Lobbydog...

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Balls on emailgate

There was an edge of discomfort in Ed Balls’ voice as he discussed emailgate on Radio Four just now.

Initially the Children's Secretary comfortably walked in line – branding Damian McBride’s behaviour as inexcusable – but it wasn’t such a stroll when discussing his knowledge of the former special advisor’s activity.

He tried two diversionary tactics – firstly trying to shift the focus of the interview by criticising the fact that offending e-mails had been published by the media.

It didn’t last because Naughtie rightly pointed out that if the story hadn’t come out the behaviour would have continued.

He then tried a direct attack on blogs, claiming he and his wife had been subject to defamatory comments on the web and naming Guy Fawkes’ blog in particular.

In the end, predictably, all he would say of emailgate is that all parties had to “look in upon themselves” and change the way politics is done.

In truth Balls will feel the loss of McBride a little more keenly than other senior Labour figures – many of whom have been the target of attacks.

McBride’s bullish talents would have been at the behest of Balls in a post-Brown leadership contest.

9 comments:

BigBossMan said...

I met Balls once. He came across all nice on the outside, but I bet he's more slippery than a snake underneath.

Events dear boy, events said...

Totally agree. BTW, it was James Naughtie that interviewed Balls not John Humphrys.

Lobbydog said...

Thanks - corrected.

Oldrightie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oldrightie said...

Balls, never so apt a name for a politician of his ilk. The greed and rape of the public purse by he and his elfin wife is a disgrace in itself. Two statesmen in one marriage or family? Not possible.

Anonymous said...

The best comment I've seen on this whole thing is the person who was incandescent about Mr McBride leaving 'of his own accord' and would therefore 'get his pension' ! He isn't yet 40 !

Bless...

Anonymous said...

I too heard Mr Balls trying, and to a large extent suceeding, in diverting attention regarding these e-mails. He rounded on the 'publisher' and Naughtie didn't point out that the reason the e-mails were written was to publish then on 'Red Rag'. I know the Beeb has to be careful but allowing that was disgraceful journalism.

Anonymous said...

Anon.... he does look 60 odd though, be fair!

subrosa said...

Hey Tris that's unkind to 60 year olds!

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