Best Prime Minister?

[Sheriff Fatman]

Blair was undoubtedly the best one in my lifetime.

It's predictable, but totally depressing to see so many jump to name Thatcher, as my experience was the polar opposite to theirs.  The current incompetent might ultimately inflict more damage on the country as a whole, but even he would struggle to systematically dismantle local communities and families in the way that she did.  I'm not sure that any of Cameron, May or Johnson will achieve the 'street parties to celebrate your funeral' level of hatred that someone growing up in a coal-mining community in the mid 80s will feel about Thatcher.  She's the epitome of Tory politics - a select few will do well, but God help you if you're on the wrong side of the equation.

[tikay]

Blair was undoubtedly the best one in my lifetime.

It's predictable, but totally depressing to see so many jump to name Thatcher, as my experience was the polar opposite to theirs.  The current incompetent might ultimately inflict more damage on the country as a whole, but even he would struggle to systematically dismantle local communities and families in the way that she did.  I'm not sure that any of Cameron, May or Johnson will achieve the 'street parties to celebrate your funeral' level of hatred that someone growing up in a coal-mining community in the mid 80s will feel about Thatcher.  She's the epitome of Tory politics - a select few will do well, but God help you if you're on the wrong side of the equation.

Tony Blair comes across very well here imo.



https://twitter.com/JordonLee/status/1168774236875493377

[engy]

Blair was undoubtedly the best one in my lifetime.

It's predictable, but totally depressing to see so many jump to name Thatcher, as my experience was the polar opposite to theirs.  The current incompetent might ultimately inflict more damage on the country as a whole, but even he would struggle to systematically dismantle local communities and families in the way that she did.  I'm not sure that any of Cameron, May or Johnson will achieve the 'street parties to celebrate your funeral' level of hatred that someone growing up in a coal-mining community in the mid 80s will feel about Thatcher.  She's the epitome of Tory politics - a select few will do well, but God help you if you're on the wrong side of the equation.

This ^^^

[Sheriff Fatman]

Tony Blair comes across very well here imo.

https://twitter.com/JordonLee/status/1168774236875493377

Yes, as usual.  It's very telling seeing him speak these days as it's such a stark contrast to the current crop of leaders.  He still carries a certain level of gravitas that they can't get near.  Obama is an even more stark example when compare to the ramblings of Trump.

John Major is similar, despite the fact he wasn't a natural public speaker in his prime.

[TightEnd]

It's a shame that Blair is basically ignored, tainted by Iraq

Listen to him on Brexit such as that speech yesterday and he is light years ahead of any current politician in his clarity of thinking

[RED-DOG]

Blair & Thatcher for me.

I think they genuinely tried to do what was best for the country as a whole.

[bookiebasher]

Blair & Thatcher for me.

I think they genuinely tried to do what was best for the country as a whole.

Agree , plus they could convey their vision in speeches with conviction.

[Jon MW]

Blair & Thatcher for me.

I think they genuinely tried to do what was best for the country as a whole.

Agree , plus they could convey their vision in speeches with conviction.

I think this as well.

Thatcher probably pushed the country into becoming a truly modern country and economy - but some of her principles became dogma and applied without thought to 'why' they were meant to work (largely after her time though)
Blair had a great balance of left and right - but actually seemed to believe that they had genuinely got rid of economic cycles and set government policies and spending accordingly (just ignore Iraq obviously).

I think most MP's in most era's have done what they think is the best for the country as a whole but it takes proper leaders to set the direction.

[Pokerpops]

Blair & Thatcher for me.

I think they genuinely tried to do what was best for the country as a whole.

I don’t think Tony Blair ever thought much about anything other than what was best for Tony Blair. Thatcher held strong convictions and followed policies that she believed were necessary, regardless of the public perception. Blair seemed to me to hold very few convictions and followed policies that he felt were popular.

[teddybloat]

did thatcher kill off the coal mining industry?

there's plenty of coal and thatcher's long dead. surely with  such a viable natural resource it would have been a matter of self interest for the country to get back down the mines. truth is the industry wasnt viable without heavy subsidy and she rightly allowed it to fail.

there's a horribly paternal view of the working class that invokes hatred of thatcher.

but thatcher had appeal amongst lots of working class folk that valued law and order, entrepreneurship and hard work.

like blair she rightly has an 'ism' attached to her name. she had clear principles and dragged our economy into the modern world. i have lots of admiration for her.

[Rexas]

As a side note, does anyone think that May did anything worthwhile in her tenure?

[Skippy]

the simpsons say

[RED-DOG]

As a side note, does anyone think that May did anything worthwhile in her tenure?

Told the wheat field story.

Accepted that cough sweet.

Busted some moves.

Probably brokered the best deal available under the circumstances.