Off the record
We've been trying to find out more about the story that Gordon Brown and Sir Menzies Campbell have held private talks about a plan for one or two senior Lib Dems to join Mr Brown's first cabinet. I've been talking to my "contacts" within the party, people I've talked to for years, ever since I spent the 1997 election campaign travelling around with Paddy Ashdown on his big yellow bus.
The frustrating thing is that so many of them have fascinating information and insights, but feel reluctant to talk publicly about what is going on - of course there's a sense of brinkmanship going on here. They don't want to give the impression that they are gagging for what Ashdown called " a bum in a ministerial Rover" but nor do they want to seem unco-operative when it comes to talking about future talks on the constitution for example. Some insiders can't stand the idea of linking up with Labour - if other parties need us, they say, then those parties should come to us. It's at moments like this that I envy my colleagues in the newspapers who can write up comments without naming the contributor.
As I write though we've just booked the Lib Dems' 91Èȱ¬ Affairs spokesman Nick Clegg for an interview. Not that he said any of the above privately to me, I have to stress.
Speak later
sequin
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I have just sent 91Èȱ¬ PM two photos. One is a Lunar Eclipse of a Half Moon with Venus. Another is a Fountain on the Back of a Restaurant. This is for 91Èȱ¬ PM and the Froggers.
Couldn't you just get one or two of them to come on and be interviewed without giving their names? That would be just like being interviewed anonymously for a newspaper, no?... Ah. Never mind.
Mmm, Sequin, fascinating stuff! Takes me back to the formation of the SDP. Now it seems we have Archangel Gordon and Archangel Ming arguing over the future of Andrew* Marr's Heaven on Earth.
Anyway, back to basics. I gather somebody (could it be John Humphrys?) is due to go to Glastonbury for the Today programme. So, Sequin: SPILL THE BEANS! Will you be sharing the campervan? ;o) Ah well, if it is the Welsh Terrier who's going down, he'll know what to do if you have to deal with livestock and the like. I can't wait!
(*Sorry - just can't get his programme last night out of my head ....)
Big Sis - C'mon - what do you think the chances are that Sequin is going to Glastonbury for Today? Or have I picked it up wrong?
RJD: You may be right, but John H definitely had a smile in his voice when he and Sarah were talking about it this morning. And, while Sequin's going in the Today campervan (I'd fondly misread it as the PM campervan yesterday - ah well!), I've got the impression that she'll be there for PM and either Sarah or John will be there for Today.
If Sequin reads this, she'll not doubt illuminate.
Luminous Sequin.
As Rover is no more what is the ministerial car now? Ministerial TWR?
So, Brown anticipates a possible tied vote at the next election eh?
Interesting...
And, by letting "...one or two senior Lib Dems..." onto the gravy-train now, he feels the Lib Dems will be with him, were such a need to arise, forming the next elected Government.
He'd likely be right.
All power corrupts... Especially when you've had none for... How long..?!
" A working, not a Parliamentary body- this is a blow straight from the shoulder at the present day parliamentary country from America to Switzerland, from France to Britain, Norway and so forth-- in these countries the real business of the "state" is performed behind the scenes and is carried on by the departments, chancelleries and General Staffs. Parliament is given up to talk for the special purposes of fooling the "common people".
V.I.L.
Are the 91Èȱ¬ going to carry on their vindictive relationship with Downing Street after Tony Blair leaves? In other words are we going to see some factual reporting on Gordon Brown, his policies etc, or is this another reputation to be torn apart. I crave unbiased news reporting, should I give up?
Are we all missing the obvious?
What is it that Tony cherishes most?
• Adulation
• Global influence
• A legacy to be proud of
• Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous
• Free holidays and gifts
• Private plane and car
• Fancy home
What would give him all this and much more?
Forget about a UN job; forget about President of Europe-no power here. He plans to become a Catholic; he spends time in Italy learning the language and scrounging off wealthy Italians and has granted the Pope an audience. The conclusion is obvious:
He wants to be the next Pope! Think of it – Pope Tony the first!
Remember, you read it here first.
Off the record - Where is our Glass Box - Is it just Eddie that looks after the blog!
I e-mailed a reminder at 5:30?
11)
Well said, here here and what-not. >:)
Well, the 10 O'Clock News implied that it was a bit of spin by Gordie B.
Can't see the LDs falling for that again, after Tony's little difficulty with Paddy Ashdown.
Sorry, feel a little bit guilty now :-( re: the Glass Box comments
But it must be said! As much as we love our 'stand in' - Eddie 'does' look after his blog domain!
Notwithstanding - I listened to every word Carolyn - a fine performance!
Best of luck in the mud!
PS:- our Andy is still on display - just click on my nane above.
Klein (9), Never give up hope. If you do the ruling classes (those who own the means of mass communication) have won.
Abuser,
There, there...