Alistair Cambell.....phhoooaaarrrwwwww

superb!

First time on MN for ages due to massive work overload and I swore I wouldn't get drawn in, then what do I see but an homage to Alastair Campbell - how could I resist! Sorry to skip the worthy discussions about schools but yes, OP, he is annoyingly fanciable - maybe if only because there aren't many macho types in the socialist camp. If you read his diaries there's an irresistible blend of political passion, Rhett Butler and general bloodymindedness, with a smattering of vulnerability too (his depression, and his rather ridiculous crush on Diana). He must be a bloody nightmare to live with but at least life with him would never be boring. And I think it was in the Observer article where he had the NERVE to quote someone as saying that what was so attractive about him was that he looked at you as if he was thinking, I'd like to fuck you but I simply don't have the time. How arrogant of him to put it in the paper, but it is actually true.
If he hadn't gone into politics he'd have been Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

interesting

TDiddy - For example - Toby Young claims that his local school is not interested in his involvement. His local comp has a very different approach and ethos to what he wishes for his dc's. TY went to both a comprehensive and a grammar school and he wants to combine the best of both in a new school.

Other groups looking to start new schools are teachers and parents who have spotted a need not currently being met. FWIW - I don't think there will be a huge number of parent/teacher sponsored schools. More interesting (and controversial) are companies bidding to run several schools.

yes, Coderooo, I am am not convinced that the Gove plan is anything other than a gimmick. Why don't they find a way of encouraging parents in the current framework?

JUST REMEMBER ON THE GOVE WEBCHAT WHEN I ASKED HIM

" when did oyu last go to a normal state secondary and actually expericene a normal lesson"

there was NOTHING
not a reply at all
so as usual he knows sod all

when you think all htese people who say they want to open schools yet a HUGE shortage of governors in the country as a whole...

"His wife and others took over as govnors, hired new head and sorted school out all without any Michael Gove-like reforms...yes, they did!"

Did the school need 'sorting out' then?

Wasn't it a perfectly good school already, TDiddy?

Good point rarebite. I think parents can already influence outcomes in a school if they act together.

Gove, in creating academies, is making it harder. The opt out is determined by governors with no obligation to consult parents and only one of whom may be a parent. Once academies parents will be more disempowered. It will create complete chaos as there is no clear plan to co-ordinate admissions, SEN policy, etc. Schools opting out will have to meet legal bills on their own (rather than with help of local authority) if a parent sues a school.

TDiddy Of course getting involved in your local school is the best and often easiest way to improve education locally. But, not all schools welcome parents involvement (I'm sure I've read that the 'worst' performing schools are the most reluctant to accept parental help). In some ways Gove is just making it easier for normal (non political class) parents to do what the Campbells have done.

I think AC was encouraging other parents to do the same.

jackstarbright - isn't the point that parents can get involved in schools in the way that Ms Millar did right now? You don't have to have Gove-like complications and reforms to do so?

He makes my skin crawl.

"His wife and others took over as govnors, hired new head and sorted school out all without any Michael Govep-like reforms...yes, they did!"

TDiddy Actually I don't doubt it. And I'm sure they did a good job too! But, why is it ok for them to 'run' a school - yet to imply others parents aren't capable or have unworthy motives?

His wife and others took over as govnors, hired new head and sorted school out all without any Michael Govep-like reforms...yes, they did!

I went for late night run which is when my thoughts are clearest...it is simple: Campbell (and Mandy) is appealing cos you would want him on your side every time. A bit like how you would want Martin Johnson in your team in the Riugby WC Final..cos you could stare into his eyes and know that he would play his heart out for you.

"'He and his wife took control of the local school rather than send his kids private'

Really? Took control? How did they do it?"

Quite - And if true, somewhat ironic as his 'wife' Fiona Miller has been critising Michael Gove's plans to let parents set up schools.

Yes it is in the politics section, I meant to say post on a thread about the Iraq war, silly old me.

Well when you post comments that 'people must think it's OK to invade Iraq if you fancy AC' - I think you might expect some people to be a bit put out.

Anyway you are clearly looking for an argument and I can't be arsed so cheerio.

I have my own views about the war and don't think this is the place to post them. I would to the politics section for that.

I don't have an 'odd' distance from it at all. How do you know? I haven't even really discussed it until you mentioned 'dead Iraqis'.

Some women find Alistair Campbell attractive - shame on us for supporting the war in Iraq. Yes that's an easy conclusion to jump to.

Dittany - you have joined a silly thread about some women finding a famous man attractive. We are not stupid, most of us have our own views on the war/AC/New Labour etc but to try and turn it into some kind of debate about the Iraq war is pointless. That is not what the thread was about.

To try and suggest through the tone of your posts that I think the Iraq was is 'funny' is patronising a bit I think.

The 'having a laugh' bit was about discussing the fanciability of famous men, most of us will never meet. I think you know that though.

FFS. You're a barrel of laughs aren't you?