Eminence grease

I do believe ex-mayor Livingstone has something on Andrew Marr.

I have just coined another acronym GOing Through ThE Motions (GOTTEM)

A very 'civilised' interview with ex-mayor Ken Livingstone just now.

However, I was a little surprised that Andrew did not pick his interviewee up more on the related issues of delegation, deputising and responsibilities.

I do believe that under the previous administration there might have been more tangible, as opposed to alluded to, examples of dubious practices amongst senior subordinates. It's a shame these were not raised to remind all concerned.

Also, as experience with Gordon Brown seems to be showing, the CEO trying to be on top of and/or doing everything isn't the smartest move. Perhaps building competent teams, leading from the top, staying hands off (but maintaining a watching brief) might be worth a shot?

I am sure Gerry Robinson would agree.

Amen

In the Indy Letters:

Point of the plinth

Sir: No need for anything on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square other than an inscription: "The Honest Politician".

Some newspaper headlines go beyond parody

Ken Russell's former wife contests will of mother's lesbian lover

This is in a 'quality', mind.

And no, I have't read on.

Positive discrim... spin

Seems our government is thrashing about again, and our national broadcaster is well on board. To summarise a piece on 'positive discrimination' seems an amazing attempt at sticking oars in that would seem almost unworkable, we have suggested in conclusion:

'Labour wants to craft a fairer society'.

Quite a statement. Which is how it came across. I have written to ask if that was drafted elsewhere and just read out, or generated from within the BBC who already have the necessary officers in place to comply, be seen to comply and tell all and sundry that the are complying?

Especially for what appears yet another piece of misguided, intrusive, and ultimately pointless and doomed policy floating more for spin than substance, by an increasingly desperate, meddle-addicted government.

Why do I sense the only thing that will happen is a ton more jobsworths are created, a bunch of relative innocents hung out to dry and the vast majority sail on by simply working around the system?

Guardian - Not all women want to run the firm - I might also add that if this is the calibre of input we are getting from our accelerated sisterhood, it might not be all it's cracked up to be simply on plain evidence of our own eyes.

BBC - Law 'will ban age discrimination' - If not, in my experience, actually prevent it.
BBC - Harman pushes discrimination plan
Telegraph - Equality Bill: Labour's latest attempt at social engineering

What's really important

What could Gordon do to turn it around?

Just a suggestion, but instead of thinking in terms of his and his government's fortunes just for once ponder those of the country and its people. That might help.

Something all politicians and the media chatterati might bear in mind, too.

But as someone has already pointed out; it ain't gonna happen, is it?

Why use one short word...

Cut the conditionality: a clear message on jargon

Tactical noting

Gordon's law

Actually, a great comment from a viewer:

AMAZING GRACE?

I spotted Alistair Darling bailing like mad to stop the New Labour boat sinking, on the Andrew Marr show (Sunday). He came out with the priceless plea: 'The next election is not a referendum on us.' Is he by any chance descended from Grace?

My addition:

3. At 5:37pm on 23 Jun 2008, barriesingleton

Shame the commentariat we currently enjoy do not seem to see fit to analyse what might be meant by such an assertion from one of our political 'leaders'.

The maritime analogies abound, but I'll pitch in with 'rudderless; and 'up a certain creek without a paddle' for now.

The current crew navigating the ship of state are of course so far beyond help it is not funny, but I weep for all aboard who they are taking down with them.... only without the benefit of index-linked life-preservers given to all who enjoy their tax, fine & fee-funded largesse.