That’s the contention of Helen Rumbelow in Friday’s Times:
… although Vince has been popping up in the news all week — as the Liberal Democrat’s Shadow chancellor has for most weeks of the year — soon his duties will take him to the North Pole. The children’s gain is our loss.
For in our turbulent times, Vince brings comfort. We put our collective faith in Vince. I see it everywhere. In worrisome debates on the credit crunch TV presenters get tetchy with bankers, party leaders and financial gurus. But as soon as the bald grandpa with the twinkly current bun eyes comes on, we smile. “Oh Vince,” goes the sigh, and we settle comfortably in our chairs as he tells us a nice story about banks, taxes, the Libor rate — it doesn’t really matter, we just feel better knowing he’s there.
For a frontbench politician, his approval ratings are absolutely extraordinary. Put a fake white beard on him, and I’d queue for hours to sit on his knee.
Which prompts the question, dear reader, which festive characters most resemble other Lib Dem MPs?
I can see Lembit Opik as Peter Pan (the boy who never grew up … though Dick Whittington also springs to mind). Perhaps Charles Kennedy as Goldilocks, and Lynne Featherstone / Julia Goldsworthy (delete accoding to taste) as Snow White? Nick Clegg as Prince Charming? As for the Ugly Sisters and seven dwarves – readers, over to you.
The possibilities are endless, so help us …



One Comment
David Heath – the big bad wolf
John Thurso – fantastic mr fox
Tim Farron – the easter bunny