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
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Who Are The Two Politicians This Man Hates Most?
1. Harriet Harman
2. Gordon Brown
Harriet Harman was Frank Field's boss at the Department of Social Security from 1997-98. Gordon Brown made his life as Welfare Reform Minister a misery. I wonder how he's feeling tonight? Just a thought.
I find it amazing that Frank, who was considered to be an ideas man (think I may be correct there), was put on the backburner in the first place. He obviously p****d people off!
christopher glamorgan [6.32 PM] FF just did what he was asked to do: think the unthinkable and speak uncomfortable truths; the reward for which was to be cast into outer darkness.
Blair did not even have the decency to come to the House and listen to his resignation speech.
What an odd comment about a politician. And there was me thinking that you voted on the basis on policies not whether you fancied going on holiday with him.
Or, Mr Happy, is that just coded talk for "not sufficiently socialist for your tastes"?
Frank Field is the only politician whose website I bother to have on my favourites. Interesting to see some odious little Labour shits coming on here to spin against him.
Frank Field ahs always struck me as too nice for real politics, he should have stuck to academia or journalism and "thinking the unthinkable". Surely one of the most unengaging and least suitable cabinet ministers ever. Along with Mandelson, he strikes me as a truly smart guy totally inable to engage as a frontline politician.
Frank Field will have the last laugh on these two charlatans:
Gordon Brown will have a torrid time as Prime Minister. He is just not upto the job and will be "dragged out by the men in white coats" as a Cabinet advisor remarked recently.
As for Harman, she will not be allowed anywhere near real power.
'Gordon Brown will have a torrid time as Prime Minister. He is just not upto the job and will be "dragged out by the men in white coats" as a Cabinet advisor remarked recently.'
Sadly psychos thrive on power. Their mania helps them to terrify and oppress those around them. The Brown Terror has just begun.
Frank Field is decent, thoughtful and courteous. If TB had supported the likes of him and Bob Marshall-Andrews I (and they) could have taken New Labour seriously. The last decade was a window of oportunity for economic and social regeneration, and it's been wasted. When the world economy turns downward, we'll be counting the cost, but the new European managerial aristocracy (for that is what is under construction) will be all right, Jack.
Following Paul Linford. Does anyone know why he didn't stand? Sure. he'd have lost, but wouldn't he have enjoyed it, especially if he'd got the forty-five votes to make a proper contest?
Sackerson said...Frank Field is decent, thoughtful and courteous. If TB had supported the likes of him and Bob Marshall-Andrews I (and they) could have taken New Labour seriously.
You don't get it do you ? This is the kind of fellow that kept Labour in the wilderness for so many years.We don't want him anymore.
Kenneth said "he strikes me as a truly smart guy totally inable to engage as a frontline politician" which is rather what we are all hoping/afraid will be the case with Brown. Perhaps Brown should mend bridges with him since if he is going to be a reformer he will have to take on some of Field's ideas.
I suspect "ten more years and counting" is another NuLab dobermann spinscher, judging by the "we" in "This is the kind of fellow that kept Labour in the wilderness for so many years.We don't want him anymore."
I also wonder whether this writer knows or has read anything about Frank Field or his comments and proposals on the need to deal with criminality, support the family, protect prudent savers from the loss of their home in case of long term care, and encourage pension savings. Without people like Frank Field, Labour would deserve not only to remain in the wilderness but sink without trace into the Grimpen Mire. Yes, I do get it.
re FF i seem to remember reading somewhere that he spent time at No 10 when thatcher was pm and he was in opposition advising her on union relationships etc. i think he comes across as a man of principle rather than a party man.
I've never really understood what Field thought - apart from being head of the Child Poverty Action Group years ago, which is and was lefty enough to make most people who use this sight blanch.
Frank Field is the only person I respect from New Labour.
ReplyDeleteHe is forthright in his views on welfare dependency and spot on!!
Had this man remained in power long enough and got his way it would have made a difference (positive!)to this country.
But no it was all too difficult for TB GB
sorry to interupt but from a Labour perspective I'm amazed that
ReplyDeletea) I'm sending this comment from my honeymoon
b) that Harriet H has got it
I wish Spam would think about giving him a position in his Shadow Cabinet...
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that Blair allowed Brown to stymie Field's reforms. Shows who has really been running the country since 1997...
ReplyDeleteThe economy would look a whole lot better had he got a few hundred thousand more back to work!
I find it amazing that Frank, who was considered to be an ideas man (think I may be correct there), was put on the backburner in the first place. He obviously p****d people off!
ReplyDeletechristopher glamorgan [6.32 PM] FF just did what he was asked to do: think the unthinkable and speak uncomfortable truths; the reward for which was to be cast into outer darkness.
ReplyDeleteBlair did not even have the decency to come to the House and listen to his resignation speech.
Not a very likeable chappie.However if you like the guy he's yours to keep.
ReplyDeleteWell, that should make it easier for him to cross the floor, n'est pas?
