Opinions

As I curl up in front of a roaring log fire this February Sunday afternoon, the weak sun washing the grey sky with a strange half-light and “out there” looking very cold, nursing a most acceptable glass of Pinotage from the Cape, I am reflecting on just how lucky we, in this Island Nation of ours, really are.

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As I get older, as, last year, a few dear friends slipped this mortal coil far too early but, in their desperately sad passing, gave us what Wordsworth called Intimations of Mortality, as I see so much hate and selfishness in this World yet also never cease to be amazed by the kindness of others, by the wonder of Nature, by the simple hope and flame of optimism of humanity, those words “peaceful, healthy and prosperous” take on greater significance and they are not passed on to you lightly.
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Just before Christmas 1843, London publishers Messrs Chapman and Hall published a book that sold half a million copies (and sold out) by Christmas Eve; to great acclaim (and with, I guess, not a few gnawed-at consciences) Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” had arrived.
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With the Supreme Court deliberating in the grandfather of all reality tv shows and with MPs apparently talking of little else as they selfishly seek party or individual political advantage (plus ca change…….!), one could be forgiven for thinking that Brexit and how it will all pan out is actually a Westminster Show.
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“When will they ever learn?” sang the latest Nobel Laureate, Robert Dylan Esq; yes indeed Bob, “when will they ever learn?”
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The GRS (Great Remain Sulk) goes on!
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As a lawyer many years ago, I had many clients who would say one thing, swearing blind they would follow a particular path, and then promptly walk off and do something entirely different. In my time as Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry so often I saw examples of those words in action. Sadly some ten years on, I still do.
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