Earlier this month (June 2009), two British National Party (BNP) members were elected to the European Parliament. Many regard the BNP as being ‘Fascist’. Certainly the party is on the far right of British politics. But the BNP has been around for quite a while. It is currently led by Nick Griffin, who deposed the previous leader, John Tyndall, in 1999. Tyndall, who died in 2005, had a long association with British neo-Fascism. However the original Godfather of the far right in Britain was Oswald Mosley, who was leader of the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s.
In order to find out more about Fascism I did some research. The term ‘Fascism’ has its roots in Italy and it is of Latin extraction. It means a ‘bundle’ or ‘union’ and was a Roman form of power: a single rod is easily broken but the bundle (of rods) cannot break. Thus the basis for Benito Mussolini’s extreme leadership in the years of World War Two. Mussolini, ‘Il Duce’, formed a Fascist/Nazi partnership with Adolf Hitler as both leaders embraced ultra right policies. Jews, gays, black people were all discriminated against, at least, or tortured and killed in the name of Fascism.
In Ireland the nearest equivalent to a Fascist organisation would be Sinn Fein. Alongside the IRA both nurtured a campaign of extreme nationalism, all over the island of Ireland. Many were killed, tortured and maimed by the Fascist tendencies of some in the Irish Republican movement. Whilst differing slightly in policy, to many Fascist organisations abroad, certain Irish Republicans have cultivated a hatred that continues to burn to this day – despite the IRA decommissioning of their arms. This hatred is directed, primarily towards anyone who disagrees with the concept of a united Ireland.
However an even more virulent form of Fascism is practiced in Ulster. In its 28th June 2009 edition the Observer reports that “the police are understood to be investigating reports that a group of racists with connections to neo-Nazi terror group Combat 18 smuggled a shotgun” into south Belfast targeting migrants. In the same article we are told that C18 sent a text message this week saying:
‘English C18 thanks all true Loyalists for forcing Romanians out of Belfast and also Polish out of their homes! These foreign nationals are a threat to Britain’s Britishness.’
This is typical of the Fascist mindset that flourishes in Northern Ireland today. Ulster has become the toilet seat for British and Irish Fascism to shit on ordinary people, particularly the vulnerable.
Moving back to the UK mainland, according to the Observer newspaper (14th June 2009), Andrew Brons, a senior BNP member, was a member of the National Front (NF) in the 1970s. The NF once claimed the UK was full of “racially incompatible Afro-Asians.” Brons has, in elections held recently, become an MEP for a constituency in the north of England. The Observer reported: “Searchlight, the anti-Fascist organisation, said Brons was influential in shaping the NF and it was important that those voting for him should be aware of his past views. ‘The fact that Brons is an intellectual Fascist and a bigot cuts little ice’, a spokesman said. ‘We are unimpressed by his claims that his prejudice was a result of youthful exuberance’.”
Glancing through the BNP website it is clear they are opposed to racial integration, furthermore out of all the faces that appear on that website none are black, Asian or in anyway ethnic. Despite the shiny image there lurks below a seedy, thuggish style of neo-Fascism masquerading as proper politics. Not surprisingly, as Britain is very ethnically diverse, the BNP represent a minority of British voters. These voters should be fully aware that behind many of the BNP’s policies lies an organisation that is happier without racial integration. This is at odds with the established political scene in Britain, a democracy that won’t bend easily to accommodate a far-right agenda.
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 led to greater nationalist fervour across Europe. Economic decline made way for the nurturing of Fascism. Could this be replicated 80 years later given the economic devastation the Capitalist world is now going through? In 2009 the far right is on the rise not only in the UK but all over Europe. Even if Fascism is now on the margins it must not go unchallenged for the good of humanity.
29 June 2009
24 June 2009
The Africa Centre’s Annual Lecture 2009
www.africacentre.ie
Last Monday (22nd June 2009) the Gresham Hotel, in central Dublin, hosted the eighth annual lecture of the Africa Centre. The lecture was chaired by Ms Maria Barry from Trocáire. There were two speakers: Ms Massa Washington, a veteran journalist from Liberia, and Dr Sheila Killian, who is a lecturer on finance at the University of Limerick. The two speakers and chair were introduced to us and they were awarded a round of applause before the audience listened closely to what was being said.
First to speak was Ms. Washington and she explained the tragedy of Liberia’s social and economic ills. One of the most startling and upsetting things the former public relations officer told us was of child soldiers. Some as young as ten, who were given narcotics to toughen them up. Make them more aggressive. It was shocking to hear that between 35,000 and 50,000 children in Liberia are used as child soldiers. It will take a big effort to reverse this sad reality.
Corrupt rulers have added to the harsh conditions in Liberia. Ms. Washington goes on to say that the power and wealth of Liberia, a population of about four million, lies with about two per cent of the people.
Massa Washington has, it says in the information pack we are all carefully given, covered the Liberian crisis extensively and has spoken out on Womens rights in the western African state. It is clear she holds Africa close to her heart and it was good to hear what she had to say. We were all fortunate to be honoured with her presence and her words were greeted warmly by everyone in the room.
Next to speak was Dr. Killian. Not a good person for figures, I expected to be bored rigid. Not so. In fact she was quite concise for a university lecturer. The former tax consultant with Ernst & Young took us through the last 30 years of Irish economic history.
