her? Although why would she think it odd, when she sees her Royal relatives get loads of money on a regular basis from strangers like you and me.
If Sarah Ferguson was a professional she would never have agreed to the sting meeting in the first place. It would have been done by an intermediary, who she could have disowned had it become an issue. Or am I thinking of a plot from Mission Impossible?!
It it said that here is a woman who has had so many chances to redeem herself and each time makes a pig's ear of it. Perhaps it is time Prince Andrew sorted out his ex-wife's finances, but then of course he is still tied to his mummy's purse strings. After all who do you think pays for those helicopter trips to golf courses? Oh yes! You and me!
Is her situation so desperate that she didn't for just one nano-second think that perhaps it was all too good to be true? Is her world so unreal that a twinge of concern did not even cross her red-haired head when the stranger placed forty-thousand dollars in front of her? Although why would she think it odd, when she sees her Royal relatives get loads of money on a regular basis from strangers like you and me.
If Sarah Ferguson was a professional she would never have agreed to the sting meeting in the first place. It would have been done by an intermediary, who she could have disowned had it become an issue. Or am I thinking of a plot from Mission Impossible?!
It it said that here is a woman who has had so many chances to redeem herself and each time makes a pig's ear of it. Perhaps it is time Prince Andrew sorted out his ex-wife's finances, but then of course he is still tied to his mummy's purse strings. After all who do you think pays for those helicopter trips to golf courses? Oh yes! You and me!
Chancellor George Osborne: The £6 billion Macho Man
So, Chancellor George Osborne, with £6 billion in cuts to find, starts to flex his macho man muscles tomorrow (Monday), when he announces the first phase in a bid to pay off the massive national debt.
In the great scheme of things the initial savings will not be significant, but the action will reinforce the government's determination to get to grips with the economy. The first cuts will, we hear, attack quangos, consultants, IT contracts and state advertising, along with the beginning of job losses across the civil service.
The cuts have been well sign-posted, but the reality may be greater than either Tory or LibDem MPs can stomach and many of the new intake will find their first post-election constituency meetings not very welcoming.
The Unions will not stand idly by, but I suspect their members worrying about their jobs, may not be fully-supportive of strike action. Many companies, will look at BA and BT and take the opportunity to stand firm against employee demands. But it won't help when they see directors getting big salary and benefit increases.
The pity is that everyone knows government action is required and pain inevitable, but we still hope that the process will not be as painful as they say. Unfortunately, I fear that when George Osborne speaks in a few hours time, it will be the stuff of nightmares!
In the great scheme of things the initial savings will not be significant, but the action will reinforce the government's determination to get to grips with the economy. The first cuts will, we hear, attack quangos, consultants, IT contracts and state advertising, along with the beginning of job losses across the civil service.
The cuts have been well sign-posted, but the reality may be greater than either Tory or LibDem MPs can stomach and many of the new intake will find their first post-election constituency meetings not very welcoming.
The Unions will not stand idly by, but I suspect their members worrying about their jobs, may not be fully-supportive of strike action. Many companies, will look at BA and BT and take the opportunity to stand firm against employee demands. But it won't help when they see directors getting big salary and benefit increases.
The pity is that everyone knows government action is required and pain inevitable, but we still hope that the process will not be as painful as they say. Unfortunately, I fear that when George Osborne speaks in a few hours time, it will be the stuff of nightmares!
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Samantha Cameron: Oh Lord! They've given her a humble makeover....
My attention was drawn to a double-page spread in The Sun, featuring the PM's wife Samantha Cameron and what could only be described as the "humble" makeover.
Yes, there she was, at No.10 having tea and biscuits with the newspaper's Wondermum finalists and of course, she was "humbled" to meet them, in a piece that made you think of Princess Di and Mother Teresa, those other admirers of the peasantry.
Why is it necessary to build her up as if she is part of the election process.....or have we already gone down the same "First Lady" route as the Americans? We buy one Cameron and get one free....although, I thought on this occasion the free element was Nick Clegg, the photogenic Deputy PM, who looks so good and relaxed beside his political partner. Makes you think it is a relationship that will last and then you remember Charles and Di, Tony and Gordon, Ronan and his missus. You never can tell. Makes you wonder if, like Prince Harry, Sam feels like the spare.
Yes, there she was, at No.10 having tea and biscuits with the newspaper's Wondermum finalists and of course, she was "humbled" to meet them, in a piece that made you think of Princess Di and Mother Teresa, those other admirers of the peasantry.
