Election Quiz
Civitas, 20 April 2010
Who said the following and when?
‘Mass unemployment, crime, drug abuse amongst young people, poor education, poverty for some and insecurity for many, are the signs of a social fabric ripped apart at the seams. Our task is to renew and rebuild our nation as a strong and active society sustaining stable community and family life.’
Clue: It wasn’t David Cameron and the remark is over thirteen years old.
Answer: Yes, You’ve guessed it.
The statement was made by Tony Blair (remember him?) in May 1994. He made it as Shadow Home Secretary in a widely reported speech that heralded the beginning of his successful contest with Gordon Brown for leadership of the Labour Party.
The more things change, eh?
For all you disillusioned ex-Labour voters who thought 1997 was the start of a bright new dawn, may I offer you the consolation of listening to one of my favourite songs, ‘I really wanted you’ by Steve Tilston whose timely lyrics run:
well, strike me dead if you wish
for not wanting you for long
season turns, so do I
why go into promises for my songs
cold winds bend in the morning
and the back-road bears the pain
i came with the gift of a new day
see, I leave with a gift of rain
and see two leaves falling
see they kiss then drift away
and it’s true, i really wanted you
and it’s true, i really wanted you
just yesterday…
I can see your eyes were made for their crying
like a star was made to shine
my face was meant to bear knowledge
empty promises for lines
and see two leaves falling
see they kiss, then drift away
and it’s true, i really wanted you
and it’s true, I really wanted you
just yesterday…
so let us strike out
touch the new day
let our bruises meet the air
like land the rain has forsaken
we will need the greatest care
and see two leaves falling
see they kiss, then drift away
and it’s true, I really wanted you
and it’s true, I really wanted you
just yesterday…
strike me dead if you wish
for not wanting you for long
season turns, so do I
why go into promises for my songs