On our tax laws she spoke of lower and lower levels of taxation used to attract multi-national firms to set up in Ireland – “a race to the bottom.” The qualified chartered accountant then turned to our generous tax rates. It is made clear to us that the 12½ per cent tax rate is “unsustainable.”
Dr Killian succeeds in explaining clearly, aided by a PowerPoint presentation, the economic realities of attracting business here. By the end of her address I felt I’d learned something, despite my numerical handicap.
Following the two speeches questions were put to both the esteemed guests. After they had been answered, to everyone’s satisfaction, we all made our way to the food that was provided. Wine was flowing and the chatter among us grew louder. Thanks are due to all at the Africa Centre who continue to make a great effort to inform and support the growing African community in Ireland. A wonderful organisation.
© Ian Callagy 2009
Last Monday (22nd June 2009) the Gresham Hotel, in central Dublin, hosted the eighth annual lecture of the Africa Centre. The lecture was chaired by Ms Maria Barry from Trocáire. There were two speakers: Ms Massa Washington, a veteran journalist from Liberia, and Dr Sheila Killian, who is a lecturer on finance at the University of Limerick. The two speakers and chair were introduced to us and they were awarded a round of applause before the audience listened closely to what was being said.
First to speak was Ms. Washington and she explained the tragedy of Liberia’s social and economic ills. One of the most startling and upsetting things the former public relations officer told us was of child soldiers. Some as young as ten, who were given narcotics to toughen them up. Make them more aggressive. It was shocking to hear that between 35,000 and 50,000 children in Liberia are used as child soldiers. It will take a big effort to reverse this sad reality.
Corrupt rulers have added to the harsh conditions in Liberia. Ms. Washington goes on to say that the power and wealth of Liberia, a population of about four million, lies with about two per cent of the people.
Massa Washington has, it says in the information pack we are all carefully given, covered the Liberian crisis extensively and has spoken out on Womens rights in the western African state. It is clear she holds Africa close to her heart and it was good to hear what she had to say. We were all fortunate to be honoured with her presence and her words were greeted warmly by everyone in the room.
Next to speak was Dr. Killian. Not a good person for figures, I expected to be bored rigid. Not so. In fact she was quite concise for a university lecturer. The former tax consultant with Ernst & Young took us through the last 30 years of Irish economic history.
On our tax laws she spoke of lower and lower levels of taxation used to attract multi-national firms to set up in Ireland – “a race to the bottom.” The qualified chartered accountant then turned to our generous tax rates. It is made clear to us that the 12½ per cent tax rate is “unsustainable.”
Dr Killian succeeds in explaining clearly, aided by a PowerPoint presentation, the economic realities of attracting business here. By the end of her address I felt I’d learned something, despite my numerical handicap.
Following the two speeches questions were put to both the esteemed guests. After they had been answered, to everyone’s satisfaction, we all made our way to the food that was provided. Wine was flowing and the chatter among us grew louder. Thanks are due to all at the Africa Centre who continue to make a great effort to inform and support the growing African community in Ireland. A wonderful organisation.
© Ian Callagy 2009
22 June 2009
‘Looking for Eric’
Eric Bishop (the central character, played by Steve Evets) is a post office worker who conducts his daily life in a delicate manner. He’s a nervous person as a result, it transpires, of deserting his lover years beforehand. Set in Manchester, all his mates in the post office are big Man United fans and there is plenty of amusing banter, as you might expect.
Eric is at the end of his tether and suicide is becoming an option. He is, however, a football fan with a special love of one of Old Trafford’s greatest sons, Eric Cantona. In his bedroom he turns to the wall poster of EC and directs, almost religiously, questions to the inanimate photo. He obviously gets no reply.
Suddenly the real, now bearded and middle aged, Eric Cantona appears in Bishop’s bedroom. This begins to stretch one’s imagination, but soon the viewer is marvelling at the Frenchman’s calm demeanour. He slowly begins to give what must be one of the most relaxed pep talks given by anyone in the world of football.
One is struck by the sharp contrast between the two Erics: Cantona is relaxed and serene compared to the nerve jangling post office worker. This is the start of Bishop’s recovery. However the film’s tension moves up a gear when one of EB’s sons gets in with some rough crims. Bishop discovers that his son, Ryan, has a gun and through a few scenes ends up being bullied and threatened by his son’s gang leader and his fellow thugs.
This is not all about Cantona, football or Manchester, even though all three feature in ‘Looking for Eric’. It is about the vulnerable person and how, through the power of good friendship, the harshness of life can be overcome. There’s a couple of interesting moments along the way: Cantona’s trumpet playing as well as television footage of a press conference in which the Frenchman talks, cryptically, of seagulls and succeeds in confusing those watching it.
The movie culminates with Bishop getting revenge for his treatment at the hands of the thugs we saw earlier. EB’s mates get together and all, possibly a few hundred, don Eric Cantona masks and go after his tormentors. All for one and one for all. The home of the criminal-in-chief is set upon and property is damaged and the thugs are sprayed with red paint. After that encounter everyone, most of all Bishop, feels better. Justice, swifter than in reality, is done.
