Double bliss
This blog's telepathometer have been re-calibrated to reveal today’s thoughts in the mind of Gordon Brown.
'"What a difference a year makes.
John Reid, Peter Mandelson and John Hutton are elbowing each other aside in their rush to fall at my feet and abase themselves. Perhaps I am hallucinating but I seem to recall they were hissing venom in my direction a year ago. One was quoted as saying that I would be a "f***ing awful PM." Their new sugary sycophancy suggest they've been at a course on sincerity for beginners.
Perhaps later on this week, I will have a quiet moment comparing and contrasting last September's poison with this September's saccharine.
Andrew Marr was more pussy cat than attack dog in this morning's interview. Did he really think I was going to tell him my thoughts on the election? That would have destroyed the excitement, the tempo and choreography for the whole conference week. Why couldn't he have worked out that I intend to keep the hacks drooling for more.
Now we have their attention, we hit them with a policy blitz all week. Next Monday would be a good day to let them know my thoughts. They tell me that's Cameron's serial nightmare.
A month ago, an October general election was only a gleam in a few wild eyes. Now that I am trying the novelty of asking cabinet members what they think, a surprising number want October. Today, nearly every MP I saw forced their support for a quick poll on me. Only Neil Kinnock disagreed to my face. He knows about winning elections of course.
Andrew Marr cunningly asked me when I first stood for election. My laugh was genuine and the question brought back the sharp pain of losing Edinburgh South in 1979 - thanks to Jim Callaghan's failure to call the election the previous autumn. It's a telling argument for me intellectually and emotionally.
But now I'm beautifully placed. Between a soft cushion and another soft cushion. This week I will stoutly proclaim that I am on the job - undistracted by personal ambition for a new victory. Next week, I will make my announcement. The truth is one thing they will not believe. I have not made up my mind. To say that would sound indecisive - not at all prime ministerial. By Sunday I will know for certain if October is a safe bet. Either way, we win.
Tomorrow's Sun poll gives Labour an extra 3% up to 8%. That makes the poll trend universal. This week is going to be great. Next week should be better. Bliss. "
Ghouls rush in
At one time there was accepted restraint in not seeking political advantage when accidental deaths happen- at least until after the funerals have taken place.
Three times in the past 36 hours hours I have been asked to comment on
the appalling five deaths on the Newport M4 a week ago. I declined. One reporter
was understandably apologetic. Some ghouls have rushed in to condemn
the police chase and to exploit other matters before the full details
are known. The Argus to their credit have not printed the stories on
their website, although they have them.
There will be ample time for sober reflection and comment in the future. Until then, a respectful silence for politicians would be appropriate. One paper published some details and asked and what effect their publications would have.
"Father Tom Kearney, the priest who will be conducting the funerals of Mr and Mrs Stafford, 69 and 70, on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland, said he felt the news would just add to the anguish of their grieving friends and relatives."
Of course. But what's additional anguish compared with a gratifying headline?
Comments