Why is it necessary to build her up as if she is part of the election process.....or have we already gone down the same "First Lady" route as the Americans? We buy one Cameron and get one free....although, I thought on this occasion the free element was Nick Clegg, the photogenic Deputy PM, who looks so good and relaxed beside his political partner. Makes you think it is a relationship that will last and then you remember Charles and Di, Tony and Gordon, Ronan and his missus. You never can tell. Makes you wonder if, like Prince Harry, Sam feels like the spare.
Lord Mandelson: Kisses goodbye to Labour.....
So Lord Mandelson, finally kisses goodbye to Labour and resigns from the shadow cabinet, no doubt to pursue more lucrative interests elsewhere. There is no way that he is going to disappear into the woodwork and there is even a suggestion that he will join forces with his old friend Tony Blair to spread peace and venom around the globe. For a big fat fee.Love him or hate him, Peter Mandelson is a superior animal in a world of political pygmies and it is a pity that so much of his energy was spent in the practise of the dark arts, rather than on the small matter of Labour running the country. In the days when it really mattered, too much time was spent on the Blair-Brown battle of hate, poisoning this country's politics and Labour's standing with even its most hardened supporters.
It would be a new fresh beginning for Labour if the likes of Mandelson and Alastair Campbell had no involvement in the Leadership election. Labour needs to re-establish itself with the electorate fast, if it is to benefit from the fall-out that will eventually descend on the Coalition government.
Michael Barrymore: Gay's The Word! Or Maybe Not!
Michael Barrymore, who once upon a time was the biggest star on British television, is better known these days for his erratic behaviour and the matter of a man, Stuart Lubbock, found dead in a swimming pool.
Barrymore's latest appearance in the media concerns him, a mystery blonde woman and a declaration from the ex-star that he is, once again, a re-born straight man. So, it's gay's the word, or maybe not, depending on how he wakes up that morning and perhaps who with!
Maybe Michael is....shock horror....bisexual......or, as one of my friends puts it, a "double adapter"....which would explain why he likes both men and women. One thing he has never learned to be is dignified, even at the height of his fame his appearances at award ceremonies were embarrassing, although back then he was such a big star that the media and his peers declared those occasions moments of genius.
His latest revelation about his sexual re-birth happened during the making of another damn reality show, where he managed to take part in a food fight. Great to see he is finally behaving like a grown-up. The prat.
Barrymore's latest appearance in the media concerns him, a mystery blonde woman and a declaration from the ex-star that he is, once again, a re-born straight man. So, it's gay's the word, or maybe not, depending on how he wakes up that morning and perhaps who with!
His latest revelation about his sexual re-birth happened during the making of another damn reality show, where he managed to take part in a food fight. Great to see he is finally behaving like a grown-up. The prat.
Friday, 21 May 2010
The Coalition Government: Too many commissions.....
The Coalition Government is still shiny and new but in an effort to keep the show on the road is it in danger of appointing too many commissions to look at too many issues being placed on the back-burner? Even it's supporters in the media appear nervous and edgy, as the truth dawns that both parties have had to compromise principles to the extent that party manifestos are effectively irrelevant.
Whilst Liberal Democrats must be delighted to have prestige and power, there is a feeling in the air that true blue Conservatives do not feel at all comfortable with this new arrangement. David Cameron may be able to keep his MPs in order for awhile, but the same can't be said at grassroots level and it is from there he could start to hear the rumblings of resistance in the months ahead.
The economic markets are in difficulty and the Euro Zone is facing opposition from within, with Germany and France at loggerheads. It is not a good time for any new government and the massive debt here in the UK will require the level of pain that even the most enthusiastic aficionado of S&M might find unbearable.
David and Nick have got off to an impressive start, but we still can't be totally confident that they will be able to hold it all together when the going gets really tough.
Whilst Liberal Democrats must be delighted to have prestige and power, there is a feeling in the air that true blue Conservatives do not feel at all comfortable with this new arrangement. David Cameron may be able to keep his MPs in order for awhile, but the same can't be said at grassroots level and it is from there he could start to hear the rumblings of resistance in the months ahead.
The economic markets are in difficulty and the Euro Zone is facing opposition from within, with Germany and France at loggerheads. It is not a good time for any new government and the massive debt here in the UK will require the level of pain that even the most enthusiastic aficionado of S&M might find unbearable.