As movies go these days, ‘Looking for Eric’ could have been worse. All the same this, one feels, is not going to be regarded as the finest work by director, Ken Loach. However you couldn’t fault the acting. It was a master stroke to have John Henshaw onboard and, typically, he shines in every scene he’ s in – a real bonus.
Throughout this film there are many TV clips of Cantona’s many goals scored for Manchester United over the years. Even as an Arsenal fan, I had to admire his skill, which has now gone from playing on a football pitch to now performing on celluloid. Manchester United fan or not, this is a story of male bonding and provides good evidence as to why Cantona is the star he is today. Merci Monsieur!
© Ian Callagy 2009
19 June 2009
World Refugee Day 2009
Yesterday (18th June 2009) was World Refugee Day and Dublin’s Africa Centre was host to a talk given by Mr. Wale Mogaji (Refugee Information Service) and Mr. Robin Hanan (Irish Refugee Council). We were all welcomed to the Centre whereupon the ever congenial Mr. Eric Yao (Africa Centre) gave a short introduction to those assembled.
Mr Mogaji was first to speak and he informed us on the restrictions and difficulties that the average asylum seeker in Ireland has to experience from day to day: A weekly sum of €19 is paid to each person seeking asylum. The stress felt by refugees is having a detrimental effect on the mental health – a problem bad enough for legitimate citizens.
A disturbing reality that refugees are saddled with is qualifications. Many who flee to Ireland, to avoid repressive regimes where torture or death is commonplace, arrive with good educational skills which normally could be used to gain meaningful employment. However due to the government’s asylum policies such people are unable, moreover are not allowed, to put those skills to use by working and contributing to the Irish economy. Mr Mogaji cites the example of an engineer who is now roaming the Dublin streets where normally he would be involved in a thriving career. But is disallowed, as an asylum seeker, from working here.
Continuing his talk, Mr Mogaji explains the sad reality of having to seek asylum in today’s Ireland and the overcrowding and lack of dignity afforded to the average refugee holed up in Mosney or the like. One could despair at hearing this sad, hopeless reality and the way these people are treated by our government. Our politicians are not engaging enough to make a difference to those living a life of asylum. For it is a life, a career, wasted. Almost like being in prison despite not committing a crime.
The system is, in Mogaji’s words, becoming a massive social problem, one in which there are no winners. It’s a lose - lose situation and nothing is being done to explain to the general public of the refugee crisis. For it is a crisis. Only this week in Belfast it was reported that some Romanian families were subjected to racism, this is not confined to Belfast.
There are some very negative perceptions among some of the public, here, regarding asylum seekers and these people seem to be the whipping boys of our society. Mr Mogaji winds up his speech by telling us of the devastating loneliness and isolation of the refugee in Ireland in 2009 and it is a most bleak, depressing scenario. Enough to break the hardest of hearts.
This upsetting reality was given a more optimistic examination by the next speaker, Mr Robin Hanan. He told the gathered listeners, upstairs in the Africa Centre, of his dealing with the Irish government. The asylum seeker was, is, unwelcome here and all the actions of this state are to make Ireland as “unattractive” as possible to the refugee. They are deliberately excluded from Irish society. Hanan says creating poverty and disempowerment among asylum seekers is a “deliberate government decision”.
Like the first speaker, Mr Hanan mentions mental health as being a problem for those searching for refugee status. He goes on to say that the ‘Direct Provision’ system, in Ireland, is costing the exchequer more than the existing social welfare system. It is a shameful state of affairs and desperately needs to be addressed by those in authority. The despicable treatment of vulnerable children by the Christian Brothers and the Industrial schools are now, rightly, being addressed. It is time that those seeking asylum are afforded a similar slice of justice as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. That responsibility should not be ignored.
© Ian Callagy 2009
Mr Mogaji was first to speak and he informed us on the restrictions and difficulties that the average asylum seeker in Ireland has to experience from day to day: A weekly sum of €19 is paid to each person seeking asylum. The stress felt by refugees is having a detrimental effect on the mental health – a problem bad enough for legitimate citizens.
A disturbing reality that refugees are saddled with is qualifications. Many who flee to Ireland, to avoid repressive regimes where torture or death is commonplace, arrive with good educational skills which normally could be used to gain meaningful employment. However due to the government’s asylum policies such people are unable, moreover are not allowed, to put those skills to use by working and contributing to the Irish economy. Mr Mogaji cites the example of an engineer who is now roaming the Dublin streets where normally he would be involved in a thriving career. But is disallowed, as an asylum seeker, from working here.
Continuing his talk, Mr Mogaji explains the sad reality of having to seek asylum in today’s Ireland and the overcrowding and lack of dignity afforded to the average refugee holed up in Mosney or the like. One could despair at hearing this sad, hopeless reality and the way these people are treated by our government. Our politicians are not engaging enough to make a difference to those living a life of asylum. For it is a life, a career, wasted. Almost like being in prison despite not committing a crime.
The system is, in Mogaji’s words, becoming a massive social problem, one in which there are no winners. It’s a lose - lose situation and nothing is being done to explain to the general public of the refugee crisis. For it is a crisis. Only this week in Belfast it was reported that some Romanian families were subjected to racism, this is not confined to Belfast.
