I agree with you Bedd, the film needs Gekko and Michael Douglas deserved his Oscar. However, fiction should not be confused with fact – especially, when real life traders and banks are dealing with people’s real money.

That is why I think, “How Ridiculous”, that the theatrical spectacle of the Houses should sometimes make way for the politics. When the subject is as serious as this, a considered answer needs to be found. But – yes, there would be quite a few more bruised heads in the Commons from the political party bashing than in the Lords.

I believe, Bedd, that ethical finance could have a prominent place in our financial future. I recently was asked to attend a “Five Talents” charity event – this charity promotes ethical finance. What surprised me most about the event was that hard nosed, profit driven business men and women – such as Dragon’s Den Deborah Meaden, who receives about 200 charity applications a week – actually believed in ethical finance. They thought that its successful track record proved that it is a viable option for future financial planning. Food for thought I think.

It was Eric Daniels. Although to be fair he was contrasting this approach with the more ‘short-term’ efforts elsewhere. And he is at least honest – anyone who pretends that ‘The Corporation’ can be anything other than a voracious animal driven by a hunger for profit is probably deluding themselves – which is why they need control.

One has to have an ‘anti-hero’ in a film to draw in the viewer’s interest..

What would ‘Dallas’ have been without JR ? If Gekko didn’t have any redeeming characteristics, and not something the ambitious Fox aspired to the film wouldn’t really have worked..

That he became something of an idol or folk hero is not dissimilar to the influence the heavy drinking, smoking, womanising, licensed to kill heroics of James Bond has. Or did, until he was emasculated by film producers.

But your reference to Strictly Come Dancing was appreciated. Who, one wonders, is the ‘John Sergeant’ organisation who appears to shape up under expert tuition much to the chagrin of the ‘experts’ in the House ?

p.s. Which ‘top banker’ said the following while running one of our major high street banks. [Answer later]
“You need to be long-term greedy..”

‘I was a little disappointed that many of my noble Lords engaged in standard political party bashing.’ Lèse majesté on this blog, surely not?!

That you for providing a summary of your speech. I fear if there were a debate in the House of Commons there would be even more political party bashing!

Howridiculous.