Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Too Young for Parliament?

In deference to eagle-eyed AS level student, Ollie Holland, who spotted this story, I should comment on the news that Tony Benn's grand-daughter is standing for Parliament. It's obviously good news to see people committed enough to offer their experience for public service, but Ms. Benn is merely 18! It seems unlikely that she was chosen for the depth of her political experience, or the breadth of her world knowledge, so it's great to see that the egalitarian Labour Party still loves dynasties. Emily's uncle, of course, is former deputy leadership contender Hilary Benn.

If you want to see what some people Emily's age, or slightly older, can experience, thanks to the government she wants to join, try this report on the Newsnight site. As I watched the television report of these events, I was reminded of some of the hairy experiences recounted by a not long left SGS history student, out there with the marines. That's experience.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Its clearly the youthful talents, similar to the one which you attributed to Holland, that makes Ms. Benn a worthy candidate. Why not press for younger MPs? We might actualy see some new ideas scooped up, rather than the scraps that Brown and Cameron had been gnawing at in middle ground for too long.

Giles Marshall said...

I'm not sure I attributed anything to Holland other than being eagle-eyed! Although, to be fair, being eagle-eyed wouldn't be a bad attribute for those charged with scrutinising our legislation....

Anonymous said...

I'm deeply offended by that comment; i like to feel i have all the attributes of a brilliant MP, and maybe next year you'll see me standing...

Anonymous said...

18 for Council might just be ok, although I can attest that even 21 might be too young!

V good blog by the way Mr M.

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