I’ve been following the blog during recess but have been too preoccupied with family matters to add my own. But things in the Murphy/Robb household are getting back to normal so I must get back to the blog. All kinds of matters happened during recess which during term would have led to endless debates, questions and probing in both houses of parliament. The US banking crisis, our own financial problems, quite enormous events really which will continue to impact on all of us for years, were simply not discussed except by the Government inner circle. Does that matter? I think it does. I’m not quite sure how the problem could be resolved but I am not confortable with the carte blanche a long recess gives to Government.
The Reshuffle. I can’t hide my disappointment about who’s been promoted and who has been moved round. If it is true that Jeff (Lord ) Rooker’s out then I for one will miss his straight talking commonsense approach. There are relatively few Ministers with his confidence, experience and nous. I shall also miss Baroness Ashton, whisked away to be Trade Commissioner on convenience grounds, I wish her luck. And I ‘m not the only one to question the wisdom of Peter Mandelson’s return to Government. Is the Prime Minister so bankrupt of talent in the parliamentary Labour party that he can’t see the likely banana skins?
Perhaps I’m looking at the changes in Government with the jaundiced eye of someone who has seen far too many changes in senior and junior ministers before they have mastered their brief. One of the reasons Lord Sainsbury was such an effective science minister was that he was simply there a long time, 8 years I think and had time to learn and gain experience of a wide range of policy matters. Likewise I saw at first hand the way John Hutton grew into his successive posts at the Department of Health which led him to become an effective Minister and I have no doubt a better Secretary of State for that experience. But politicians often seriously believe that all you need is good judgement and the policy decisions will come easily, whether experienced or not. Regrettably this isn’t true in policy making any more than it is in brain surgery.
My reading lately has made it apparent how strange it is that British Cabinets are altered so frequently with so many people constantly appointed and dismissed. It seems governments on mainland Europe are much more durable (possibly because they tend to be coalitions). I wonder if we in Britain should strive for the same durability?
But then, I suppose that would come up against the idea of ministerial responsibility?
Despite being on the opposite side of the political fence I think the
appointment of Mandleson was probably on balance a good one. Despite
his earlier failures in his cabinet career I think he has actually
been a pretty good commissioner in the EU. If he continues that
effectiveness in his new role while avoiding the political banana
skins Gordon Brown may well be vindicated in his choice.
Of course it may all go wrong but I don’t see him being a Lord
protects him from Ministerial accountability and responsibility. I
assume he can still be asked/forced to resign if he screws up?
When you say:
“Perhaps I’m looking at the changes in Government with the jaundiced eye of someone who has seen far too many changes in senior and junior ministers before they have mastered their brief.”
The scientific term for this is the 6P principle derived from the classical cynicism of British politics, it is defined as: “Piss Poor P??????? Prevents Piss Poor Performance” and is key to the British way of life. Please feel free to substitute letters for the question marks.
Forgive me? I know I shouldn’t, but I just did!