political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Thursday, May 15, 2008
An Evening of Political Chat
Just got back from speaking at a private dinner at Grand Paradiso restaurant in Victoria. It was to a group of about 15 under 30s, all of whom are interested in politics to one degree or another, but only one (so far as I could tell) was active in overt party politics. Instead of asking me to do a preapred speech the organiser of the event, Jake Hayman (son of Baroness Hayman, the Speaker of the House of Lords) asked each person to introduce themselves and tell me one thing they would be interested in hearing my views on. It was a really good way to do it as a) I didn't have to prepare anything and b) it ensured I addressed subjects they were interested in. I really did sing for my supper as it entailed nearly three hours of fairly intense, but very enjoyable political banter. I was amused to find out that their guest next month is John McDonnell.
Silly question, but did any of your brethren make their way into the Plumber's Arms after the chat? Just wondering cause I was sure I saw James Kirkup propping up the bar...
ReplyDeleteNo idea, but James wasnt at the event
ReplyDeleteJames Kirkup? Propping up the bar?
ReplyDeleteDon't make me laugh unless half a pint of lager shandy constitutes bar propping.
from Sea Shanty Irish"
ReplyDeleteQ 17: is a "nantwich" a sandwich made by one's nanny?
I thought they did this once a week in parliament, the trouble is, when they get to the to of the tree, they then seem unable to give a rueful answer.
ReplyDeleteIain - this sounds awfully like one of those Radio 1 'shoutouts', and I hope you'll forgive me for that, but would you join me today in thanking all those who work in the Magistrates Court system for all the very hard work that they do.
ReplyDeleteOften working for very little money, they work hard to keep perps off our streets. They are in many ways the forgotten front line in the battle for law and order, and as Mayor Johnson focuses on such offenders it's right that we should applaud the work of the Court system at this time.
Iain,
ReplyDeleteHave you listened to this?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7400376.stm
That sounds great but I wonder at the selection of the guests - the group would probably be a similar type. I think it would be more constructive if there was a greater variety of guest. People such as me, for example, would never be invited because I don't socialise with or am known to the organiser. So the views you encounter are not that varied.
ReplyDeletewas it some sort of club? Sounds an interesting event.
ReplyDeleteIain
ReplyDeleteThe manner in which you were asked questions must have been refreshing. Sounds as though you were chairman and participant.
You must have had loads of time to prepare and think about what you wanted to say.
If I, and not " Jake Hayman (son of Baroness Hayman, the Speaker of the House of Lords )" organised a Dinner for thirty people and asked you to come and field questions would you?
ReplyDeleteNope