There are some very negative perceptions among some of the public, here, regarding asylum seekers and these people seem to be the whipping boys of our society. Mr Mogaji winds up his speech by telling us of the devastating loneliness and isolation of the refugee in Ireland in 2009 and it is a most bleak, depressing scenario. Enough to break the hardest of hearts.
This upsetting reality was given a more optimistic examination by the next speaker, Mr Robin Hanan. He told the gathered listeners, upstairs in the Africa Centre, of his dealing with the Irish government. The asylum seeker was, is, unwelcome here and all the actions of this state are to make Ireland as “unattractive” as possible to the refugee. They are deliberately excluded from Irish society. Hanan says creating poverty and disempowerment among asylum seekers is a “deliberate government decision”.
Like the first speaker, Mr Hanan mentions mental health as being a problem for those searching for refugee status. He goes on to say that the ‘Direct Provision’ system, in Ireland, is costing the exchequer more than the existing social welfare system. It is a shameful state of affairs and desperately needs to be addressed by those in authority. The despicable treatment of vulnerable children by the Christian Brothers and the Industrial schools are now, rightly, being addressed. It is time that those seeking asylum are afforded a similar slice of justice as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. That responsibility should not be ignored.
© Ian Callagy 2009
17 June 2009
Private Buses?
The elephant is moving closer and closer to the sofa, closer to An Taoiseach. It has moved away from the centre of the room and the unions are getting worried. The elephant has plonked its bottom onto the soft leather furnishings and Mr Cowen sits up with a jolt and starts to pay attention. Mr Union is getting more and more angry as the elephant wraps its trunk around him. Not only is the elephant in the room - it's within breathing distance to the government. The blindingly obvious suddenly occurs to An Taoiseach. Hallaluia!!!
Last night I was listening to RTE Radio One and there was a panel of guests discussing the economy. My attention was pricked as the conversation surrounded the cutbacks and inevitable tax hikes that bring so much 'pain' to us all. I'm not in the least bit an expert (I got a 'C' in Leaving Cert economics) on this topic but I am a an Irish citizen and feel compelled to reflect on the crisis hitting Ireland at the present.
One subject I know something about, however, is public transport. I wrote about buses, in the Chronical, earlier this year and expressed my anger and annoyance on the rather poor service that Dubliners are faced with. The latest move that Dublin Bus have made is to further restrict the routes that many thousands have to avail of continually. My question is: how in the name of God is the state in a position to throw millions of euros at the bottomless pit that is our transport system, without this resulting in a better service? It cannot be achieved.
The unions are too awkward and are repressing progress. The status quo has gone on too long. I'm not necessarily saying that everything can benefit from privatisation but in the field of transport it is sorely needed. The minister for finance is looking at making savings by cutting spending and raising taxes but this will only have a limited effect. What I'm saying is that privatisation, for some of our transport at least, must be put up for discussion and acted upon!
A letter carried in yesterday's Guardian (16th June 2009) was written on the subject of our (Irish) economic turmoil. Paul Hunt from West Sussex writes: "...the Irish government has a solution under its nose. The Irish state is the majority owner of the dominant, incumbant electricity and gas businesses. Privatising these business would generate around €5bn. This is the scale of financing to which the government will have to commit to realise its green dream." Something for our leaders to consider. We must be aware of the elephant, that much is certain.
© Ian Callagy 2009
Last night I was listening to RTE Radio One and there was a panel of guests discussing the economy. My attention was pricked as the conversation surrounded the cutbacks and inevitable tax hikes that bring so much 'pain' to us all. I'm not in the least bit an expert (I got a 'C' in Leaving Cert economics) on this topic but I am a an Irish citizen and feel compelled to reflect on the crisis hitting Ireland at the present.
One subject I know something about, however, is public transport. I wrote about buses, in the Chronical, earlier this year and expressed my anger and annoyance on the rather poor service that Dubliners are faced with. The latest move that Dublin Bus have made is to further restrict the routes that many thousands have to avail of continually. My question is: how in the name of God is the state in a position to throw millions of euros at the bottomless pit that is our transport system, without this resulting in a better service? It cannot be achieved.
The unions are too awkward and are repressing progress. The status quo has gone on too long. I'm not necessarily saying that everything can benefit from privatisation but in the field of transport it is sorely needed. The minister for finance is looking at making savings by cutting spending and raising taxes but this will only have a limited effect. What I'm saying is that privatisation, for some of our transport at least, must be put up for discussion and acted upon!
A letter carried in yesterday's Guardian (16th June 2009) was written on the subject of our (Irish) economic turmoil. Paul Hunt from West Sussex writes: "...the Irish government has a solution under its nose. The Irish state is the majority owner of the dominant, incumbant electricity and gas businesses. Privatising these business would generate around €5bn. This is the scale of financing to which the government will have to commit to realise its green dream." Something for our leaders to consider. We must be aware of the elephant, that much is certain.
© Ian Callagy 2009
15 June 2009
The Climate Change Hourglass
Hoody on or Hoody off? That is the question. I’m on Sandymount strand, the venue for today’s (Saturday) choreographed event – a human hourglass. It was organised to create publicity for climate change. Normally I wouldn’t go to this part of the south Dublin coastline, even during the summer, but I’m making a change for today.
On arrival at the Martello (Sandymount) I am ushered along to sign a petition and then I make my way onto the beach. An open-topped bus, kids kicking beach balls were some of the sights and everyone was having a good time. Many were busy taking pictures with their cameras. Imagine – holiday pics from Sandymount!
