Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord"

Is there a role for Paddy Ashdown in Gordon Brown's administration?


A short while ago I posted a discussion thread on this topic.

Given the stories emerging today, perhaps it is time to reconsider this question, along with broadening out the debate. What about Nick Clegg and other senior Lib Dems. Dare I say it, could Chris Patton be considered?

Original thread - http://www.labourhome.org/story/2007/5/12/132043/011 

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Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#1)

I'd be perfectly happy with Ashdown in Cabinet. However, I wouldn't want Patton in there - although I wouldn't mind if he chaired one of Brown's alleged 'commissions' or 'conventions' on Iraq, Constitutional reform or whatever.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#2)

I suppose it would be ok to have lord pantsdown in the cabinet, but why go that far?
Why not appoint someone from the left of new labour like Dianne Abbot or Glenda Jackson(understanding of course Lord Ashdown has much more experience than Di Abbot for example)

But I have lots of respect for Lord Ashdown and wouldn't mind him being in the cabinet, he will be much better than Falconer.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#4)

Why would any leader wanting to win the next election want to appoint Dianne Abbot to the Cabinet?  She gives John Reid a run for his money in terms of opportunism.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#6)

It was an example, a bad one, here's a better one: Meacher or Dobson.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#11)

The thought of Meacher  and/or Dobson not exactly inspiring.To put it mildly......
No, Lib Dems should not be in the Cabinet.Neither should Tories. And it's Patten,not Patton. However you spell it, NO.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#5)

I also have a great deal of respect for Paddy Ashdown, but it is still not correct to let a LibDem serve in our government. As the original post points out - where will this end? Next we'll be inviting Tories to serve with us!

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#8)

Don't see how that should make a difference,the cabinets already full of em.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#3)

Or perhaps Brown should appoint Mark Oaten as Secretary of State for Culture :)

(very cheap humor)

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#7)

No thanks.

We don't need paddy pantsdown or any other lib dems.

Why the hell would we (of course unless we really need them in the event of a hung parliament then I'll lay out the red carpet!). ;)

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#10)

My thoughts exactly.

Re: Paddy Ashdown - "Giz a Job Gord" (#9)

I don't think he would particularly want one at the moment.