tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post2458821649563204803..comments2024-03-03T12:41:58.376+04:00Comments on Deira Diary: Time to talk about the British republicNeil Partrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986347512527541166noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-7209742462031934432022-09-16T13:54:50.596+04:002022-09-16T13:54:50.596+04:00Thanks Neil. Some good points here. My feeling tho...Thanks Neil. Some good points here. My feeling though, as another ex diplomat, is that while there’s a lot that needs changing in the UK constitution (the electoral system and the House of Lords for a start) replacing the monarch with a President isn’t the answer. The monarch remains above day to day politics and when the role is conducted as skilfully as The Queen has managed, the represents the nation and the values to which we aspire in a way which no ex-politician could hope to do. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-31537552378063285852022-09-16T12:02:24.858+04:002022-09-16T12:02:24.858+04:00Many thanks to Martin for his comment immediately ...Many thanks to Martin for his comment immediately above, and for his relaying of his first-hand experience of what working with a senior royal implanted in the government machine was like. <br /><br />On the specifics of the form and authority of presidential office in the soon to be Republic of Britain, or perhaps make that Republic of England, Republic of Scotland, and the Republic of Wales (ROW) (and with Northern Ireland presumably (re) integrated into Mother Ireland).<br /><br />I thought it would confuse the issue to get into it above - other than the almost throw away remark that most UK republicans don't want the US 'model'. <br /><br />I've long thought that ex speakers (perhaps excluding as Bercow type) could automatically qualify (depending on health and inclination) for appointment as a largely figurehead President for a 10 year term (or as long they felt able). Appointed by a vote of the legislature (as is the Commons Speaker). I look also to presidential models in parliamentary democracies such as Germany and Ireland here (and partial democracy Israel), and very much stress though that they should NOT in my view be directly elected i.e. by the people! The whole point is that this is NOT supposed to be an institution carrying major political power. They would though carry the approval of elected (and un-elected Lords for as long as that aspect continues) representatives, and have to arbitrate if there was no clear parliamentary majority for the appointment and function of a would-be government. Ex speakers are obviously from the party system but by virtue of being speaker they've (usually) proved their non-partisanship (with possible exception of Bercow who arguably became anti Tory right at least).Neil Partrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04986347512527541166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-87826048848582384342022-09-15T20:55:32.974+04:002022-09-15T20:55:32.974+04:00Thanks Neil. Prompted quite a bit of thought on my...Thanks Neil. Prompted quite a bit of thought on my part. I am not a monarchist in any way, shape or form. Especially having had the pleasure of working just along the corridor from the now civillian suited (but still heavily medalled) Andrew when in Whitehall in my good old days. Well, I say work. He was usually there at the crack of 10 30 and off to lunch by 11. Usually back by 3 30 and off home before 4. But I'm still struck by the idea that although our head of state system is far from perfect; at least we haven't yet ended up with anything as democratically horrific as Mr Trump. So my contribution - A h.o.s with a considerably longer-termist mindset for the nation than one who would worry mostly about the next election is definitely something to think about. The Queen had a generational/lifetime mindset. I think with hindsight that was a benefit during her reign. Does that lean inexorably towards a heriditary-like system ? I think it certainly pushes in favour of a role that might not be medieval; but perhaps would be "heavily institutionalised".Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-17969467593949696732022-09-15T10:31:39.649+04:002022-09-15T10:31:39.649+04:00I'm grateful for the biggest 'debate' ...I'm grateful for the biggest 'debate' about anything I have ever written in my life. I wrote most of a book on Saudi Arabia a few years ago and I didn't get one email commenting either way on whether it was good or bad. That said, several years later another Saudi author praised it by a personal email and said it had been invaluable to him in his own research for a similar book. (He was touting for reciprocal but public praise). When I checked out his book on Saudi the other day I was listed (misspelt; natch) in the bibliography among many many other dull tomes, but that was it. There was no footnote, no quote of 'Patrick'; nada). Here though there's a semblance of an exchange going on among all you Nonymouses. I loved the comical insight of, let's call them, A3. A3 in fact brought in