Copies of the Metro newspaper were distributed and everyone was corralled around for the event. Many present today are just a shade away from hippydom and I couldn’t imagine a politician getting a good reception. A Cherry Picker slowly ascends with a photographer on board. People pass by with scrawny looking dogs and a number of joggers speed along the strand, in the hope of maintaining an athletic physique no doubt. Howth can be seen glittering in the distance.
It was reported recently that beaches around the east coast were being dumped on with litter. Casting my eye around I can definitively say there’s little evidence of litter. But, remember, this is a climate change event: most here are environmentally aware. Any chance of littering this stretch of coastline and you’d be signing your own death warrant. Conscientious citizens only.
This couldn’t be compared with the Costa del Sol – not enough Irish accents in Sandymount! I would estimate a crowd of up to 200 but is it a Critical Mass? The organisers were probably hoping for a bigger turnout, not to be compared to the D-Day landings in Normandy in World War 2, which were honoured last week in France. For guys like me, today, it was the DD’s that captured the attention. Pamela Anderson eat your heart out!
After awhile I decided to move on. One of my criticisms would be that there were no stalls like you usually get at such events. No refreshments, it may have kept people at the place for longer. I cannot help thinking that this choreographed gathering was an attempt to copy Spencer Tunick’s well publicised naked installation, last year, in Dublin’s docklands. But no one was taking off their clothes today, despite the fine weather.
As I leave Sandymount, in the sunshine, I wonder what the whole point is. Will a human hourglass really help climate change? Probably not but it was still an idea worth trying out and it will help spread the word of the importance of having a cleaner environment. When I get home I get a text message on my mobile from the organisers telling me that the ‘Hourglass’ may feature on tonight’s news and sure enough RTE include a report on the evening’s bulletin.
If it were all that ineffective, today’s jolly wouldn’t get such publicity and the ‘fun’ element was present among us. Along with the good weather the tide was out and there were no horrible sewage smells to endure. But what of my Hoody? Well I did take it with me in the end, even though it was warm. Oh how I sweltered.
© Ian Callagy 2009
08 June 2009
The Brown Years
Gordon Brown started his career in the British government as Chancellor of the Exchequer following Labour’s victory at the 1997 general election. After years of rowing with Tony Blair, Mr Brown eventually became Labour leader and Prime Minister in 2007 after Mr Blair retired.
For a period of about six months Brown could practically walk on water and his handling of crises such as flooding and an outbreak of Foot & Mouth were widely regarded as showing deft leadership. He appeared statesmanlike.
However the sheen of success was to fade and his first mistake was his dithering over not calling a general election in the autumn of 2007, which many believed Labour would have won. Soon this bad judgement led to David Cameron’s Conservatives moving ahead in the opinion polls and this was the start of Mr Brown’s woes.
Failure to voice an opinion on the conflict in Georgia, last year, allowed David Cameron to set the agenda by flying out to Tbilisi, whilst Brown was on holiday, gave the impression that the Labour PM was not up to it, with regard to foreign policy at any rate.
The ten pence tax debacle which meant that poorer people (those on low incomes) would lose earnings was another Brown blunder and had the effect of squeezing those that Labour would normally have supported. Clearly the prime minister was displaying a lack of respect, at least, for those in the poorer parts of the UK – traditional Labour voters. This stuck in the craw and made it easier for people, in his own party, to dislike him.
The stunt of having Mrs Thatcher for tea in Downing Street, shortly after his assuming the role of PM was shameful. Thatch was hated by Labour members for her opposition to the unions and many were justifiably outraged by such supine behaviour on the part of Brown.
Even though he was a first class Chancellor, Mr Brown has clearly not got the breadth of experience required to manage the various organs of government and this has become a sharp disadvantage for him. As I mentioned above, the issue of the conflict in Georgia shows a level of ignorance on Foreign Affairs by the British prime minister and this inexperience hasn’t helped him.
But it is the economy that is the big beast’s strong point and some may have been convinced by his loudly heralded ‘Fiscal Stimulus’. Will Gordon will get us out of this economic morass? Not a bit of it. The G20 summit that Mr Brown placed so much importance on was not really a success and the recession is still haunting the world.
GB’s failure to act swiftly on a number of issues has not helped him and an example of that would be the dithering and poor judgement over the rights of the Ghurkhas, brave allies of the British army. The lovely Joanna Lumley (now in her 60s and still as gorgeous as ever) had to apply pressure before the government finally relented and accepted they were wrong. Further bad publicity and embarrassment for Mr Brown.
In Gordon Brown people see a dour, truculent, almost grumpy PM. He frequently fails to sting David Cameron in their many exchanges in the House of Commons. Tony Blair once warned the Conservatives to beware of ‘the clunking fist’, a reference to Brown. ‘Limp wrist’ would be a more appropriate tag, as he frequently fails to impress at the dispatch box.
The crisis hitting Westminster, at the moment, concerns MPs expenses and this has lead to many MPs being forced to stand down. The whole political class has been damaged by this scandal and the government is taking a hammering as a result. Hazel Blears (dubbed ‘Blears in Arrears’) has, alongside Jacqui Smith, been forced to leave the cabinet due to her manipulation of the system. This will not make Gordon Brown popular with the voters.
