First Female States Minister

[snoopysue]

I'm not sure what I think of it, but Denmark has now after two weeks of negotiations it's first female States Minister (the danish version of Prime Minister). Helle Thørning Schmidt is also Neil Kinnock's daughter in law and not suprisingly left of the middle.

[MarkCDodd]

Our first one has turned out to be a disaster so good luck!

The only cool thing is instead of a First Lady we have a First Bloke

[snoopysue]

I just have this sneaking feeling that she's not what she makes herself out to be! Some of this might just be the press blowing things out of all proportion.
On the other hand I'm happy that there are people who want to be polititians, as it must be a thankless job.A case of "dammed if you do, and dammed if you don't".

Her husband has come in for some critisism too, but he's been smart enough to stay in the background so far. In comparison to the now ex States Minister's wife - we weren't in any doubt that she wasn't that happy about her husband's job (he took over the role as States Minister when the Anders Fogh Rasmussen left for the top job in NATO).

One other thing I think is daft, is that our new foreign minister can't speak very good english - there's been a lot of critisism about that. Oh well we'll see......

[gardener]

Don't get me started! I really think it is time to get over this he/she stuff. I heard (I think it was) Harriet Harman saying that she wanted a rule passing so that it would not be allowed to have both a male head and deputy-head of the party. Now, setting aside that this would mean that the deputy-head might be less qualified for the job but appointed because of sex, she actually said that she would not rule out have a female head and deputy-head... how unfair is that? Her argument was that men do no understand the pressures on a woman's life i.e. kids at school, old parents in hospital. Hmm, I don't recall Maggie Thatcher being so tuned in to the woman's lot?

Good luck with your new Minister, Snoopy. Our parliamentry mob got egged on Saturday and there is another protest scheduled tonight I believe.

[snoopysue]

Don't get me started! I really think it is time to get over this he/she stuff. I heard (I think it was) Harriet Harman saying that she wanted a rule passing so that it would not be allowed to have both a male head and deputy-head of the party. Now, setting aside that this would mean that the deputy-head might be less qualified for the job but appointed because of sex, she actually said that she would not rule out have a female head and deputy-head... how unfair is that? Her argument was that men do no understand the pressures on a woman's life i.e. kids at school, old parents in hospital. Hmm, I don't recall Maggie Thatcher being so tuned in to the woman's lot?

Good luck with your new Minister, Snoopy. Our parliamentry mob got egged on Saturday and there is another protest scheduled tonight I believe.

I don't think anyone should be given a job purely because they happen to be of a particular gender, nor should they be denied it if they are the best candidate. The problem is that discrimination does occur, but it extremely difficult (if not impossible) to legislate for this, so that no-one male or female gets discriminated against!
I am all for equal rights, but I remember getting hot under the collar when Labour party suggested creating a Ministry for Women, where was the one for men? And why not create an equal rights ministry regardless of sex, race, age, etc etc.

[MarkCDodd]

Was Maggie Thatcher a woman

[snoopysue]

Was Maggie Thatcher a woman

Possibly

I did like the way she stuck to her guns, I really hated the way labour changed their politics at the drop of a hat, depending on what they thourght would get them more votes! I'd say most parties are like that these days, unfortunately.

[feral-underclass]

neil kinnock was never left of centre, he sold the miners and labour party down the river

dont get me started on the milk snatcher

[snoopysue]

neil kinnock was never left of centre, he sold the miners and labour party down the river

dont get me started on the milk snatcher

Maybe that's why I never liked him, saying he was one thing, but doing something else.
My comments on Maggie, have nothing to do with her politics more to do with her sticking to her guns!

[SRD]

I always have a problem with people (especially politicians) sticking to their guns. Personally I think that reasoned argument taking into account each situation as it arises is the best way to deal with problems. It's like the motorist who follows their satnav whilst ignoring the road closed sign.

[snoopysue]

I always have a problem with people (especially politicians) sticking to their guns. Personally I think that reasoned argument taking into account each situation as it arises is the best way to deal with problems. It's like the motorist who follows their satnav whilst ignoring the road closed sign.

It's better than changing your mind every five minutes because you think it'll get you more votes!

[SRD]

Maybe, maybe not, but one should always look carefully at what is actually said rather than what the media report is said. And anyway, isn't it the duty of the politician to listen to those they represent and to put forward their views?

[snoopysue]

Maybe, maybe not, but one should always look carefully at what is actually said rather than what the media report is said. And anyway, isn't it the duty of the politician to listen to those they represent and to put forward their views?

I think regardless of what I or you think of her politics she did win three elections in a row, so the voters must have thourght she was doing okay! Or at the very least better than the altenative!!

[SRD]

Maybe, maybe not, but one should always look carefully at what is actually said rather than what the media report is said. And anyway, isn't it the duty of the politician to listen to those they represent and to put forward their views?

I think regardless of what I or you think of her politics she did win three elections in a row, so the voters must have thourght she was doing okay! Or at the very least better than the altenative!!

Is that a judgement on her - or the electorate?

[snoopysue]

Is that a judgement on her - or the electorate?

Take your pick!