So, what did I say on Web TV?
I was in fact on camera for two hours, which may sound a long time but actually it flew by. We discussed the big stories of the day, including the Queen’s Speech, stories on the compensation culture and what it means to be British. We then moved on to reviewing the first editions of the papers.
What it made it particularly interesting from my point of view were my fellow guests. They were Tim Montgomerie (the man behind the excellent Conservative Home site) and John Hayes MP. Now John is a leading member of the Cornerstone Group of Tory MP’s and as such is not generally thought of as being close to a TRG point of view. However, in two hours we really agreed on almost everything (and there is TV footage to back this up!). In particular, John did an excellent job talking to his brief of Further Education and I am sure that every TRG member would have endorsed what he had to say. All of this only goes to show, as we discussed during the show, what unites all members of the Tory Party is much greater than that which divides us.
You agreed with John Hayes???? I still use an article of his from the Spectator in 2004 to highlight the differences within New Right conservatism between neo-liberals and neo-conservatives when it comes to social attitudes. Sadly, at least then, he evinced all the contradictions one came to expect from a New Right authoritarian – loved liberal economics if it benefited him; hated the idea of individual freedom when it came to social attitudes. Can’t believe he’s changed much.
Anyway, caught a glimpse of you on doughtystreet and thought you held your own well – as one would expect! The problem with their format at the moment is that it lacks sustained interest. Discussions on the sofa for two or more hours, with too little focus or news insight, can become a tad boring. Reading Iain Dale’s blog comments is an entertaining and diverting hobby that needn’t take up much of one’s time. Making a date with him and his co-conspirators every night is a little less attractive. However, as you say, it is an interesting venture, it is well produced, and it probably is aimed at people who might tune in while surfing the net for a half hour or so. As such, it will be interesting to see if it gradually enlarges its audience. It will also be interesting to see if it breaks any news stories, which has been the making of some of the blogs over the past year or so.
Comment by Giles Marshall — 21 November, 2006 @ 10:54 pm
By the way – an excellent policy dinner this evening. Well done to Tim C and Clare for their organisation.
Comment by Giles Marshall — 21 November, 2006 @ 11:48 pm