How could Harriet Harman, rumoured to be vying for Gordon Brown’s job, miss the golden opportunity that presented itself at Prime Minister’s Question time? Now I am no fan of Ms Harman, in fact, that would be an understatement, but who could fail to squirm as she ‘performed’ in place of the prime minister.
It was clear from her replies, and I use that term loosely, that she was neither prepared nor capable of dealing with any questions, least of all those posed by William Hague, a serious bruiser on such occasions. It would probably be too kind to describe her performance as inept, but to all and sundry, it was an embarrassing experience. Miliband was unable to contain his amusement, whilst Straw, Darling and others looked incredibly uncomfortable. You could almost hear them in unison saying ‘when will this be over’. It makes you wonder whether there ought to be a deputy for the deputy PM. Lets face it, I have seen better, more polished performances from children at their annual nativity play…and yes, I mean it.
They do say that if you give someone enough rope, they will hang themselves and I suspect that those in the ‘Stop Harriet Campaign’, were more than happy to hand it to her. A first year student would know how important it is to prepare before you present or accept questions. Harman clearly failed to do this, worst still, this was in front of her fellow MP’s and the television cameras. If that is not clear evidence of a bad judgement call, I don’t know what is? Failing which, it could just be the arrogance of office, but one thing is for certain, she has demonstrated that she is unlikely ever to be a suitable candidate for Labour leadership. After all, we know that New Labour like polished performances, even if they lack must substance, in Harman’s case, it appears that she has neither.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
There is no way that Harman will ever be the leader of the Labour Party, I reckon the only reason she one the deputy contest was because no-one wanted the others. After yesterday’s performance, any doubters will be under no illusion of her lack of talent.
March 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Yeah, meanwhile GB is making hay in Obamaland. The democrats seem to think they have something in common the the jerk - for the world’s sake, I hope they’re wrong.
A bit of self promotion if you will permit it (sorry): I have a suggestion at http://cjw666.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/intention-to-purchase/ It sounds simplistic, but I can’t for the life of me see why it wouldn’t work (for those of us NOT worried about our personal investemnts in shares in Barclays, Natwest, etc.)
March 6th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
@ CJ: I read your post earlier and it may be simplistic, but it made sense to me and lets face it, it is often the simple answers that work! Pity GB prefers to over-complicate things simply in order to confuse the masses. I am still seething over his fawning over Obama, who simply stuck two fingers up to Borwn (not bothered about that) and the Brtish who have been a steadfast ally through thick and thin. ‘Fair weather friends’ comes to mind.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Harman is what happens when people are promoted far beyond their ability for appearances sake; Jacky Smith, and Hazel Blears are no better. Labour needed more female MPs, and this lot ticked the box.
I am of the firm belief that the cream floats to the top; sadly having people like Blears, Smith and Harman at the top is clearly stifling any competent women getting through. This may be because this trio seem to believe that a successful female politician needs to be a feminist, like them.
I am sure that if Brown doesn’t bury Labour, Harman, Smith and Miliband will.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
@ Charlie: I completely agree, the feminest agenda, under this government has become all consuming. Women have been promoted well beyond their ability, based on their gender alone, that is an insult to women in responsible positions and patronising.