CITY AND SUBURBAN
Pilots, parrots, militants, receivers, believers vote early, vote often at Lloyd's
CHRISTOPHER FILDES
Iam surprised that the Official Monster Raving Loony Party is not putting up a can- didate for the Lloyd's of London elections. It must think that the competition is too hot. Next week Lloyd's hard-pressed mem- bers have their chance to choose two mem- bers of the ruling council, and can play the field. If they think Lloyd's is bust they can vote for David Buehler, the insolvency accountant — his firm was the receiver to Robert Maxwell's estate. If they still have hopes, they may prefer Brian Smith, spe- cialist in corporate financial rescues. Dewi James knows about pilot error — 'having wrecked a few aircraft, I have practical experience'. Miami-based Phil Gallagher is standing for the 11th time. He is the Commander Boaks of these elections. Andy Ripley represents the 'I used to play rugger for England' party. Alfred Doll- Steinberg and Marie-Louise Burrows are two militants. Lady (Rona) Delves- Broughton was a City and Suburban nap selection when she won last time out, is running again and should be followed. She is a believer — 'we have suffered the losses, produced the reserves, kept Lloyd's afloat, and have the right to share in its prosperity' — and, with an under- writing limit of just under £4 million, can be said to put her money where her mouth is. As for myself, I am with the Loonies. This looks a good race to stay out of. If, though, it were my misfortune to win it, I would train a parrot to go to council meetings in my place. It need not have a large vocabulary. All it need say is: `Manage this business for cash.'
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