August 8, 2008
Who does Gordon Brown remind you of? Rebus?
I’ve never quite seen the Heathcliff analogy myself.
Much more accurate would be to compare the British prime minister to curmudgeonly Inspector Rebus, the hard-boiled cop from the Ian Rankin mystery novels.
It’s all there. A principled but dour Scot, born in Fife, raging against the world around him.
Skimming through a Wikepedia profile of Rebus comes up with some incredible similarities.
1] “He has to deal with his own personal issues”
2] He is surrounded by “internal politics” in his workplace
3] “His clothes are often less than immaculate”
4] “His advancing years and approaching retirement means he is unlikely to receive another chance”
5] “(His) gruff exterior and fierce will to succeed in his field belies a benevolent nature.”
6] “An intimidating personal manner”
7] “Rebus is ‘married’ to his job”
Incidentally, the PM has read most of the Rebus books. Another website offers the following from the official Ian Rankin website:
“He’s approaching 60, but with a bit more flesh on the bones - both literally and metaphorically - and he’s also a little more disillusioned, fighting a few more demons”….
I believe his latest novel is called “Exit Music”….sound appropriate?
Posted by: Kate | August 9th, 2008 at 5:30 pm | Report this commentI believe his last book was called “Exit Music”. Perhaps that’s appropriate?
Posted by: Kate | August 9th, 2008 at 5:31 pm | Report this commentHeathcliff! It’s Heathcliff, without an ‘e’! God help us…
Posted by: Jim | August 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm | Report this commentI believe we have seen as much of Gordon that we are likely to see. I doubt that he can be changed in any way as a leopard cannot change its spots. After just one year in the job he has failed to make any real impression. He muddles through trying to put all sides against the middle but showing no real ability to lead a team. Even the team around him is very second, even third-rate. This poor animal needs to be put out of his political misery. He may even thank us for doing it.
Posted by: albert hall | August 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am | Report this comment