Yes, Eric Joyce, the MP for Falkirk until the next election, has issues. Yes, his copy book is well blotted. He has a conviction for assault which scarcely reflects splendidly upon him (even if many members of the public themselves wouldn’t mind sticking-the-heid on any number of MPs) and in his dozen or so years in Westminster he has made energetic use of his parliamentary allowances. Yes, yes, yes.
But I have some time for almost anyone declared “unfit to stand for the Labour party”. It’s a kind of character reference.
Moreover and despite his troubles, Joyce possesses many of the qualities we should desire in our parliamentary representatives. Chief of these, intelligence and an independent spirit. He may be mistaken on many issues but that’s not the point. Everyone is mistaken about some things.
Anyway, Joyce is interesting. And he can write.
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