Teetering On The Pledge
Poor Nick Clegg has had to become quite the contortionist. Now he’s just breaking promises.
How Marketing Works – Gap and The Little Blue Box
There’s a textbook example this week of how the dark arts of marketing work. Gareth Allen dances down to Gap.
Nobel – Bluffer’s Guide to the 2010 Winners
The Nobel Committee have sparked a controversy with this year’s Peace Prize. Gareth Allen looks at all the awards announced this week.
Andrew Neil vs Sayeeda Warsi: Hobson’s Choice
As the conference season finishes, Gareth Allen watches interviewers and politicians dancing on the head of a pin, and hopes they might now get back to the real issues.
Shadow Cabinet Movers and Shakers
As Ed Miliband gets his feet under the table, Gareth Allen looks at the problems he might have putting together his team.
Congratulations Ed. Now What?
And so it’s Ed Miliband for the Labour leadership. Gareth Allen suggests he keeps an eye on the other Ed.
Death Penalty – An Uncomfortable Truth
The death penalty is once again in the news. Gareth Allen looks at the arguments used by abolitionists, and argues they are missing the point.
Pickles and Spelman: March of the Ideologues
As the nation struggles to reconcile itself to swingeing cuts, Gareth Allen notes there’s no such difficulty for the government’s top ideologues.
Workers’ Rights Ruin British Industry. Again?
The British Chamber of Commerce is up in arms over new maternity rights. As Gareth Allen notes, there is nothing new about their arguments.
25% Less Pickles – Eric Doesn’t Like Laziness
Eric Pickles is cutting the budget of your local council. But, says Gareth Allen, he’s not going to let that stop him making crowd-pleasing soundbites.
Nothing To See At The News of The World
The News of The World has another big splash today. Anything to distract you from their law-breaking methods. Gareth Allen has the exclusive.
English Democrats – Proud To Be Politically Incorrect
In a short excerpt from the forthcoming “Politically Correct,” Gareth Allen looks at the policies of the English Democrats.
State Visits – All Are Welcome
As non-Catholics grumble about the expense of the Pope’s State Visit, Gareth Allen looks at some of the other distinguished guests who have broken bread with Her Madge.
Ten Questions For William Hague
As the press get their knickers in a twist over the Foreign Secretary’s private life, Gareth Allen suggests a few more important issues they might like to raise.
Unnatural Causes – The Pathology of Ian Tomlinson
This week, the General Medical Council (GMC) passed judgement on the pathologist at the heart of the Ian Tomlinson case. Gareth Allen wonders how this calls into question his findings.
America’s Battle Lines Are Drawn
The current furore over the Ground Zero Mosque that isn’t at Ground Zero and isn’t a mosque is a sign of the times. Gareth Allen writes that America is becoming increasingly polarised.
Audit Commission: The Privatisation of Oversight
Eric Pickles’ abolition of the Audit Commission makes it easier for public services to be corrupted. Gareth Allen bemoans the fact that none of this has even been discussed.
Cognitive Dissonance – They’re Only Palestinians
There’s new revulsion at the photographs on Facebook showing Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Eden Abergil is not a bad penny, writes Gareth Allen, she’s an ordinary soldier doing her job. That is far worse.
Malcolm Ex – UKIP’s Leader Steps Down
Malcolm Pearson today resigned as leader of UKIP, saying that he is “not much good at party politics.” Gareth Allen looks at his reign, and agrees.
Cyril Smith – The Hon Member for Asbestos
You all remember Cyril Smith, right? Lovely roly-poly politician? If only there were more like him, yeah? Gareth Allen looks at his connections to the asbestos industry.
Disgrace From The Jaws of Honour
Another success from Vatican PR. The Pope would have questions to answer, writes Gareth Allen, if he weren’t so damned infallible.
The Economist’s New Clothes
Latest Bank of England predictions show that recent Bank of England predictions were completely wrong. Gareth Allen wonders if there is any science behind them.
Heresy Corner – Mind The Gap
Since the time Jesus walked the Earth, his followers have been disagreeing over who are the best at praising him. Woe betide anyone who loves him in the wrong way. Gareth Allen identifies some key heretics.