a key aspect that I often write about elsewhere, national identity and in this case, the sceptic orb. Latter brings me to A2's hilarious comment re giving the Windsors such an item as a parting gift. The Black Rod comment by A5 is comic genius. A6 is kind and makes a good point. Im indebted to less anonymous 'John F' for his, as ever, considered comments, and indeed likewise to 'TBG' for his on the money quip. Keep 'em coming good people. I did get a couple of responses elsewhere, both kind (privately by 'A') and less considered in a WhatsApp group. In the latter case their comments betrayed that they hadn't actually read my blogged article. But hey, twas ever thus. The bloke I reference above probably didn't read my book on Saudi.Neil Partrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04986347512527541166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-27505438424949466922022-09-15T00:25:57.644+04:002022-09-15T00:25:57.644+04:00Important debate to be had but apparently'now ...Important debate to be had but apparently'now is not the time' - so when is it? Rightwing press and media already trying to divide and rule by making a big issue of a tiny minority who dare to dissent, even if silently and with blank placards, during the obsequies. So much for a 'liberal' democracy! As a republican, I'm content to respect this protracted period of mourning, but I do expect a debate soon. I favour a non-executive presidency, along Irish Republic lines. As a pensioner, however, I doubt I'll live to see it.TBGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-81328311509986396932022-09-14T20:12:55.919+04:002022-09-14T20:12:55.919+04:00I found this interesting and informative about the...I found this interesting and informative about the subtle power of the unelected Monarchy and The House of Lords. i suppose it could be argued that since our so-called democracy is built on the power of people with lots of money and little accountability - (good for them that the Government is "going for growth) - it is simply our system writ large for all to see.<br /><br />Neil poses a pertinent question and a discussion about republicanism is overdue. It would be good to have a proper debate about a real democratic system, although notions such as 'democratic socialism' seem often to be regarded as a mirage.John Fnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-16001345829799027122022-09-14T15:01:57.424+04:002022-09-14T15:01:57.424+04:00Elitist claptrap maybe to those struggling with gr...Elitist claptrap maybe to those struggling with grief, obsequious media overload and whatever horrors the winter will bring, but it's good that you so clearly understand the nuances of these curious dynamics. Not so much that only a few 'educated liberals' get all this stuff, but concerning that in general so very few people do. Sadly such expertise is so often regarded with suspicion and resentment by those being manipulated by forces they may never even partly comprehend, with the media happy to covertly participate in perpetuating that lack of understanding.<br />The bonus for me is seeing la Truss's fairytale honeymoon abruptly erased a mere 48 hours after shaking the hand of the dearly departed. 'Soft' power indeed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-89363153154341177902022-09-14T13:27:26.988+04:002022-09-14T13:27:26.988+04:00When you mentioned a black rod I thought this is m...When you mentioned a black rod I thought this is my kind of website, but sadly that was as deep as you went into it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-1027605151812632582022-09-14T13:00:26.354+04:002022-09-14T13:00:26.354+04:00Important point well saidImportant point well saidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-50870897785007391592022-09-14T11:58:34.864+04:002022-09-14T11:58:34.864+04:00I don’t fully understand all of this! But in pract...I don’t fully understand all of this! But in practical terms the office and the arcane ceremonial traditions are also a representation of a very deeply held sense of national identity for many, and a stability in that identity not reflected by increasingly disconnected government. A sizeable proportion of the population probably support the figure of the monarch more than a PM and a vote, at any time ,as to whether the head of the monarch or the PM of the day should be removed would be a very close run thing. Emotional reactivity is not generated by the BBC… apart from rage that there’s seemingly no other news of course. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-30746467018442671412022-09-14T11:53:25.171+04:002022-09-14T11:53:25.171+04:00Thought about it. Monarchy can exit stage left and...Thought about it. Monarchy can exit stage left and I'll give them a jewelled orb with a free sceptre as a leaving gift. Ok ok I'll chuck in two old castles as long as they an pay the bills. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710815792287664844.post-84013542106155822782022-09-14T11:51:25.213+04:002022-09-14T11:51:25.213+04:00I'm thinking....I'm thinking....<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com