Just a little aside to the current furore over Prime Minister Gordon Brown's alleged bullying of his staff. Living outside England and relatively detached from its political infighting, I can afford to take a somewhat more detached (less apoplectic!) view of events over there than, say, mein bruder.
Quite legitimately, The Telegraph gives prominence to the revelations contained in Andrew Rawnsley's new book The End of the Party, but nowhere does it mention that Rawnsley is the chief political commentator of The Observer. What is it about British newspapers that they cannot bring themselves to acknowledge the existence of a rival publication unless it is to say something bad about it? The IHT never hesitates to give credit where credit is due.
A similar conversational topic was held in this household only yesterday.
ReplyDeleteA point which needs making, I believe, is that this is hardly unusual stuff. John Major was known for his rages, most often directed at his junior staff. Might it not be that anyone at the top of the greasy pole is going to be infuriated by the incompetence of those lower down.
And might it not also be - just possibly, you understand! - that anyone can make a fast buck over the very slightest sign of lack of Imperial clothes!
I dare say you're right! But it does seem extraordinary that Brown's staff should feel compelled to phone a special helpline for guidance. As for Brown, if he felt that a particular member of his staff was incompetent surely it would have been very easy for him to get rid of him or her?
ReplyDeleteGreetings Barnaby
ReplyDeleteGordon Brown is not my favouite politician but whinging on about bullying is seems feeble and absurd - politicians are bound to be somewhat thick skinned to survive and those who work with them presumably get used to accepting the odd volcanic eruptions
The Bullying charity's subsequent revelations worry me slightly. A confidential phone line should always be just that. I do hope some wise guy or should I say 'thick' Tory did not put the phone line charity up to it or make fictitious calls. That would rebound and worse as it would certainly not be seen as cricket by British voters of all parties.
Yes Jerry. If I were David Cameron I would steer well clear of the whole topic. The last thing he should try to do is to make political capital out of the affair. Not only would it, as you say, "certainly not be seen as cricket by British voters of all parties", it might also come back to haunt him in the years ahead (assuming he becomes PM!).
ReplyDeleteToo true. It's already rebounding on Dave and also that woman from the charity. Apparently all that stuff about phone calls to a help line were - how shall I put this - exaggerated.
ReplyDeleteWhat we (I) want to talk about is hospitals, schools, roads, ducks, moats and bankers please.
btw, Mrs. Thatcher, another famous shouter-at-staff, used to smooth ruffled feathers with boxes of chox. Perhaps poor old GB forgot that one. John Major used to rant, but in a petulant sort of way.
Like I said - what's new?
"What we (I) want to talk about is hospitals, schools, roads, ducks, moats and bankers please".
ReplyDeleteIn that case, Anon, may I respectfully suggest you watch the programme called "On Expenses" this evening on BBC 4!