David and Nick have got off to an impressive start, but we still can't be totally confident that they will be able to hold it all together when the going gets really tough.
The X-Factor: Already the hype begins
The X-Factor does not return to our screens until August and already the hype begins, with reports that Cheryl Cole has snubbed a £1million contract to return as a judge. The Girls Aloud singer, who is having great success as a solo artist, is one of the hottest properties in the UK entertainment industry and whoever is looking after her interests is doing a great job.
According to reports, the estranged wife of Ashley Cole, is having an affair with Will.I.am and her solo career is soaring, ensuring her profile is high enough to make the most of her bargaining power when she finally meets Simon Cowell's team to discuss her next pay-check.
It still has not been decided who will stand-in for Dannii Minogue while she is off on maternity leave, but Cheryl will not want it to be someone with the ability to outshine her. Of course, Simon Cowell might just throw a spanner in the works by attempting to do just that, but she is in a strong enough position to challenge such a move. Cheryl Cole's presence guarantees even more publicity for the show and the judging panel of Simon, Cheryl, Dannii and Louis Walsh worked well on the last series.
According to reports, the estranged wife of Ashley Cole, is having an affair with Will.I.am and her solo career is soaring, ensuring her profile is high enough to make the most of her bargaining power when she finally meets Simon Cowell's team to discuss her next pay-check.
It still has not been decided who will stand-in for Dannii Minogue while she is off on maternity leave, but Cheryl will not want it to be someone with the ability to outshine her. Of course, Simon Cowell might just throw a spanner in the works by attempting to do just that, but she is in a strong enough position to challenge such a move. Cheryl Cole's presence guarantees even more publicity for the show and the judging panel of Simon, Cheryl, Dannii and Louis Walsh worked well on the last series.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
George Osborne: Don't shoot the messenger!
George Osborne, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, held a press conference and announced that he would surrender some of his powers and hand over future growth forecasts to an independent body under Sir Alan Budd. The first job for the Office for Budget Responsibility will be to produce a health check of the nation's finances and of course in doing so, totally expose the level of Labour's mismanagement of the country's finances. When the new Chancellor delivers the emergency budget on June 22nd, he will be able to justify his medicine from hell as a direct result of the independent report.
"Don't shoot the messenger!", George will intone, with a stiff upper-lip, as we discover how much it will cost each and every one of us to undo Gordon's treachery at the Treasury and later in No.10. Mr. Osborne is said to be a sharp political operator behind the scenes and his good manners hides a ruthless ambition. It helps that, like Cameron and Clegg, he truly believes he has a God-given right to rule the country. The humility is a well-practised act of the upper-classes.
"Don't shoot the messenger!", George will intone, with a stiff upper-lip, as we discover how much it will cost each and every one of us to undo Gordon's treachery at the Treasury and later in No.10. Mr. Osborne is said to be a sharp political operator behind the scenes and his good manners hides a ruthless ambition. It helps that, like Cameron and Clegg, he truly believes he has a God-given right to rule the country. The humility is a well-practised act of the upper-classes.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Russell Crowe: A sensitive thug
Russell Crowe has proved his worth as an actor in several great movies, but as a person he does come across like a sensitive thug just looking for an opportunity to take offence.
I have not yet seen his latest movie Robin Hood, but the reviews have been superb, so of course the actor would have been surprised and upset by Mark Lawson's assertion that his accent in the movie had hints of the Irish in it.
Most interviews granted by stars to promote their latest role, are done on the basis that the interviewer totally debase themselves by asking inane questions and declaring undying love for the actor and the screen epic being promoted, even if, like Jonathan Ross, you say differently elsewhere.
Isn't it great to know that even a movie star, with millions in the bank, can be made to feel so insecure by a comment from one interviewer?
The FA's former chairman Lord Triesman made a stupid mistake
I think the FA's former chairman Lord Triesman made a stupid mistake for thinking that his former aide was a nice girl who fancied him, instead of a nasty piece of work, recording his comments and passing them to the media.
For a man in his position he should have known better, but then how many of us have had indiscreet conversations worrying if our dinner partner was recording every brilliant word we uttered?
What I find sickening is the hysterical and hypocritical ranting of the media, who made the private conversations public in the first place and then bleated how Lord Triesman had let the FA and the nation down.
