Norman Tebbit, John Prescott and Integrity in politics

I have long wondered as to whether or not there has ever been personal warmth between Norman Tebbit and John Prescott. Despite apparently occupying positions at the extremities of the political spectrum, I have long regarded these two as beacons of integrity in that their positions and views are clear and forthrightly expressed. Their elevation to the House of Lords does make me believe a little more that there is hope for the bicameral system yet.

One observation that I feel is highly telling is that when asked a question, both will say "Yes" or "No" and then defend (who am I kidding? - they both only know how to attack!) their respective views. Not for them the Alastair Campbell approach of telling the questioner they are asking the wrong question (or more often answering a different question altogether).

When looking at the various reptilian Blair clones attempting to oil their way to leadership of the Labour Party at the moment, I am filled with despair for the future of that Party. Even the Beer and Sandwiches of the Wilson era is better than the sterile synthetic image-obsessed way they wish to do things. I am no socialist, but would rather the passion and honesty that generally informs that world-view than the cynical manipulation behind "Nu-Labour".  Prescott at his pugnacious, English-mangling best had the fire and vision I want to see in politics, not the tedious junior middle-managers we are stuck with.

I have never met Prescott (although I would rather like to) - but I have met Tebbit a few times, first in the 80's when I was briefly involved with the Conservative Party and I seem to continually cross his warm tracks to a rather eerie extent - even to the point of nearly buying the house he now lives in, only rejecting it for reasons that included the kitchen units hand-painted with blood-red emulsion paint. I have also consoled the lovely Patrick at whom a kick was aimed by Lord T - the local restaurant owner is the last person I would knowingly alienate!!

My overwhelming impressiom of both men (especially Tebbit) that they actually listen and weigh - a rare thing in these days of political style over substance.

Suffering fools gladly is not the hallmark of strong men or women. We need more like them.

Dum Spiro Spero