08-29-2020, 11:32 PM
PC16: Cross-Party Agreement
This is a rather intriguing one, isn’t it?
To be frank, the average person at home is rather confused by this controversy and it comes off to many of them as a Westminster bubble ‘he said, she said’ story. That said, the media do take a keen interest in the political intrigue and shenanigans regarding amended wording and the leaking of confidential documents.
The central figures with both a role in the talks and prominence in the cycle are Croft, Preston and Myerscough. Additionally, despite not being in the talks, Murphy is active given the leaking element of the story.
Both sides have their own spin and versions of what took place within the Privy Council. The back and forth between Croft, Preston, Myerscough and Murphy see them dig into their sides of the story and it’s unsurprising that before long it becomes an argument about whether either side can be trusted on Ireland. The core lines of this essentially divide into Labour accusing the Tories of playing political games over the UDA and the Tories accusing Labour of not treating the negotiations seriously for political gain.
The Foreign Secretary has an unusually large degree of involvement considering he was not involved in the talks and given the policy area in question was led by two other ministers. It is also noted how his contributions largely come round to having a pop at Labour, with some questionable statements challenged by the Opposition.
Overall, it’s only really Cardigan and Morrison who come out of the whole business as moderating, neutral figures. Cardigan’s call to mediate future talks is picked up upon and contributes to his leadership credentials whilst Morrison, newly on the backbenches, already establishes himself as an authoritative parliamentary voice from his new position.
With all things considered, this cycle is a no benefit draw for the main parties. Essentially, it was a story too blurry and bogged down in differing versions to resonate with voters. It also didn’t gain much traction with ordinary people who don’t live in NI or Ireland, and of those in the UK through NI, it contributed nothing more than rolled eyes and remarks that “the politicians are at it again.”
However, as mentioned above, there is broader credit from those who did take an interest in the story towards the Liberal Democrats, who rose above it all.
Live events on Ireland - McCrimmon’s press conference, Croft with Paxman and Cardigan with Lorraine
Three of the politicians intimately involved in the affair subjected themselves to live media performances in the day following the breakdown of talks.
McCrimmon
Up first was the Leader of the Opposition, who put forward a statement outlining his position on the events at a press conference. He then took questions from leading political editors and handled these deftly, particularly a surprise question about comments on the issue from Griff Rhys Morrison some moments prior.
McCrimmon is a clear and effective speaker who was also obviously in command of his brief and talking points here. The press conference, along with his ministerial broadcast response from the other week, is another sign of the Labour Leader’s media skills ahead of the election.
Croft
The Home Secretary opted to face Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight, which is certainly a brave choice considering how tenacious an interviewer Paxo can be.
Croft spoke at length and in detail to many of Paxman’s questions and whilst he could have been more concise in places, as well as clearer in response to some of the questions, he got forward his points on issues such as leaking, Ruth Murphy’s future and the future of the talks. He didn’t get one over on Paxman but equally, Paxman didn’t reduce him to being Ben Swain fifteen years early.
On the whole, and linking to the press cycle above, Croft had a prolific presence on this issue.
Cardigan
Whilst this appearance wasn’t a Newsnight special versus Paxo, it is also obvious that Lorraine Kelly is no pushover and can create embarrassing moments for politicians of her own.
Therefore, Cardigan adds to his perception as the moderating influence in the talks during this appearance. He is open, engaging and looks honest. He appeals to common causes and higher purposes as well as showing off intricate knowledge about the NI and Irish political processes.
Traits
This is a rather intriguing one, isn’t it?
To be frank, the average person at home is rather confused by this controversy and it comes off to many of them as a Westminster bubble ‘he said, she said’ story. That said, the media do take a keen interest in the political intrigue and shenanigans regarding amended wording and the leaking of confidential documents.
The central figures with both a role in the talks and prominence in the cycle are Croft, Preston and Myerscough. Additionally, despite not being in the talks, Murphy is active given the leaking element of the story.
Both sides have their own spin and versions of what took place within the Privy Council. The back and forth between Croft, Preston, Myerscough and Murphy see them dig into their sides of the story and it’s unsurprising that before long it becomes an argument about whether either side can be trusted on Ireland. The core lines of this essentially divide into Labour accusing the Tories of playing political games over the UDA and the Tories accusing Labour of not treating the negotiations seriously for political gain.
The Foreign Secretary has an unusually large degree of involvement considering he was not involved in the talks and given the policy area in question was led by two other ministers. It is also noted how his contributions largely come round to having a pop at Labour, with some questionable statements challenged by the Opposition.
Overall, it’s only really Cardigan and Morrison who come out of the whole business as moderating, neutral figures. Cardigan’s call to mediate future talks is picked up upon and contributes to his leadership credentials whilst Morrison, newly on the backbenches, already establishes himself as an authoritative parliamentary voice from his new position.
With all things considered, this cycle is a no benefit draw for the main parties. Essentially, it was a story too blurry and bogged down in differing versions to resonate with voters. It also didn’t gain much traction with ordinary people who don’t live in NI or Ireland, and of those in the UK through NI, it contributed nothing more than rolled eyes and remarks that “the politicians are at it again.”
However, as mentioned above, there is broader credit from those who did take an interest in the story towards the Liberal Democrats, who rose above it all.
Live events on Ireland - McCrimmon’s press conference, Croft with Paxman and Cardigan with Lorraine
Three of the politicians intimately involved in the affair subjected themselves to live media performances in the day following the breakdown of talks.
McCrimmon
Up first was the Leader of the Opposition, who put forward a statement outlining his position on the events at a press conference. He then took questions from leading political editors and handled these deftly, particularly a surprise question about comments on the issue from Griff Rhys Morrison some moments prior.
McCrimmon is a clear and effective speaker who was also obviously in command of his brief and talking points here. The press conference, along with his ministerial broadcast response from the other week, is another sign of the Labour Leader’s media skills ahead of the election.
Croft
The Home Secretary opted to face Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight, which is certainly a brave choice considering how tenacious an interviewer Paxo can be.
Croft spoke at length and in detail to many of Paxman’s questions and whilst he could have been more concise in places, as well as clearer in response to some of the questions, he got forward his points on issues such as leaking, Ruth Murphy’s future and the future of the talks. He didn’t get one over on Paxman but equally, Paxman didn’t reduce him to being Ben Swain fifteen years early.
On the whole, and linking to the press cycle above, Croft had a prolific presence on this issue.
Cardigan
Whilst this appearance wasn’t a Newsnight special versus Paxo, it is also obvious that Lorraine Kelly is no pushover and can create embarrassing moments for politicians of her own.
Therefore, Cardigan adds to his perception as the moderating influence in the talks during this appearance. He is open, engaging and looks honest. He appeals to common causes and higher purposes as well as showing off intricate knowledge about the NI and Irish political processes.
Traits
- Safe Pair of Hands: Cardigan, McCrimmon
- Media Celebrity: Croft
- Media Whore: Macmillan
Redgrave | A-Team