If the World Cup bid fails it will be the fault of two parties, the first the silly Lord and secondly, the media who ensured the whole world knew what he said over dinner, instead of telling the malicious viper, Melissa Jacobs to FO - in the national interest.
For a man in his position he should have known better, but then how many of us have had indiscreet conversations worrying if our dinner partner was recording every brilliant word we uttered?
What I find sickening is the hysterical and hypocritical ranting of the media, who made the private conversations public in the first place and then bleated how Lord Triesman had let the FA and the nation down.
If the World Cup bid fails it will be the fault of two parties, the first the silly Lord and secondly, the media who ensured the whole world knew what he said over dinner, instead of telling the malicious viper, Melissa Jacobs to FO - in the national interest.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Victoria & David Beckham: Hard work and talent
I was watching David Beckham being interviewed in his role as a representative for Britain's bid to host the World Cup in 2018 and I thought how impressive and confident he was. And full of admiration for the way he remains respectful and calm when confronted by the media and the public.
Both he and Victoria are successful and earning vast sums of money, not due to any inheritance, but through their hard work, talent and obvious commitment to Brand Beckham. David's talent as a footballer is obvious, as are his attributes as an underwear model. For those who may ask what talent his wife has, well, despite the sneering comments, she made it big in one of the most successful girl groups of all time and when she was rejected by the music business, she swiftly moved into the world of fashion, where her clothes are worn by some of Hollywood's A-listers, who can call on any designer when they want an outfit, but have taken to wearing Victoria's.
Posh replaced Princess Diana as the media's favourite cover girl and probably couldn't live now without the paparazzi on her trail. It takes a lot of discipline to do what she does and be who she is and we should admire her for it.
Leadership of the Labour Party: David & Ed Miliband
Maybe it's my old-fashioned sense of what's family, but I don't know whether to applaud or be appalled by Ed Miliband's decision to challenge his older brother David, for leadership of the Labour Party. Whilst enthusiasm and ambition should be admired, it makes one wonder what family get-togethers will be like prior to and after the election. It also reminds me of that catch-22 about the election of a pope. If he wants the job that much, he isn't right for it.
I am not saying one would be better than the other to lead the party, but perhaps it would have been good for them to talk and decide one way or another. Even a meal at Granita to agree a pact might have pleased their dear mother and stop her fretting over who to support.
Ed is politically left of David and depending on who else joins in the fray, there can be no mistaking differences, even if both agree not to be personal in their attacks during the leadership campaign.
Labour has been deeply bruised and battered in recent years and under Tony Blair and even Gordon Brown, it had to effectively bury and, almost deny, its radical, some would say, militant past. In recent months Labour's Paymaster-Unions have re-energised and, as in the fight with BA, shown a lack of concern for public relations in its quest to beat the management. One can expect more of this in the coming months and the future electability of the Labour Party will be partly decided on how the party responds to Union challenges to the Coalition.
It would not be in the interest of Labour to go too far down the leftist path of old traditions, with suggestions of socialist policies that the country can ill-afford. When middle-class Joe Bloggs is paying more tax for less services and forced to cancel that second holiday in the coming years, it will be Labour he will blame and he won't have the stomach for the party many see as creating the problems in the first place.
One suspects that Labour will soon be awash with blood-letting, accusations and betrayal. It won't be able to help itself and it will turn on the old guard of "New" Labour. Peter Mandelson, said to back David Miliband for the leadership, may find himself no longer welcome. He is likely to have already seen the writing on the wall and packed his bags, ready to jet off to practise the fine art of the machinations of power elsewhere.
I am not saying one would be better than the other to lead the party, but perhaps it would have been good for them to talk and decide one way or another. Even a meal at Granita to agree a pact might have pleased their dear mother and stop her fretting over who to support.
Ed is politically left of David and depending on who else joins in the fray, there can be no mistaking differences, even if both agree not to be personal in their attacks during the leadership campaign.
Labour has been deeply bruised and battered in recent years and under Tony Blair and even Gordon Brown, it had to effectively bury and, almost deny, its radical, some would say, militant past. In recent months Labour's Paymaster-Unions have re-energised and, as in the fight with BA, shown a lack of concern for public relations in its quest to beat the management. One can expect more of this in the coming months and the future electability of the Labour Party will be partly decided on how the party responds to Union challenges to the Coalition.
