27 MARCH 1971, Page 5

The man for the job

But for all his many admirable qualities. it may be doubted whether Carrington possesses the intuitive political genius which alone seems likely to bring about some solution or other of the Irish question. He has the administrative ability and the neces- sary seniority; and politically his member-

You're got to hand it to the new censor—he certainly takes his job seriously.

ship of the Lords rather than of the Com- mons can be counted an advantage. But any man to be able to handle Ulster must be able to speak to the ordinary working people of Ulster; and it may be doubted whether Carrington has the voice to do this.

Only one man in the cabinet possesses the voice which might be listened to, and also a sufficient understanding of the historic nature of the task being imposed, enough lively imagination, humane repute, and vig- orous and quick dispatch; and he. too, is in the Lords. But could the Lord Chancellor of England be expected or persuaded to give up the seals of that proud and great office in order to embark upon what, at best, could only be regarded as a highly speculative adventure possibly doomed in advance to failure? Quintin Hogg. Lord Hailsham of Marylebone. Lord Chancellor, one-time bell- ringing chairman of the Conservative and Unionist party, then distinguished Home Secretary : could this strangest of political careers include also Irish Secretary, in effect viceroy of Ulster?