AIBU?
To have been pretty impressed by Ann Widdecombe and her comments on the Philpotts and benefits?
Molehillmountain · 04/04/2013 22:13
I've been really critical of her in the past but she seems to be the only right leaning voice speaking any kind of balance on Mick Philpott. At least she seems able to isolate a wicked act by a bad man from the (unpleasant) debate about benefits that is raging at the moment. Perhaps George Osborne could have her as a mentor?
? Not much insight there.Molehillmountain · 04/04/2013 22:27
The thing about ms widdecombe and her political views, much as I disagree with them, is that I believe she is not self interested and is a Tory because she cares about people and believes that her political stance serves their needs best. In that, we are the same. I don't get the same feeling about many of our cabinet. I know that may be unfair, but they seem just so much more self serving.
moonabove · 04/04/2013 22:31
Heard her on the radio, she didn't say anything about him being a 'good' father. She said there was no sign the children were neglected in material way, properly fed and clothed etc but that there was a certain amount of 'indifference' to them.
She did come across really well - very calm and sensible.
grovel · 04/04/2013 22:35
The thing is, Dawndonna, she believes in bigger benefits to fewer people. I happen to agree with her. She knows full well how tricky that is politically (by definition you have to take something away from some people to achieve this). She also knows how clunky the levers of state are. No benefit claimants are in identical circumstances but the state has to make rules to fit all. I once sat next to her at a charity dinner.
On some other issues I thought she was plain wrong. But she is a decent person.
sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea · 04/04/2013 22:36
I don't like her, I don't agree with her, but I do admire her. I think, like Molehill says, that she genuinely acts from altruism. Despite her life being at odds with most peoples nowadays, she does actually care about society, and is one of the few politicians - I know she's not an MP any more - who will express an opinion because she believes it, not because it's policy.
PomBearWithAnOFRS · 04/04/2013 22:56
What cabbage said - she is just about the one and only politician that I would believe one word she said. The others seem to lie as easily as they breathe :( and not actually a) live in the real world or b) give a shit about it or anyone in it and AW always comes across as somehow sincere/truthful and, for want of a better phrase "a good person"
larahusky · 04/04/2013 23:02
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