It would not be in the interest of Labour to go too far down the leftist path of old traditions, with suggestions of socialist policies that the country can ill-afford. When middle-class Joe Bloggs is paying more tax for less services and forced to cancel that second holiday in the coming years, it will be Labour he will blame and he won't have the stomach for the party many see as creating the problems in the first place.
One suspects that Labour will soon be awash with blood-letting, accusations and betrayal. It won't be able to help itself and it will turn on the old guard of "New" Labour. Peter Mandelson, said to back David Miliband for the leadership, may find himself no longer welcome. He is likely to have already seen the writing on the wall and packed his bags, ready to jet off to practise the fine art of the machinations of power elsewhere.
David Cameron & Nick Clegg: To the manor born
David Cameron and Nick Clegg have taken to their roles as one would expect of those to the manor born. The country is now ruled by a clique of the elite and there are those who believe it will make it easier for them to make the necessary cuts in spending. Being rich themselves they will not appreciate the impact even minor reductions in benefits and services will have on the poor.
It is important that the government tackles the massive economic problems besetting the nation and it was a nice touch to reduce its own cabinet salaries, but if it is going to make a real impact the areas it should be seen to address are those public services, with top heavy and highly paid executives and managers, like the NHS where management pay is strangling budgets. Other areas are the civil service over-generous pension payouts and the many quangos Labour set-up to keep its friends in clover.
You have to give it to them, the D&N combo are giving a blinder of a performance in their eagerness to show unity. It is in the interest of the Conservatives and LibDems to work together. The danger for both leaders is not when they argue (nothing wrong with a healthy debate!), but when either side start to make their disagreements public, with whispered spin and counter-spin.
This coalition government is lucky that the majority of the media sided with the Conservatives and will continue to support David Cameron for as long as it is in its interest to do so, even if that means saying nice things about Nick Clegg, who it demonised just over a week ago!
This government has a difficult job on its hand and we, the public, will squeal in pain at some of the methods it will have to take to reduce the country's debt. The emergency budget will provide an opportunity to tell the British public the truth about the awfulness of our finances and, of course, we will hate them for it, but maybe, appreciate the courage in the telling.
It is important that the government tackles the massive economic problems besetting the nation and it was a nice touch to reduce its own cabinet salaries, but if it is going to make a real impact the areas it should be seen to address are those public services, with top heavy and highly paid executives and managers, like the NHS where management pay is strangling budgets. Other areas are the civil service over-generous pension payouts and the many quangos Labour set-up to keep its friends in clover.
You have to give it to them, the D&N combo are giving a blinder of a performance in their eagerness to show unity. It is in the interest of the Conservatives and LibDems to work together. The danger for both leaders is not when they argue (nothing wrong with a healthy debate!), but when either side start to make their disagreements public, with whispered spin and counter-spin.
This coalition government is lucky that the majority of the media sided with the Conservatives and will continue to support David Cameron for as long as it is in its interest to do so, even if that means saying nice things about Nick Clegg, who it demonised just over a week ago!
This government has a difficult job on its hand and we, the public, will squeal in pain at some of the methods it will have to take to reduce the country's debt. The emergency budget will provide an opportunity to tell the British public the truth about the awfulness of our finances and, of course, we will hate them for it, but maybe, appreciate the courage in the telling.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
David Cameron & Nick Clegg: A New Day Dawns.....
A new day dawns and for David Cameron and Nick Clegg it must be a time to savour and reflect over the past few momentous weeks. As all parties scrambled for power, it wasn't exactly politics greatest moment, but on the other hand we finally saw a dignified Gordon Brown exit, a gracious uplifting acceptance speech from the new Prime Minister, David Cameron and for Nick Clegg and his party, a level of achievement that, until now, the LibDems could only dream about.
Thirteen years of a Labour government has ended for them in defeat, but one gets the impression that the party jaded by scandal and government is relieved their pact with the LibDems didn't get off the ground. Opposition will provide the party with a period of bloodletting and then, hopefully it will emerge with a Leader capable of coping with a new political reality in British politics.
However, if Labour wants to remain at all credible it must not oppose the new government's plans just for the hell of it. Especially, Cameron and his team's efforts to deal with the economy. The country is in dire straits and the public won't accept tit-for-tat politics at a time when the economic remedies will undoubtedly impact on most of us. For many, it is the belief that Labour, under Gordon Brown, got us into much of the mess in the first place, which has led to this coalition government.
