October 25, 2009
by Nosemonkey
19 Comments
The proposed President of the European Council is very far from being “President of Europe” – either in terms of profile or power. Whoever lands the job (and it’s highly unlikely to be Tony Blair) will have practically zero influence … Continue reading
February 2, 2008
by Nosemonkey
18 Comments
Allow Tony Blair to become the EU’s first permanent president and I’m very likely to turn anti-EU again. My feelings have already been succinctly summed up by Ari – a Finn, lest anyone get the idea this is yet another … Continue reading
June 27, 2007
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on A sight to gladden the heart
Yep – the removal men are getting to work in Downing Street. It’s really over…
June 26, 2007
by Nosemonkey
5 Comments
That dear Mr Blair (today’s his final full day in office, don’tchaknow?) has outright rejected a referendum on the new EU treaty is no surprise. What is rather entertaining is the sheer gall of the man, arguing that a referendum … Continue reading
May 10, 2007
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Where’s a Francis Urquhart when you need one?
In honour of Blair’s little announcement (and Ian Richardson’s untimely death earlier this year), I’ve just started watching the superb House of Cards again. It really is excellent – and wonderfully timeless. Here’s a transcript of the opening monologue, with … Continue reading
May 10, 2007
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
The version on the Labour website is slightly different to that emailed out to the “Labour supporters network”, the latter seeming to be a transcript of what was actually said, rather than merely the notes. Still, a couple of interesting … Continue reading
February 27, 2007
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
On Sunday, the News of the World claimed that Tony Blair has already decided to ratify the EU constitution – with or without the support of either the public or his party (let alone his heir, Gordon Brown). Today, the … Continue reading
February 25, 2007
by Nosemonkey
5 Comments
As you may have noticed, I’ve spent a fair amount of this week highlighting the lack of British involvement in the ever-increasing moves towards reviving / revising the EU constitution. Now, via Iain Dale, it seems that the (anti-EU Rupert … Continue reading
February 2, 2007
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
Standard language of a soon to be departing politico, you might think. No surprise Blair used is in his interview this morning. But surely the standard, talking about the public, is “it has been an honour and a privilege to … Continue reading
January 28, 2007
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Check out this interview. Watch the video. The transcript doesn’t do it justice – you miss the long silences, the ums, the ers, the panicked look in his eyes whenever he’s asked a question, be it about Iraq, the honours … Continue reading
January 20, 2007
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Quality blogging
With this week’s ongoing introspective spat in the UK political blogosphere Fifth Estate (of which I have got so bored I’m afraid I’m no longer paying any attention whatsoever – sorry, chaps), it’s been easy to forget the quality that’s … Continue reading
January 14, 2007
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
A very, very small note in the Independent on Sunday: “[tag]Tony Blair[/tag] will propose this week to change the law to allow government departments to share personal data, including people’s medical records and tax details… The Prime Minister is likely … Continue reading
December 19, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Blair’s foreign policy: the aftermath
I done gone done a post over at The Sharpener based on the latest Chatham House report on Blair’s foreign policy legacy. Word of warning – get yourself a thermos of tea ready before you start… It’s a long ‘un…
December 14, 2006
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Yesterday lunchtime: “Tony Blair has said the NHS is the “pride of the country” amid criticism of mismanagement and a huge deficit.” Yesterday evening: “Health minister Lord Warner has resigned and will leave his job at the end of the … Continue reading