Alistair Darling is in serious trouble due to his expenses record and Brown may have wanted to move him away from the Treasury – if an ordinary MP can be punished for messing about with expenses shouldn’t the same apply to government ministers as well? Martin Kettle, writing in Friday’s Guardian (5th June 2009), lays much blame at the feet of the PM: “For a chancellor to resign, or for a prime minister to sack a chancellor, is explosive. It puts the wider credibility of the entire government at risk.” This is the nub of Gordon Brown’s present difficulties and the various resignations we have seen over recent days have undoubtedly made it harder for him to lead the government.
But what is most important to people, government or the wider Labour party? James Purnell has clearly decided what matters most to him. Following his resignation late on Thursday, he told the prime minister “to stand aside to give Labour a fighting chance of winning the next election.” Mr Purnell, through resigning, has shown himself to be monumentally disloyal.
Gordon Brown, at Friday’s news conference in Downing Street (covered live on television), appeared like a widower at the afters of a funeral. But there was no tea and biscuits provided. Mr Brown testily fielded questions from assembled political journalists and, despite his irritation; it seems he has bought some time. The game’s not up just yet was his theme.
There appears to be a divide between those with the Labour party’s best interests at heart and those that believe the government has a responsibility to the public, the voters. This cauldron is reaching boiling point and will soon steam over. The trick will be to change leader by causing as little aggravation as possible. But Gordon Brown is, as one commentator put it, “stubborn.” One suspects trouble ahead.
Personally I feel that Brown is a bad communicator and has not handled his premiership well at all, unlike his predecessor. He shouldn’t have been made leader in the first place and that is the whole basis of this crisis. Of course the expenses revelations have added to the mix but Brown’s leadership is now under examination. The receivers may have to be called in.
My view is that government is paramount and the parliamentary party should be of secondary importance. Notwithstanding Mr Brown’s obvious shortcomings, governments have to legislate and Labour MPs should be aware of this. By all means have a debate when in opposition but in government there can be no room for leadership contests or the like. Instead the dissenters must put up or shut up. Now is not the time for internecine conflict, the public deserve better. And if that means a Conservative triumph at the next general election then all well and good – it’s called democracy, letting the people decide. This is what Labour MPs need to understand.
© Ian Callagy 2009
For a period of about six months Brown could practically walk on water and his handling of crises such as flooding and an outbreak of Foot & Mouth were widely regarded as showing deft leadership. He appeared statesmanlike.
However the sheen of success was to fade and his first mistake was his dithering over not calling a general election in the autumn of 2007, which many believed Labour would have won. Soon this bad judgement led to David Cameron’s Conservatives moving ahead in the opinion polls and this was the start of Mr Brown’s woes.
Failure to voice an opinion on the conflict in Georgia, last year, allowed David Cameron to set the agenda by flying out to Tbilisi, whilst Brown was on holiday, gave the impression that the Labour PM was not up to it, with regard to foreign policy at any rate.
The ten pence tax debacle which meant that poorer people (those on low incomes) would lose earnings was another Brown blunder and had the effect of squeezing those that Labour would normally have supported. Clearly the prime minister was displaying a lack of respect, at least, for those in the poorer parts of the UK – traditional Labour voters. This stuck in the craw and made it easier for people, in his own party, to dislike him.
The stunt of having Mrs Thatcher for tea in Downing Street, shortly after his assuming the role of PM was shameful. Thatch was hated by Labour members for her opposition to the unions and many were justifiably outraged by such supine behaviour on the part of Brown.
Even though he was a first class Chancellor, Mr Brown has clearly not got the breadth of experience required to manage the various organs of government and this has become a sharp disadvantage for him. As I mentioned above, the issue of the conflict in Georgia shows a level of ignorance on Foreign Affairs by the British prime minister and this inexperience hasn’t helped him.
But it is the economy that is the big beast’s strong point and some may have been convinced by his loudly heralded ‘Fiscal Stimulus’. Will Gordon will get us out of this economic morass? Not a bit of it. The G20 summit that Mr Brown placed so much importance on was not really a success and the recession is still haunting the world.
GB’s failure to act swiftly on a number of issues has not helped him and an example of that would be the dithering and poor judgement over the rights of the Ghurkhas, brave allies of the British army. The lovely Joanna Lumley (now in her 60s and still as gorgeous as ever) had to apply pressure before the government finally relented and accepted they were wrong. Further bad publicity and embarrassment for Mr Brown.
In Gordon Brown people see a dour, truculent, almost grumpy PM. He frequently fails to sting David Cameron in their many exchanges in the House of Commons. Tony Blair once warned the Conservatives to beware of ‘the clunking fist’, a reference to Brown. ‘Limp wrist’ would be a more appropriate tag, as he frequently fails to impress at the dispatch box.
The crisis hitting Westminster, at the moment, concerns MPs expenses and this has lead to many MPs being forced to stand down. The whole political class has been damaged by this scandal and the government is taking a hammering as a result. Hazel Blears (dubbed ‘Blears in Arrears’) has, alongside Jacqui Smith, been forced to leave the cabinet due to her manipulation of the system. This will not make Gordon Brown popular with the voters.
