Was about to spend a few minutes blogging about how the contest to be the next Speaker could end up being a rerun of the abortion debate by proxy. Nadine Dorries is backing Frank Field, with whom she worked on her recent attempts to amend the abortion limits, and Ann Widdecombe is also being touted as a runner. I'm backing John Bercow, who was described by Ms Dorries on her blog as being an enthusiast for 'the pursuit of gynaecological bloodsports', because he opposed her on the issue.
I say was about to... Paul Smith has done his usual annoying trick of turning up early, and we're off to Somaliland Independence Day celebrations. It will have to wait.
Postscript: Here's my original post re the 'bloodsports' issue.
And can I just say, I don't want this in any way to be construed as a personal attack on Nadine. It's about her politics. She's obviously finding it very tough at the moment, and although her problems may be self-inflicted to a degree, I don't want to put the boot in, to her or anyone else.
8 comments:
Did anyone provide you with transport today? Also, I'm surprised that the car dealer didn't loan you a car.
Do you know what? I would like to see Anne Widdecombe as the speaker. Those who know me might think that strange coming from me. Among other things, I think that Anne Widdecombe is a good soundingboard for a change in attitude towards the feminine side of things.
Just to be factual, Dotty Dorries's remark was aimed at Dr. Evan Harris.
And Bercow? How can anyone ever trust a guy who smiles like that? He radiates insincerity and opportunism. A career politician as ever I saw one. Wasn't he high on the list of probable turncoats? What a fantastically delusional choice for regaining public confidence in Parliament: a man that not even his own party can trust.
I also notice that MPs have made it clear they think it would be good form for the Speaker to be from a party other than Labour, yet the only support for Bercow comes from your party, proving that he's a Labour man wearing a Tory label and this apparently non-partisan approach is purely a sham. Again, as ever, tribalism has trumped all.
You people will never learn.
(feeling rather grumpy this morning)
There's no car dealer - it's at my mate's house waiting for the front springs to arrive and then he'll put them on. He restores/ customises classic Volvos in his spare time, so this is a piece of cake for him. Friday was a combination of walking, scrounged lifts and one taxi. Tried to cycle somewhere on Saturday morning - failed. Bike is going to MudDock for a service too!
Timbone - 'a good soundingboard for a change in attitude towards the feminine side of things' - what on earth do you mean?
Dave - I think it was aimed at Bercow and Harris, but will check - I remember discussing it with Bercow at the time. Bercow has, as he puts it, 'been on a journey' from Monday Club madness to centrist politics; I think it's genuine. I used to loathe the man, in his old days (before I'd ever met him) - he was something of a bete noire for Labour activists, but I think he's genuinely changed. He's passionate about issues like SEN and development, and he's a moderniser. That's what Parliament needs at the moment. I can't think of anyone worse than Widdecombe.
Feel free to lay the boot into Nadine Dorries anytime you like. I'd happily pay to read that sort of stuff.
Kerry, I will try to expalin what I meant.
When I first saw and heard Anne Widdecombe, I, like many others I think, thought she was a bit of an oddball and certainly did not portray any feminine attributes.
I think I am not alone in having changed my views somewhat over the years. Yes, she is eccentric - so is Boris Johnson, and I like him as well.
I think that Anne is very in touch with her masculine side, and would be very good in the authoritarian role of speaker. She is also a woman, without any need to be feminist or glamorous.
As the speaker runs things rather than voting, leading on policy etc, I suggest it is far more important how a candidate has carried out their parliamentary career, their behaviour etc than their votes on policy issues. Votes on commons procedural would be very interesting.
Are the current batch of MPs the right bunch to elect a Speaker to serve for a long period??
Recent media reports suggest that half of all MPs will have been 'swept away' due to the expenses scandal and related matters after the next election.
What about appointing an interim Speaker and planning for a General Election this Autumn, combined with a referendum on electoral reform??
Would the newly elected House of Commons not be a more appropriate body to elect a Speaker for a long period??
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