Category Archives for politics
Poor Swift (from my lockdown diary for 28 May)
Tweet In my distant schooldays I read Jonathan Swift for English A Level. I read him again intermittently for pleasure and possible literary larceny, since he is of course out of copyright. Then and now, I would sometimes have to … Continue reading
Protesting Against A Trump Stolen Election: NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
Tweet How many people remember Seven Days In May? A best-selling political thriller of the early 60s, it was made into a movie. A liberal President (Frederic March) makes an arms treaty with Soviet Union. A popular charismatic patriotic general, … Continue reading
The Dirge And Downfall Of Donald Trump
Tweet The Virus does not know or care whether people are protesting in a good cause: it is dangerous and anti-social to hold any kind of mass demonstration in these times. Indeed, if the Virus has any political agenda it … Continue reading
Blair speaks!
Tweet From my 2005 play Waiting For Gordo a bleak existential drama of backbench life in the Labour Party. Spoken by my character Placebo Lackey MP, but all passages by Tony Blair I believe – passionately – that it is … Continue reading
Wanted: A Labour Leader (serious applicants only)
Tweet full text of article published in the Yorkshire Post December 16, 2019 (some zingers omitted) There is an old maxim in American politics: the best time to kick a man is when he’s down. It certainly applies to … Continue reading
John Donne anticipates the UK election results declared on St Lucy’s Day
Tweet ‘Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the day’s, Lucy’s, who scarce seven hours herself unmasks; The sun is spent, and now his flasks Send forth light squibs, no constant rays; The world’s whole sap is sunk; The general … Continue reading
Zingers Against Boris Johnson
Tweet Belittling Boris: A Users Guide by Richard Heller I have appointed myself Insulter-General against Boris Johnson. I offer this personal list of zingers to anyone, anywhere seeking to belittle him. Most carry a core message: Boris Johnson has the … Continue reading
Every election speech
Tweet Candidate 1 (Mr Aardvark): In all my time in politics, My friends will all agree I never dodge the issue I say just what I see. That’s why I tell you firmly (It’s what I’ve always said) The past … Continue reading
Lament of a Labour Leaver
Tweet unanswered letter to Keir Starmer MP, Labour Brexit spokesman, July 26 2019 Dear Keir, As you can see, I do not have the good fortune to live in your constituency, but I hope you might answer this … Continue reading
Boris Johnson’s Post-Brexit Fawning And Grovelwell Office
Tweet Published in www.politics.co.uk August 14 2019 It is part of the price of Britain’s political life, especially if you become a minister. At some point you must give a speech for the sake of your party or government which … Continue reading
