Voters are right to expect more of their politicians |
THE former owner of what was the Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough once said that “democracy is the worst form of government”, adding the rider: “except for all the others”.
Winston Churchill – yes, it was he – was a rogue, a drunk, an imperialist and no friend of Ireland.
But he had a way with words and could craft a good turn of phrase that captured the moment.
The notion that he saved Britain during the Second World War is fanciful. More than Churchill put their shoulders to the wheel.
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Indeed, if some of the stories are to be believed, he prosecuted much of the war from his bath, supping Champagne and fine Cognac. He rarely got out of bed before 11am.
“We live very simply,” he said, “but with all the essentials of life understood and provided for: hot baths, cold Champagne, new peas and old brandy.”
The qualities that made him one of Britain’s most successful prime ministers were effective communication skills, the ability to surround himself with people who were better than him, and a readiness to delegate.
Look for these qualities in today’s leaders, and they will be found wanting.
Keir Starmer is the latest example of a........