Alistair Darling is in serious trouble due to his expenses record and Brown may have wanted to move him away from the Treasury – if an ordinary MP can be punished for messing about with expenses shouldn’t the same apply to government ministers as well? Martin Kettle, writing in Friday’s Guardian (5th June 2009), lays much blame at the feet of the PM: “For a chancellor to resign, or for a prime minister to sack a chancellor, is explosive. It puts the wider credibility of the entire government at risk.” This is the nub of Gordon Brown’s present difficulties and the various resignations we have seen over recent days have undoubtedly made it harder for him to lead the government.
But what is most important to people, government or the wider Labour party? James Purnell has clearly decided what matters most to him. Following his resignation late on Thursday, he told the prime minister “to stand aside to give Labour a fighting chance of winning the next election.” Mr Purnell, through resigning, has shown himself to be monumentally disloyal.
Gordon Brown, at Friday’s news conference in Downing Street (covered live on television), appeared like a widower at the afters of a funeral. But there was no tea and biscuits provided. Mr Brown testily fielded questions from assembled political journalists and, despite his irritation; it seems he has bought some time. The game’s not up just yet was his theme.
There appears to be a divide between those with the Labour party’s best interests at heart and those that believe the government has a responsibility to the public, the voters. This cauldron is reaching boiling point and will soon steam over. The trick will be to change leader by causing as little aggravation as possible. But Gordon Brown is, as one commentator put it, “stubborn.” One suspects trouble ahead.
Personally I feel that Brown is a bad communicator and has not handled his premiership well at all, unlike his predecessor. He shouldn’t have been made leader in the first place and that is the whole basis of this crisis. Of course the expenses revelations have added to the mix but Brown’s leadership is now under examination. The receivers may have to be called in.
My view is that government is paramount and the parliamentary party should be of secondary importance. Notwithstanding Mr Brown’s obvious shortcomings, governments have to legislate and Labour MPs should be aware of this. By all means have a debate when in opposition but in government there can be no room for leadership contests or the like. Instead the dissenters must put up or shut up. Now is not the time for internecine conflict, the public deserve better. And if that means a Conservative triumph at the next general election then all well and good – it’s called democracy, letting the people decide. This is what Labour MPs need to understand.
© Ian Callagy 2009
02 June 2009
Book Review: Joe Boyd
Title: ‘White Bicycles – Making music in the 1960s’
By: Joe Boyd
Publisher: Serpent’s Tail (2005)
Joe Boyd is a well known figure in the UK music business. As well as founding Hannibal Records he has worked, and produced material, with bands and artists such as: Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake. This book is a rollercoaster ride through the 1960s that Boyd remembers and it is full of charming anecdotes and tales from what was a very exciting time in the evolution of popular music.
The book starts with the writer’s adventures in the ‘Deep South’ of the US and of meeting Muddy Waters. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez (‘folk’s royal couple’) are mentioned and Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Brownie McGhee& Sonny Terry, Reverend Gary Davis and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are just some of the Blues musicians named in passing. It is clear that Boyd was present at a time of change as far as music was concerned. This exciting era is brought to life in this 272 page tome.
Omnipresent in music, down the decades, were drugs and Joe Boyd makes no attempt to conceal his use of them. But unlike many he “never got too stoned”. This honesty to the reader is typical of the book and there is some great analysis on the various individuals that came together to make the Folk/Psychedelic/Rock scene in both the US and the UK in those exciting times, the 1960s.
During 1965 Boyd was in the UK and tells us of the English traditional folk revival. The Watersons, Martin Carthy, Luke Kelly, Maddy Prior and Anne Briggs were just a few of the many folk singers/musicians he encounters. Boyd also visited Scotland and we are made known of his discovery of Mike Heron and Robin Williamson who would later go on to form The Incredible String Band. JB became their manager and was to produce several of the band’s albums.
As far as Jazz goes, Boyd writes of working with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto and Freddie Hubbard among others. JB also tells us of his experiences of working with the avant garde Jazzers, Albert and Don Ayler and their sad decline into addiction and mental illness.
When he was in London, in 1966, Boyd helped found the psychedelic rock club UFO. Pink Floyd, the Soft Machine and others played this club. UFO became quite popular with hippies and for those who “just wanted to get high and laid and listen to great music.” But by 1967 the club had rolled its last joint and closed, leaving JB to concentrate on other business.
In 1968 Boyd met Chris Blackwell, of Island Records, for the first time and the reader is given an insight into the background of the millionaire Jamaican born Jew. Island Records is 50 years old in 2009 and JB has had a strong role in its evolution over the years and the American has produced a number of albums for the label. He even had a clause in his contract with Island that Nick Drake’s material for the label was never to be deleted.
Nick Drake was a young English singer-songwriter and Boyd recalls his strength and weakness’s. JB describes Drake as having “…the accent and the offhand mannerisms, but somehow missed out on the confidence.” Drake’s hyper-sensitivity becomes gradually more obvious and Boyd writes about the gifted artist in a caring manner. I can only guess, through reading ‘White Bicycles’, that Drake may have had fragile mental health. Sadly he mustn’t have got the help he needed and this, it is probable, led to his premature death, aged only 26, in 1974.
