How did I manage to miss this gem? Here’s a exchange in Gwent last week:
Mark Choueke [reporter for the South Wales Argus]: How did you and your cabinet colleagues react to Peter Law’s decision to quit the party after 35 years service to Blaenau Gwent as a Labour politician?
John Prescott: It didn’t even register with us. The voters just have one choice, vote Labour otherwise they’ll end up with a Tory government. It’s unfortunate that some of our decisions upset some people.
MC: But this isn’t about upsetting Peter Law, it’s about upsetting the many thousands of Labour voters in Blaenau Gwent who helped you form a strong government they feel alienated.
JP: Why are you asking me about this, I don’t care, it’s a Welsh situation, I’m a national politician.
MC: Are you too big to care about the Labour voters in Blaenau Gwent? Do you think there may be something in your party’s methods of working that require a rethink when a politician chooses to stand against you after 35 years service to Labour?
JP (walking away): Where do they get these amateurs from? You’re an amateur mate, go get on your bus, go home.
MC: Are you too big for the regional press now John?
JP: Bugger off — get on your bus you amateur.
MC (Following Deputy Prime Minister): Is my interview over John? Because if that’s all you’ve got to say, that’s what will go in the paper.
JP (turns aggressively back to reporter): Ooohh, I’m scared, go ahead, put it in your paper.
Labour candidate for Monmouth Huw Edwards: I could answer this question for you Mark…
MC: I hoped to hear what the deputy prime minister had to say about it.
JP (now ignoring reporter): I’ve never seen a school in such a lovely setting.
MC: Is that my interview over?
At least Prescott didn’t hit the guy. How is this man is the Deputy Prime Minister?
Which was worse: being insulted by John Prescott, or being “kissed on both cheeks” by David Blunkett ?
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/election/comment/0,15803,1473738,00.html
“Kissy kissy …
One of Mr Prescott’s previous sins was atoned for by David Blunkett this week. The former home secretary encountered the South Wales Argus reporter Mark Choueke in Tredegar and kissed him on both cheeks. Last week Choueke had the temerity to try to question Mr Prescott about a prominent local Labour figure who was standing against the party. Mr Prescott responded by dismissing the reporter as an amateur and telling him to “bugger off”. Mr Blunkett was more conciliatory. “Being from Yorkshire, I wanted to make amends on behalf of a friend of mine,” he said.”
brilliant. well spotted