Thatcher gradually lost the good will ofher colleagues, in part , because of the way she treated them, such that by 1988-89, they were looking for reasons to get rid of her: so Brown in certain ways is in a similar position. The saying of “go when people still want you and do not look back ” is relevant for any person who needs the support of people to do their job effectively.

47. Sy . The difference for Brown is that he needs people to trust him and people are judging him on the last 12 years of his actions and words.

Murdoch nearly went bust a few years ago. He needed $10M from a mid-western bank. Murdoch spoke with the president who trusted him and lent the $10M. Murdoch was saved. Murdoch had earnt the bank president’s trust because of his succesful business career stretching over 45 years.

I’ve said before that I’d be happy to complain about the solicitor involved in the Dorries Affair. There was some confusion as to whether anyone actually had been instructed (not least because the whole episode has been an unprofessional fiasco which reflects poorly on the profession).

Now it has apparently been confirmed, @22 above, that someone was instructed by Dorries, is anyone any clearer on who it was?

Remember Westland? Or the “semi-detached” John Biffen? Politicians leak against their colleagues when it suits – it’s not nice, but it’s what they do.

http://bastardoldholborn.blogspot.com/2009/09/confucius-he-say.html

I think that sums it up perfectly!

When an intruder broke into the Queen’s bedroom, Whitelaw, as Home Secretary offered his resignation. Due to the invasion of the Falklands ,Carrington as Foreign Secretary resigned as a matter of principle and his integrity only increased. Both Carrington and Whitelaw were straightforward brave soldiers ( both had won the MC in Normandy) whose integrity and ability to cope in stressful situations were never questioned.

Brown has spent the last 12 years undermining his own colleagues, remember Milburn, Milliband and Blair all had unfavourable leaks made against them.
I would suggest the reason why so many people latched on to Ward’s comments is that Brown’s behaviour has been so unpleasant, to so many people,for so long; especially his temper tantrums, that people give credence to the rumour mill.
If someone had tried to smear Churchill with the accusation of physical or moral cowardice during WW2 it would have been laughed out of court. Why , because Churchill’s physical and moral courage were beyond question.

As M Twain said ” A man who has reputation for getting up at dawn can afford to get up at miday”.

Brown’s actions and his present appearance over the last 12 make it believable he could be on anti-depressants. When Brown has needed to to draw upon his reputation, he has found he is overdrawn and the bank of public opinion will not extend his overdraft.

As I sensibly had the Rocky soundtrack (it’s a great motivator!) playing in my ears rather than listen to the King of Slither’s venomous outpourings, I was struck by how similar Baron Bielzebub would look to a certain Central European leader c. 1939 – 45 if only he had a small black moustache.

Perhaps the original German soundtrack could be dubbed over the ignoble Lord’s speech?

Do you think Sunny wanted a real story, or just an excuse to swear at some Conservative supporters?

I must say, one just doesn’t encounter that kind of adolescent behaviour towards commenters on other political blogs. I think Sunny could be described as ’special’ himself.

Marr can ask what questions he likes. I just won’t be listening in future. But then I long gave up hope of journalists asking questions that challenge politicians rather than fuel faux outrage.

There’s a rather bigger story about people’s attitudes in the media and politics to mental illness and social awkwardness, they seem to be stuck in the dark ages.

Ha, nice try Sunny – but if you read what John said on his blog, you would know that he never claimed to have any proof. He merely saw a pattern of behaviour / diet that was consistent with taking anti-depressants. At no point did he suggest categorically that Brown was on anti-depressants, so this Channel 4 nonsense is just a red herring.

Don, what can I say? You’re a saint, mate.

Thank God I didn’t have to read them…………

I hope Brown’s taken something today to pep him up!

I hear he will try and steal the Tories clothes on law and order. ‘Tough on crime, tough on criminals’ perhaps??

Another thing to bear in mind, and a similar lost point to the above, is that the media covering this, both new and old, consists of people with no qualifications or experience in neuroscience, mental health, pharmacology or any related discipline. By and large they lack the capacity to report on mental health issues with anything but a sketchy lay understanding. Proper experts would be unlikely to comment on the mental health of a public figure because their professional ethics forbid it and/or that they lack access to all the facts. Something that should be borne in mind when reading speculation from all political sides on this.

Still it’s easier to play politics and continue playground grudges rather than act like grownups.