Today is a huge day in UK Politics. Most of us may not feel that way. But it's true.
This pm, we get a new PM. And a new mini-me DPM.
The first we get by default. The second by some sort of vote that I had little interest in, which may explain why I had little influence over it, even if I would have been allowed.
The Westminster Village (a collective term for those who feed off being in, and reporting on, the political establishment) has wet more kickers over it all than the ladies' loo queue at a Tom Jones concert. The rest of us seem to be less than agog.
Personally, I am positively affronted by what I am getting served up by supposedly independent media to ease into power a person whose only statements of note seem to be surrounding the oddly conflicting notions of listening more whilst 'not allowing' a heck of lot.
But most tellingly, I note that the person who will be this unelected (at least by me) 'leader's' offsider is likely to be decided by 10% of those eligible to vote. As mandates go, that is pathetic.
Yet we are talking some of the most powerful positions in our country. But our media seem more concerned by the prospect of fine dining at a some gilded tables than the provenance or quality of the fare.
Maybe we get what we deserve. But maybe we are served such poor options is it any surprise most can't bear to stomach them. But that, is a BIG problem.
ADDENDUM: I am not very party political (the current crop all disappoint me) , so I don't propose to go on much more on this. But in terms of media reaction just take this: New Labour, new era
'Gordon Brown hailed the start of a new political era' - what was he part of for the past ten years?
'In his victory speech...' - 'handover' or 'acceptance' would seem more accurate. What victory did he fight and win?
'...Mr Brown has pulled it off.' What? Doing nothing for long enough? A rare, but useful talent to succeed in today's UK.
"With a man and a woman elected leader and deputy it is Labour that leads the way." Suddenly Labour felt different.' - So meritocracy based on no more than ability is not what it's all about then?
'The aim of the speech was to challenge the misleading caricature.' - Which may have some foundation in fact, maybe?
Sod it... I can't wade though any more of this travesty under the banner of a name that claims it is Independent.
Will Gordon let her speak? - Ok, I couldn't resist. Look at that title. And this from, if not a supporter, one who has a certain empathy with New (and now 'improved', apparently) Labour.
2 comments:
I rarely comment on Politics - it has a habit of getting me into trouble, but Polly's piece sort of got under my skin a little ..... the 'Dream Team'? Pleeeeaaaase get real!
Let's see .... As PM we have Tate & Lyle's Golden Brown (aka The Pension Thief) (he who smiles reassuringly at you and tells you to watch his syrup spewing lips as he lifts your wallet from you back pocket - let's not mention the public bogey mining) - a veritable shining example of spin and mediocrity; and, as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party we now have Sugar Ray Harridan Hardman (she of the sugary but very slippery tongue who was knocked out (i.e. sacked) for incompetence not that long ago [how did the labour party members forget that so quickly?], who tells us our kids must go to comprehensive schools (whilst hers go to grammar schools), and who changes her answers (as fast as Ali's double shoe shuffle) in every interview she gives) - a truly featherweight example of dissembling sub-mediocrity.
What a fabulous leadership team for Great (well, once perhaps) Britain.
As one of the CIF commentors suggested - bring on the hung parliament, preferably from the lampposts of Westminster.
No, no...please, don't hold back. Say what you are thinking.
As I started it I guess I shouldn't complain when others feel similarly disposed, though!
I justify these brief, infrequent forays into non-enviro territory as the antics of these guys have/do/will influence policy in areas we hold dear.
And, as you will have gathered, whilst the free ride being given by party faithful is understandable (if not forgiveable), that accorded by the mainstream media is nothing short of astounding, especially given the histories you highlight.
My greatest ire-itant is hypocrisy, and we seem to have ended up with two of the chief practitioners in charge.
Fasten your seats belts... I fear it is going to be a bumpy ride!
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