Gordon Brown should never have been Prime Minister and sadly his three-years in office will not be remembered kindly. Now the fun begins as the ambitious in the Labour Party sharpen their knives and their tongues for a battle to be Leader. For David Cameron, it is time to find out what real power is like, but then that's what the playing fields of Eton prepare you for.
Thirteen years of a Labour government has ended for them in defeat, but one gets the impression that the party jaded by scandal and government is relieved their pact with the LibDems didn't get off the ground. Opposition will provide the party with a period of bloodletting and then, hopefully it will emerge with a Leader capable of coping with a new political reality in British politics.
However, if Labour wants to remain at all credible it must not oppose the new government's plans just for the hell of it. Especially, Cameron and his team's efforts to deal with the economy. The country is in dire straits and the public won't accept tit-for-tat politics at a time when the economic remedies will undoubtedly impact on most of us. For many, it is the belief that Labour, under Gordon Brown, got us into much of the mess in the first place, which has led to this coalition government.
Gordon Brown should never have been Prime Minister and sadly his three-years in office will not be remembered kindly. Now the fun begins as the ambitious in the Labour Party sharpen their knives and their tongues for a battle to be Leader. For David Cameron, it is time to find out what real power is like, but then that's what the playing fields of Eton prepare you for.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats would sell their souls for power...
All those amazing statements pre-election, about getting it right, standing by principles...a new era in politics etc... you know, all that jazz and, really, when it boils down to it, all three parties, Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, would sell their souls for power.
While Gordon Brown will finally be seen as behaving with dignity and grace in resigning before being pushed by his own side, the same surely can't be said about Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, who held secret talks with Labour at the same time as giving the Conservatives the impression that it was they alone being courted.
David Cameron and his team have to grin and bear what they will undoubtedly see as a betrayal of trust, but behind the smiles of the LibDems is a party ruthless at local level and, it appears, practitioners of duplicity at National level, as currently played out on our television screens.
Of course, there are those who will argue that Nick Clegg has a responsibility to get the best deal for his party and it would be much easier for him to sell a LibDems - Labour pact to his own supporters, than one which would see them climbing into bed with the Conservatives.
But, is it right that the two parties with the least votes and seats can get together and form a government? Especially since such a coalition would involve further bribes and backstairs deals with various other parties with their own agendas of self-interest. So much for the "strong and stable" government all three main parties have promoted these last weeks. Is it right that Gordon Brown remain at the helm until the autumn, to be replaced by someone and anyone, elected not by us the voters, but by Labour Party members, when we were naive enough to think it was the people who elected governments?
Of course, we the small people are responsible for voting in such a manner as to create a hung parliament and it is the poor overworked politicians who have to sort out the mess. But there is something seedy about a group of (mainly) men in suits, scurrying along the streets of Whitehall in a bid to cling onto, or gain, the aphrodisiac of power.
While Gordon Brown will finally be seen as behaving with dignity and grace in resigning before being pushed by his own side, the same surely can't be said about Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, who held secret talks with Labour at the same time as giving the Conservatives the impression that it was they alone being courted.
David Cameron and his team have to grin and bear what they will undoubtedly see as a betrayal of trust, but behind the smiles of the LibDems is a party ruthless at local level and, it appears, practitioners of duplicity at National level, as currently played out on our television screens.
Of course, there are those who will argue that Nick Clegg has a responsibility to get the best deal for his party and it would be much easier for him to sell a LibDems - Labour pact to his own supporters, than one which would see them climbing into bed with the Conservatives.
But, is it right that the two parties with the least votes and seats can get together and form a government? Especially since such a coalition would involve further bribes and backstairs deals with various other parties with their own agendas of self-interest. So much for the "strong and stable" government all three main parties have promoted these last weeks. Is it right that Gordon Brown remain at the helm until the autumn, to be replaced by someone and anyone, elected not by us the voters, but by Labour Party members, when we were naive enough to think it was the people who elected governments?
Of course, we the small people are responsible for voting in such a manner as to create a hung parliament and it is the poor overworked politicians who have to sort out the mess. But there is something seedy about a group of (mainly) men in suits, scurrying along the streets of Whitehall in a bid to cling onto, or gain, the aphrodisiac of power.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Gordon Brown: Should he stay, or should he go?