ReplyDelete"not a very likeable chappie"
ReplyDeleteWhat an odd comment about a politician. And there was me thinking that you voted on the basis on policies not whether you fancied going on holiday with him.
Or, Mr Happy, is that just coded talk for "not sufficiently socialist for your tastes"?
A very decent man is Frank Field. But decency doesn't get you very far in politics!
ReplyDeleteMiserable, as always.
ReplyDeleteFrank's problem is he understands welfare and its corrosive effect on communities.
ReplyDeleteBrown and Blair just couldn't stomach the truth.
"Frank Field is the only person I respect from New Labour."
ReplyDeleteField was fairly deselected from his Birkenhead seat.He shouldn't even be an MP
If Frank minded that much about Gordon and Harriet getting the top two jobs, he should have stood for them himself.
ReplyDeleteI've know Frank since 1964 (he was my 'O'Level Economics teacher. A more decent, thoughtful and independent man you could not wish to meet.
ReplyDeleteFrank Field is a good bloke, I've much respect for him.
ReplyDeleteAuntie Flo'
Frank Field is the only politician whose website I bother to have on my favourites. Interesting to see some odious little Labour shits coming on here to spin against him.
ReplyDeleteSadly my observation of Frank Field is that during the full year he was in office, he failed to produce a single workable idea.
ReplyDeleteken from glos said...
ReplyDelete"Frank Field is the only person I respect from New Labour."
Frank Field on my list of people I respect in the Commons.
That list has 4-5 names on it.
Frank Field ahs always struck me as too nice for real politics, he should have stuck to academia or journalism and "thinking the unthinkable". Surely one of the most unengaging and least suitable cabinet ministers ever.
ReplyDeleteAlong with Mandelson, he strikes me as a truly smart guy totally inable to engage as a frontline politician.
Frank Field will have the last laugh on these two charlatans:
ReplyDeleteGordon Brown will have a torrid time as Prime Minister. He is just not upto the job and will be "dragged out by the men in white coats" as a Cabinet advisor remarked recently.
As for Harman, she will not be allowed anywhere near real power.
Perhaps he'll join the Tories. He'd make a better leader than Cameron!
ReplyDelete'Gordon Brown will have a torrid time as Prime Minister. He is just not upto the job and will be "dragged out by the men in white coats" as a Cabinet advisor remarked recently.'
ReplyDeleteSadly psychos thrive on power. Their mania helps them to terrify and oppress those around them. The Brown Terror has just begun.
Frank Field is decent, thoughtful and courteous. If TB had supported the likes of him and Bob Marshall-Andrews I (and they) could have taken New Labour seriously. The last decade was a window of oportunity for economic and social regeneration, and it's been wasted. When the world economy turns downward, we'll be counting the cost, but the new European managerial aristocracy (for that is what is under construction) will be all right, Jack.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Paul Linford. Does anyone know why he didn't stand? Sure. he'd have lost, but wouldn't he have enjoyed it, especially if he'd got the forty-five votes to make a proper contest?
ReplyDeleteSackerson said...Frank Field is decent, thoughtful and courteous. If TB had supported the likes of him and Bob Marshall-Andrews I (and they) could have taken New Labour seriously.
ReplyDeleteYou don't get it do you ? This is the kind of fellow that kept Labour in the wilderness for so many years.We don't want him anymore.
Peter said...
ReplyDeleteFollowing Paul Linford. Does anyone know why he didn't stand? Sure. he'd have lost.
Exactly.
Birkenhead Labour said...
ReplyDeleteFrank Field will have the last laugh on these two charlatans:
No he won't,most have never even heard of the silly fellow.He like the Tory Party are of a bygone age.
Kenneth said "he strikes me as a truly smart guy totally inable to engage as a frontline politician" which is rather what we are all hoping/afraid will be the case with Brown. Perhaps Brown should mend bridges with him since if he is going to be a reformer he will have to take on some of Field's ideas.
ReplyDeleteI suspect "ten more years and counting" is another NuLab dobermann spinscher, judging by the "we" in "This is the kind of fellow that kept Labour in the wilderness for so many years.We don't want him anymore."
ReplyDeleteI also wonder whether this writer knows or has read anything about Frank Field or his comments and proposals on the need to deal with criminality, support the family, protect prudent savers from the loss of their home in case of long term care, and encourage pension savings. Without people like Frank Field, Labour would deserve not only to remain in the wilderness but sink without trace into the Grimpen Mire. Yes, I do get it.
Iain, this is disingenuous. I suspect that if pressed Mr Field would agree that he dislikes George Galloway and George Bush even more.
ReplyDeleteNow behave yourself...
re FF
ReplyDeletei seem to remember reading somewhere that he spent time at No 10 when thatcher was pm and he was in opposition advising her on union relationships etc.
i think he comes across as a man of principle rather than a party man.
dave camden
I've never really understood what Field thought - apart from being head of the Child Poverty Action Group years ago, which is and was lefty enough to make most people who use this sight blanch.
ReplyDelete