Arsenic and Aspedistras

Labour Party Conference lacks charisma. The Labour Party held its annual conference in the old (now revamped), Manchester Railway Station this week. It was obvious that New Labour is not revamped. In fact they are the old New Labour. The conference was addressed by some of the most boring Labour Party members ever to grace a stage. On Tuesday Tony Blair's last speech in front of conference was an excellent review of "Tony's"time in office and it is clear that the PM is an excellent orator, as always. I was quite impressed by his views on the global big picture. He seems far-sighted and focussed on the problems of Britain and the World. Blair has charisma in buckets and it is easy to see how he has wooed Britain for 9 years. Speaking of charisma, can there be anyone less charismatic than "oor dour Gordon?" The Scot is damn good at his job and has done the country proud as Chancellor of the cash, but I sense his capabilities as a leader (especially coming after Blair), are being questioned in the conference committees as we speak. Brown is a powerful speaker and he says the right things but can he motivate the Brits into supporting New Labour? I doubt it. I digress a minute or so to speculate on the level of charisma extant in the Scottish people. Unless they are in their cups (ergo, after copious drams of the best Highland malt--when they are exceedingly charismatic--and will even break into song), the Scots are apt to be miserable sods---and we sympathise because they occupy a land with the most miserable weather in the UK--and they are not generally hale and hearty. I can only think of one or two Scots who have personalities larger than life: Sean Connery and Ewan McGregor. If there are more please let me know (See my next post!) Back to conference: That inspired gathering was also addressed by Alan Johnson, Secretary for Education (We are now extending our efforts into adult education---no matter that two weeks ago it was reported that 3 in 10 Primary school children are failing in the 3 Rs), and Headmistress Hewitt who recounted NHS successes ( She did not mention that funding for the NHS is severely depleted due to the fact that Tony and Gordon are spending one hundred million sterling a week in Afghanistan and Iraq.) We all hope, with prayers and rosary beads held tightly, that John Prescott will not address the conference. So far he has said little and is mainly ignored by most.Big John has probably sussed out most of the available 35 year olds sitting in the stalls and you can bet, in the best Manchester tradition, that he is not averse to organising a bit of hanky panky after conference hours. Bill Clinton arrived today and showed everyone what real charisma is all about. The man makes George Bush look like a lay preacher from Tennessee. Clinton, like Reagan before him, has a presence that defies explanation. Unless you call it "Super Charisma!" Roll on next year's conference. Will "Oor Gordon" be in charge? Permalink Edit Delete no comment Status: Published 2006-09-11 @ 17:47:01 by robswan Tags: This blog is closing!