Should he stay, or should he go? That must be the question haunting Gordon Brown right now. It seems that 62% of the population believe he should go and there must be those close to him who feel the same and are plucking up the courage to tell him. However, here is a man who has yearned to be Prime Minister all his political life and alas, was gifted the job he really should never have had. It won't be easy for him to pack his bags and leave the place he so dearly loves to occupy.
Had he not become PM after Tony Blair, he would have entered that exclusive club as one of the "great Prime Ministers who never was" and his reputation as a heavyweight politician would have been secured. Instead, his period in power has damaged him and his beloved party . If Nick Clegg now comes a-knocking it will be because a deal with the Conservatives has fallen apart and any deal the LibDems would do with Labour now could not be sustained with Mr. Brown in No.10.
Mr. Clegg has shown great contempt for the Prime Minister and it would be seen as a political stunt for them to be pictured smiling together after a deal. If Clegg wants to experience high office he has no choice but to bed down with David Cameron, although he will run into difficulty with his own party if he fails to deliver on proportional representation.
For Mr. Brown the loss of power and, in particular, his failure to become an elected Prime Minister, is a personal tragedy, which he will feel deeply. No matter how painful for him, we are surely only a few hours away from him telephoning The Queen and resigning his office?
Had he not become PM after Tony Blair, he would have entered that exclusive club as one of the "great Prime Ministers who never was" and his reputation as a heavyweight politician would have been secured. Instead, his period in power has damaged him and his beloved party . If Nick Clegg now comes a-knocking it will be because a deal with the Conservatives has fallen apart and any deal the LibDems would do with Labour now could not be sustained with Mr. Brown in No.10.
Mr. Clegg has shown great contempt for the Prime Minister and it would be seen as a political stunt for them to be pictured smiling together after a deal. If Clegg wants to experience high office he has no choice but to bed down with David Cameron, although he will run into difficulty with his own party if he fails to deliver on proportional representation.
For Mr. Brown the loss of power and, in particular, his failure to become an elected Prime Minister, is a personal tragedy, which he will feel deeply. No matter how painful for him, we are surely only a few hours away from him telephoning The Queen and resigning his office?
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Naomi Campbell loses it - off her lips and her hips!
For years now comments about her slim figure has resulted in the standard response of the superslim: "I never diet." Now she says she maintains her still fabulous self by following a strict diet, drinking a concoction of maple syrup, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and water. That's it! Three times a year for as many days as she can.
It seems that this masochistic diet has also been attempted by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, although even she found it extreme.
On the show Naomi, who has been a supermodel since the age of 16, discussed her much-publicised temper, which has resulted in court appearances and payouts to unfortunate underlings.
She justifies her foul moods by insisting she is always sorry afterwards and that her temper raises its ugly head when she feels her trust has been abused. Of course this only appears to happen with those she considers her inferiors, never a famous fashion designer or for that matter, a Russian oligarch she might find herself dating.
The General Election 2010: Power, not love, is the drug..
Following the excitement of this General Election, it is obvious that power, not love, is the drug as Gordon Brown broods and waits for Nick Clegg to make his mind up; David Cameron and missus wonder where the nanny will sleep at Number 10 and Nick can't help but dream of his seat at the cabinet table. For the LibDem leader it must also be a time of disbelief that Cleggmania failed to deliver more seats, therefore weakening his negotiating position with the other parties. So much for his boosts of being Prime Minister!
Gordon Brown may find himself out on the streets, but he had a reasonable campaign and did stop the Conservatives from gaining what many believed, would be automatic residency of Number 10. Should the Con-LibDem pact come to fruition, then it is likely that the Labour leader will resign. I just cannot see him standing at the dispatch box as a failed Prime Minister.
Part of the fascination of this campaign has been the role of the media and, for the first time, its lack of any objectivity was very transparent. It’s political support is usually more subtle, but with this General Election it was often hysterical and hypocritical in its approach. The Sun’s change of alliance and willingness to assassinate Labour, which it supported up to a few weeks ago, must have confused many of its readers, but its journalists rose to the challenge. But then, the first principle of that paper and its owner is to back the winners, whether it be X-Factor or the government.
The next few days will be interesting.
Gordon Brown may find himself out on the streets, but he had a reasonable campaign and did stop the Conservatives from gaining what many believed, would be automatic residency of Number 10. Should the Con-LibDem pact come to fruition, then it is likely that the Labour leader will resign. I just cannot see him standing at the dispatch box as a failed Prime Minister.
