LETTERS Such a dim Cabinet
From Mr Frederick Forsyth Sir: Mr Sion Simon's observations on the invisible shadow spokesmen (`The phantom shadow Cabinet', 10 June) were, alas, too accurate and presented with his habitual acerbic wit. But he overlooks four mitigat- ing factors: 1. It is 50 times easier to have a high pro- file as a Cabinet minister than as an opposi- tion spokesman, and, apart from two or three, the existing Labour ministers are about as memorable as watching paint dry. The only time they are allowed by Our Tone to spring to prominence is when they are coping with yet another fubar.
2. New Labour is the most one-performer circus ever seen. It matters not whether it is the turn of the ringmaster, the trapeze lad, the bareback rider, juggler, trick cyclist or Coco; they are all Tony Blair. At three grin- ning photocalls a day, he has to be in the Guinness Book of Records.
3. For three years the media, especially the visual/spoken brands, have been so slav- ishly obsequious to New Labour that a Con- servative spokesman would practically have to crucify himself on Palace Green to get a passing mention. Anyone nowadays is as noticeable as the media permit him to be.
4. Finally, Mr Simon might glance at the Lib Dems, who are also supposed to be an opposition party. But ask any good cockney who even the leader is and you'll get a long, thoughtful silence followed by, 'Ain't 'e that ginger nonce from the 'Ebrides?' Well, half right, but he's not from the Hebrides. Frederick Forsyth
Hertford
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