Some of the most moving words Boyd writes in this book are to do with Nick Drake and he quote’s from one of Drake’s songs, ‘Day Is Done’:
When the game’s been fought
You speed the ball across the court
Lost much sooner than you would have thought
Now the game’s been fought.
When the party’s through
Seems so very sad for you
Didn’t do the things you meant to do
Now there’s no time to start anew
Now the party’s through.
When the day is done
Down to earth then sinks the sun
Along with everything that was lost and won
When the day is done.
Many other stars and lesser known acts are featured in this book. South African musician Chris McGregor is mentioned and Boyd tells us of the South African artists and their lamentable inability to succeed in the UK. Boyd’s involvement with Fairport Convention and also with the Incredible String Band is well documented here and his flirtation with L.Ron Hubbard’s Church of Scientology is explained to us.
This book is enjoyable and is written in a way that draws you in. The style of writing is almost like a benign pal whispering a tale into your ear. Even though I was never around in the 1960s, I feel that Joe Boyd has brought me there. He has a lot to tell and ‘White Bicycles’ brings a time long gone to life. Like plugging in a stereo this is an electric, easy to read manuscript for music fans and also for those who lived through that age. Indispensible. Thank you Mr Boyd!
© Ian Callagy 2009
By: Joe Boyd
Publisher: Serpent’s Tail (2005)
Joe Boyd is a well known figure in the UK music business. As well as founding Hannibal Records he has worked, and produced material, with bands and artists such as: Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake. This book is a rollercoaster ride through the 1960s that Boyd remembers and it is full of charming anecdotes and tales from what was a very exciting time in the evolution of popular music.
The book starts with the writer’s adventures in the ‘Deep South’ of the US and of meeting Muddy Waters. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez (‘folk’s royal couple’) are mentioned and Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Brownie McGhee& Sonny Terry, Reverend Gary Davis and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are just some of the Blues musicians named in passing. It is clear that Boyd was present at a time of change as far as music was concerned. This exciting era is brought to life in this 272 page tome.
Omnipresent in music, down the decades, were drugs and Joe Boyd makes no attempt to conceal his use of them. But unlike many he “never got too stoned”. This honesty to the reader is typical of the book and there is some great analysis on the various individuals that came together to make the Folk/Psychedelic/Rock scene in both the US and the UK in those exciting times, the 1960s.
During 1965 Boyd was in the UK and tells us of the English traditional folk revival. The Watersons, Martin Carthy, Luke Kelly, Maddy Prior and Anne Briggs were just a few of the many folk singers/musicians he encounters. Boyd also visited Scotland and we are made known of his discovery of Mike Heron and Robin Williamson who would later go on to form The Incredible String Band. JB became their manager and was to produce several of the band’s albums.
As far as Jazz goes, Boyd writes of working with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto and Freddie Hubbard among others. JB also tells us of his experiences of working with the avant garde Jazzers, Albert and Don Ayler and their sad decline into addiction and mental illness.
When he was in London, in 1966, Boyd helped found the psychedelic rock club UFO. Pink Floyd, the Soft Machine and others played this club. UFO became quite popular with hippies and for those who “just wanted to get high and laid and listen to great music.” But by 1967 the club had rolled its last joint and closed, leaving JB to concentrate on other business.
In 1968 Boyd met Chris Blackwell, of Island Records, for the first time and the reader is given an insight into the background of the millionaire Jamaican born Jew. Island Records is 50 years old in 2009 and JB has had a strong role in its evolution over the years and the American has produced a number of albums for the label. He even had a clause in his contract with Island that Nick Drake’s material for the label was never to be deleted.
Nick Drake was a young English singer-songwriter and Boyd recalls his strength and weakness’s. JB describes Drake as having “…the accent and the offhand mannerisms, but somehow missed out on the confidence.” Drake’s hyper-sensitivity becomes gradually more obvious and Boyd writes about the gifted artist in a caring manner. I can only guess, through reading ‘White Bicycles’, that Drake may have had fragile mental health. Sadly he mustn’t have got the help he needed and this, it is probable, led to his premature death, aged only 26, in 1974.
Some of the most moving words Boyd writes in this book are to do with Nick Drake and he quote’s from one of Drake’s songs, ‘Day Is Done’:
When the game’s been fought
You speed the ball across the court
Lost much sooner than you would have thought
Now the game’s been fought.
When the party’s through
Seems so very sad for you
Didn’t do the things you meant to do
Now there’s no time to start anew
Now the party’s through.
When the day is done
Down to earth then sinks the sun
Along with everything that was lost and won
When the day is done.
Many other stars and lesser known acts are featured in this book. South African musician Chris McGregor is mentioned and Boyd tells us of the South African artists and their lamentable inability to succeed in the UK. Boyd’s involvement with Fairport Convention and also with the Incredible String Band is well documented here and his flirtation with L.Ron Hubbard’s Church of Scientology is explained to us.
This book is enjoyable and is written in a way that draws you in. The style of writing is almost like a benign pal whispering a tale into your ear. Even though I was never around in the 1960s, I feel that Joe Boyd has brought me there. He has a lot to tell and ‘White Bicycles’ brings a time long gone to life. Like plugging in a stereo this is an electric, easy to read manuscript for music fans and also for those who lived through that age. Indispensible. Thank you Mr Boyd!
© Ian Callagy 2009
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