Part of the fascination of this campaign has been the role of the media and, for the first time, its lack of any objectivity was very transparent. It’s political support is usually more subtle, but with this General Election it was often hysterical and hypocritical in its approach. The Sun’s change of alliance and willingness to assassinate Labour, which it supported up to a few weeks ago, must have confused many of its readers, but its journalists rose to the challenge. But then, the first principle of that paper and its owner is to back the winners, whether it be X-Factor or the government.
The next few days will be interesting.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
The General Election: Will David Cameron be Prime Minister?
One thing about this general election is the knife-edge excitement it has created, mainly thanks to the TV Debates, which brought Nick Clegg and the LibDems to the forefront of British politics. Things may never be the same again and those three ninety-minute segments did Gordon Brown no favours and, with at least one stellar performance from Nick Clegg, nearly ruined David Cameron's chances of being Prime Minister. With only 48 hours or so to go, the polls are in favour of the Conservatives, but even so, there is still enough doubt to ask will David Cameron be Prime Minister?
After his first TV appearance Nick Clegg nearly got carried away with his grandiose claims for himself and his party, but since then he has impressed with a quite confidence and an easy charm, seen to deadly effect when talking to a crowd. But, the posh boy from Eton has also used the last few weeks to campaign hard amongst traditional Labour supporters and he does appear to feel at ease amongst them. The class divide no longer seems to be an issue. What people want is a government that will take us through the storms to come and who frankly couldn't gives a damn which side of the road the newly-elected Prime Minister hails from.
This is bad news for Labour, who often rely on class warfare to provide votes and now, in an effort to cling to power, even suggesting that lifetime party supporters ditch their principles and vote for the LibDems in some areas, just to keep David Cameron out.
The Labour Government has done some good things in its thirteen-years of power, but it did squander much of its goodwill and moral authority over the years, with acts of war and sleigh of hand economic manoeuvres, including Gordon Brown's raid on pensions.
I thought the Prime Minister impressed on a number of occasions during this campaign, but what many people are asking is if he and his party can make so many promises now, why did they not take the opportunity to act on those same issues during the long period in office? Gordon Brown may look and at times act like a powerhouse of a politician, but he was unable to produce a show-stopper during the TV debates and his blinkered reaction to Mrs Duffy showed him to be a man of narrow views and quick to blame. But, despite the efforts of the media, his gaffe in Rochdale was mainly forgiven by the general public.
The polls are such that Labour, with the help of the LibDems, could still cling to power. The price would be whatever Nick Clegg demands and one of them could be the removal of Gordon Brown as Prime Minister within months of a victory. Of course, if Labour fails on Friday, it is likely the son of the manse will swiftly relinquish his position as party leader.
After his first TV appearance Nick Clegg nearly got carried away with his grandiose claims for himself and his party, but since then he has impressed with a quite confidence and an easy charm, seen to deadly effect when talking to a crowd. But, the posh boy from Eton has also used the last few weeks to campaign hard amongst traditional Labour supporters and he does appear to feel at ease amongst them. The class divide no longer seems to be an issue. What people want is a government that will take us through the storms to come and who frankly couldn't gives a damn which side of the road the newly-elected Prime Minister hails from.
This is bad news for Labour, who often rely on class warfare to provide votes and now, in an effort to cling to power, even suggesting that lifetime party supporters ditch their principles and vote for the LibDems in some areas, just to keep David Cameron out.
The Labour Government has done some good things in its thirteen-years of power, but it did squander much of its goodwill and moral authority over the years, with acts of war and sleigh of hand economic manoeuvres, including Gordon Brown's raid on pensions.
I thought the Prime Minister impressed on a number of occasions during this campaign, but what many people are asking is if he and his party can make so many promises now, why did they not take the opportunity to act on those same issues during the long period in office? Gordon Brown may look and at times act like a powerhouse of a politician, but he was unable to produce a show-stopper during the TV debates and his blinkered reaction to Mrs Duffy showed him to be a man of narrow views and quick to blame. But, despite the efforts of the media, his gaffe in Rochdale was mainly forgiven by the general public.
The polls are such that Labour, with the help of the LibDems, could still cling to power. The price would be whatever Nick Clegg demands and one of them could be the removal of Gordon Brown as Prime Minister within months of a victory. Of course, if Labour fails on Friday, it is likely the son of the manse will swiftly relinquish his position as party leader.
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