Ross Lydall The festive season hits Westminster
Phew, what a hectic 24 hours. First the Christmas bash at the Irish Embassy (famed for last year's "mugging" of the Bishop of Southwark after he became over-acquainted with the red wine - Google and enjoy), then the Queen's Speech, followed by drinks at 11 Downing St tonight with the Chancellor.
Oh yes, and the small matter of the Speaker's admission that the police had raided Tory MP Damian Green's office without a warrant, and the Prime Minister's back-of-a-P45 plan to protect the middle classes from having their homes repossessed.
Two old faces were to be seen doing the social rounds. David Cairns, the former Scotland Office minister, was on good form at the Irish Embassy do. It appears he is now ready to re-enter public life after being exterminated by the PM's counter-insurgency squad after raising concerns about the Brown Government's direction. Then at No11, the Scottish press pack ran into one of its own, Brian Wilson, the Blairite former energy minister.
Mr Cairns joked that he was soon to appear on a politics programme on STV. But rather than being called upon to explain Government policy, he now gets to join the band of former politicos who pass comment on the current incumbents and moan about how much better it was in their day.
How long, though, before Mr Cairns makes a return to Government? He is well liked and, more importantly, respected for his ability. Even Jim Murphy, who today called for the SNP to-co-operate with Westminster on areas of overlapping interest in relation to the new bills in the Queen's speech, praised his past contributions.
Enemies of Gordon know not to hold their breath. But it strikes me that if the Prime Minister can find it in his heart to forgive Lord Mandelson, surely he can make the comparatively minor step and allow Mr Cairns to atone for his sins. Like the Scotland football team, Scottish Labour is not overburdened with talent, and Mr Cairns should be a guaranteed pick for any PM - should be wish to re-enter the fray, of course. Who said Malawi?
Oh yes, and the small matter of the Speaker's admission that the police had raided Tory MP Damian Green's office without a warrant, and the Prime Minister's back-of-a-P45 plan to protect the middle classes from having their homes repossessed.
Two old faces were to be seen doing the social rounds. David Cairns, the former Scotland Office minister, was on good form at the Irish Embassy do. It appears he is now ready to re-enter public life after being exterminated by the PM's counter-insurgency squad after raising concerns about the Brown Government's direction. Then at No11, the Scottish press pack ran into one of its own, Brian Wilson, the Blairite former energy minister.
Mr Cairns joked that he was soon to appear on a politics programme on STV. But rather than being called upon to explain Government policy, he now gets to join the band of former politicos who pass comment on the current incumbents and moan about how much better it was in their day.
How long, though, before Mr Cairns makes a return to Government? He is well liked and, more importantly, respected for his ability. Even Jim Murphy, who today called for the SNP to-co-operate with Westminster on areas of overlapping interest in relation to the new bills in the Queen's speech, praised his past contributions.
Enemies of Gordon know not to hold their breath. But it strikes me that if the Prime Minister can find it in his heart to forgive Lord Mandelson, surely he can make the comparatively minor step and allow Mr Cairns to atone for his sins. Like the Scotland football team, Scottish Labour is not overburdened with talent, and Mr Cairns should be a guaranteed pick for any PM - should be wish to re-enter the fray, of course. Who said Malawi?
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