It is a brave man who attempts to uncover the truth about George Galloway. One slip, one factual infelicity, one unguarded opinion and the biographer can expect to get his head bitten off. For, when it comes to receiving rather than dishing out abuse, the Respect MP and onetime Celebrity Big Brother contestant is no pussy cat.
Perhaps therefore it is fortunate that David Morley is a seasoned documentary maker for radio and television who has no known links with the Republican party, New Labour, the security services, the Daily Telegraph or, indeed, any of the numerous entities that Galloway seems to believe are out to get him.
Rather, Morley defines his objective early on, making clear that ‘this is not a critique of George Galloway’s political beliefs. It is simply the facts of his life, such as I’ve been able to establish them.’ This approach will disappoint those readers who would like a lucid demolition job executed on Galloway’s articulately delivered world view. At the very least it would be interesting to dissect some of the more telling quirks in his philosophy of Arab liberation — like his defence of Syria’s occupation and interference in Lebanon.
On the other hand, those with better qualifications to discuss Middle Eastern realities could do this more effectively than an essentially apolitical maker of documentaries. So it is perfectly understandable that this biography prefers to eschew analysis and argument in favour of a more detached style. The subject is colourful enough without an artist coming along to buff up the tones. What is more, the list of those Galloway has successfully sued for libel is growing.
The simple facts of Galloway’s life are not difficult to gather.
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