A New Beginning

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/sep/23/gordonbrown.labour1

In our previous class the Professor drew stark similarities between the gradual decline and ousting of the Margaret Thatcher led government in the late eighties and the currently unstable Gordon Brown led government perhaps alluding to concerns that we might be witnessing the final days of his Premiership. While it is almost impossible to determine if we are indeed, Browns speech yesterday compelled me to change my belief that his days at no 10 were numbered.

Internal party strife, poor election results, along with an economic crisis have in recent weeks shaken the reins of the Brown government. Most notably were attempts by junior party members to challenge his leadership and or force a change of leadership. Brown survived this political storm thanks to the backing of senior members of his party. But yesterday (at least in my opinion) silenced his strongest critics for good and solidly cemented his stance as the only man poised to lead Britain through and out of these difficult times. His speech took on a more personal tone and emphasized the need for “a new settlement for new times, and a fair Britain for a new age.” He stressed that “in these uncertain times, we must be, we will be, the rock of stability and fairness upon which people stand.” While Brown acknowledged certain mistakes had been made, he reiterated the fact that his government has far exceeded the expectations from the opposing party.

It is no surprise that his speech was very positively received. As one journalist put it “this speech was about him (Gordon Brown) inviting you (his party members and the British public) to take another look at him”. The ball is now in the court of British voters to decide if indeed he is the right man to lead them. I think they will respond positively.