Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

The value of an Oxford Education (or any education for that matter) lies more in the inculcated ability to think before you ink than it does in the matter studied and also in the social and professional connections it affords those fortunate enough to attend. I believe that HMRC have a range of manuals available to assist in calculating liability for tax. Would you like me to give you their web adddress?

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Ya it appears our Pakistani friends don't like the truth;)

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

It had very little to do with calculating the tax liability of working men's clubs (MPs aren't elected to do your tax returns) and more to do with reducing the overall tax bills of such clubs across the borough, an action which has relieved some of the burden faced by establishments based on an increasingly expensive pastime (ie. a well-deserved pint after work).

I still fail to see how an Oxford education would improve Graham's ability to fight the corner for Hyndburn. He is erudite and knowledgeable about the things which are pertinent to his position as MP for this borough so why would a classical education be of any significance? If anything, a percieved 'Oxford toff' probably wouldn't have been voted in.

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

As far as Hyndburn concerned your spot on Ken, I'd sooner see a Local Labour MP than a Tory outsider, that's why I abstained at the General in May

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Oh for goodness sake, Ken, read my post again. I wasn't suggesting that Graham should be educated at Oxford, he is a bit long in the tooth for that but pointing out to him that Dennis Skinner was educated there, and as such, is likley to be a good deal more complex a character than his impression of plain speaking honesty might at first sight suggest. My warning was for Graham to be careful, graduates of Oxford University can be slippery characters. Dennis Skinner has not been able to hang on to his seat and dance on and off the National Executive Committee for over forty years just by dint of plain speaking, there is more to him than just that.

What is it with you labour types, do you always have to be so depressingly defensive? Chips are meant to be eaten, not worn as a item of fashion.

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Bob - maybe your verbose, embellished style of writing leads to misunderstandings.
Do you really speak like that in conversations face to face?

PS. or are you Irish? - I have found that they say 6 words when 3 would do :D

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Hi Margaret, perhaps you would prefer it if I wrote in monosyllables or textspeak. I am not Irish and I resent the implication that I might be.

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

That's better - concise and straight to the point:D

PS some really nice people are Irish, but I never had enough patience to finish reading Ulysses

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

I have never experienced the temptation to even consider reading 'Ulysses', let alone finish it. And I am afraid Daniel O'Donell just makes me want to vomit.

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

I believe Daniel speaks very highly of you too Bob;)

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Perhaps you should read "Ulysses"; it will teach you more about the development of English than most text books will. And I agree with MargaretR: you should eschew obfuscation:rolleyes:

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Ulysses is no more than a bedtime story for grown-ups; lie in bed, read the first page and by half way through the second you will be fast asleep. It's boring nonsense, the pages fit only for lining the bottom of your budgie cage.

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Mind you you'll end up with well read budgies:D

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Oh yes i'd agree with that Jaysay, however i've noticed that the media have been somewhat more benevolent towards Cameron on this than they would have been if Brown had said the same thing!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Grahams Maiden Speech
 

Or could it be that even the media thing that he was right too;)