Political Quips

[Colwyn]

The leadership debates have thrown up two political phrases that have hit the attention - "I agree with Nick" and "Get real!" - hardly memorable. Certainly not up to the classics of some previous elections. I particularly liked Harold Wilson's reply to Conservative complaints that they were being smeared by Labour: "We will stop telling the truth about them when they stop telling lies about us".

But, of recent quotes, this reply of Brian May (of Queen) to Leicester Council's Tory leader brought a smile to my face: "If you ever come within sniffing distance of me, I'll have your guts for garters, you pathetic, arrogant, jumped-up snivelling little dweeb."

Have you any favourites?

[Scunner]

John Major is maybe not the person that immediately springs to mind for political quips but he wasn't as grey as some painted him - especially before he became PM. I remember his Commons speech following the death of Labour leader John Smith. He recalled enjoying their many private meetings were they also took refreshments -"sometimes tea, sometimes not tea". It's not a hard hitting political slogan but it showed great subtlety, great sensitivity. Most of all, it gave a glimpse into the World of highest level politics, where two arch rivals could enjoy each other's company - and get up to a little mischief together too.

Not bad for a right wing fascist  

[friar tuck]

Many a true word has been spoken by The Iron Lady but I like this one.

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.
Margaret Thatcher

[Colwyn]

One Labour, one Tory.

Herbert Morrison and Ernie Bevin were bitterly antagonistc ministers in Attlee's post-war government. When Bevin heard another MP say that Morrison was his own worst enemy Bevin butted in: "Not whilst I'm alive he ain't".

Jon Biffen, when he was a (semi-detached) minister in the Thatcher government was asked a very long and complicated backbencher question in the House of Commons. His reply was: "Yes, no, and yes. [pause] But not necaessarily in that order.

[mike A]

When asked by president Roosevelt what he was going to do about the Indian problem, Churchill replied "are we talking about the greatest democracy in the world or the second class citizens of your own country".