Difficult question...
Joined: May 2004
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From: Up North
I too have seen the SofS working at first hand and can confirm all of the things totalwar says (I must know you TW but as you're probably a naval aviator I shall pretend I don't). I would add that he is also decisive and insists on evidence not conjecture to support his decisions (that'll be the lawyer then).
The only thing that keeps the military going is the selflessness and creativity of the troops and the junior/middle managers at JNCO/SNCO and OF2/3 level. If BuffHoon had a shred of decency the contemptible wretch would have resigned over Hutton.
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: UK
The buildup to Telic was an absolute disgrace and there are plenty of other horror stories about last minute UORs, kit issues and supply issues.
WW1
WW2
Oman
Borneo
Suez
Aden
NI
Falklands
Grenada
Sierra Leone
GW1
GW2
..........and it will be exactly the same for the next big one....
If you can pick a fella who could be the SofS AND who could promise that for the next fight we are totally and fully equiped with exactly the right kit at the correct mod state in the right place at the right time....then you might as well run for PM.....
Joined: May 2004
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From: Up North
If you can pick a fella who could be the SofS AND who could promise that for the next fight we are totally and fully equiped with exactly the right kit at the correct mod state in the right place at the right time....then you might as well run for PM.....
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I repeat, why doesn't this "sharp" SoS for Defence get to grips with the Mull of Kintyre Chinook accident decision and stop hiding behind the skirts of the discredited decision making of the two, now retired, senior officers. If he does I could have something positive to say about the man.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,236
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From: Just behind the back of beyond....
Best DefSecs since 1960?
Healey was arguably the most capable and bright but was disinterested in the best interests of his Department, so it has to be either Heseltine or Robertson, surely.
I haven't worked with the bloke, but I have been 'fended off' by his press minders at least as often as I've spoken to him, and he doesn't seem to have a grasp of anything but the broadest big picture.
I was fascinated by Impiger's point that:
"The root cause I think is that he is a genuinely nice bloke but he doesn't particularly like the limelight and when reading statements prepared by his civil servants he goes all flat and lifeless. Much rather he had a few points on a fag packet and spoke from the heart."
Certainly when you hear him speaking alongside Jock Stirrup (who exudes high calibre, punchy, inspiring passion and leadership) the contrast is embarrassing. I wondered whether he was a good constituency MP who has been promoted way above his ability, and that seemed to be confirmed when speaking to him face to face. But perhaps he just doesn't do journos?
Healey was arguably the most capable and bright but was disinterested in the best interests of his Department, so it has to be either Heseltine or Robertson, surely.
I haven't worked with the bloke, but I have been 'fended off' by his press minders at least as often as I've spoken to him, and he doesn't seem to have a grasp of anything but the broadest big picture.
I was fascinated by Impiger's point that:
"The root cause I think is that he is a genuinely nice bloke but he doesn't particularly like the limelight and when reading statements prepared by his civil servants he goes all flat and lifeless. Much rather he had a few points on a fag packet and spoke from the heart."
Certainly when you hear him speaking alongside Jock Stirrup (who exudes high calibre, punchy, inspiring passion and leadership) the contrast is embarrassing. I wondered whether he was a good constituency MP who has been promoted way above his ability, and that seemed to be confirmed when speaking to him face to face. But perhaps he just doesn't do journos?
Joined: May 2004
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From: Up North
recall that George Robertson was respected as SoS; he had the tricky job of bringing in the strategic defence review on behalf of a government and a party that was not seen historically as strong on defence, and was in the chair during Kosovo. He also did a good job at NATO.
Heseltine certainly had the b@lls to resign over the Westland issue!
I recall an amusing story regarding Healey on board a ship as SoS and can't remember the details, but it apparently portrayed him in a good light - his TV intervew over the Iraq war was very impressive and made a remarkable contrast to the lightweights seen in Cabinet nowadays.
Most others have been uninspiring and occasionally silly (Portillo's SAS speech) and BuffHoon is by far the worst of a very mediocre bunch. As for the other parties, I'd far rather see David Davis as spokesman on defence than Soames, and Paul Keetch for the Lib Dems is highly effective.
Heseltine certainly had the b@lls to resign over the Westland issue!
I recall an amusing story regarding Healey on board a ship as SoS and can't remember the details, but it apparently portrayed him in a good light - his TV intervew over the Iraq war was very impressive and made a remarkable contrast to the lightweights seen in Cabinet nowadays.
Most others have been uninspiring and occasionally silly (Portillo's SAS speech) and BuffHoon is by far the worst of a very mediocre bunch. As for the other parties, I'd far rather see David Davis as spokesman on defence than Soames, and Paul Keetch for the Lib Dems is highly effective.
L'enfant Terrible
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: The bar of Mumbles rugby club
Jacko,
Speaking as someone from his constituency I can say with absolute certainty, he 'aint!
In Ashfield any Labour stooge will get in, as the Tories are unelectable following the miners' strike.
The mark of the man for me is the fact that he has a 'self-deprecating' cartoon of himself pictured with a burning Chinook on his constituency office wall. Tw@t.
Speaking as someone from his constituency I can say with absolute certainty, he 'aint!
In Ashfield any Labour stooge will get in, as the Tories are unelectable following the miners' strike.
The mark of the man for me is the fact that he has a 'self-deprecating' cartoon of himself pictured with a burning Chinook on his constituency office wall. Tw@t.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 249
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From: Area 51
Heard second hand but when Buff was taken round the catering tent in a sandy place and shown the excellent tucker being served up to the troops he was asked by a junior rank whether he'd be joining the lads to eat. 'You don't expect me to eat with you do you?' was the reply. Add to that his refusal to come to an event to mark a significant anniversary of an RAF unit unless he could bring his parents, then I have drawn the conclusion he's a t****r.
Also, he may have been a barrister but any counsel worth his salt wouldn't become a politican, they simply wouldn't take the pay cut! People like Buff give lawyers a bad name.
Also, he may have been a barrister but any counsel worth his salt wouldn't become a politican, they simply wouldn't take the pay cut! People like Buff give lawyers a bad name.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 125
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From: UK
The catering tent in the sand dit wasn't Mr Hoon but Mr Portilooooo.
And so, he changed careers, took a pay cut and all because he is a thoughtful, considerate and compassionate man who wanted to help his fellow man....
And so, he changed careers, took a pay cut and all because he is a thoughtful, considerate and compassionate man who wanted to help his fellow man....
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 801
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From: Up North
The catering tent in the sand dit wasn't Mr Hoon but Mr Portilooooo.
The real story is that BuffHoon wanted to watch the football that night. So did a lot of men and women in uniform but they were kept hanging around because no-one ahd briefed them that they were not required as a rent-a-crowd.
BuffHoon is clearly selfish, stupid and feckless!
