Jimmy Burns's Blog, page 38

Grudge Champions

Grudge Champions

Barring a major reverse Chelsea will this afternoon secure their Premier League Championship while FC Barcelona will once again become Spanish champions next week.

Both victories open up the prospect of a deepening rivalry between two clubs whose encounters in the Champions League in recent seasons have been tough and bitter, thus securing the reputation of being one of the must-watch 'grudge' matches of the international football calendar.

Last night Barca played the kind of...

Yes We Khan

Yes we Khan

So Labour lost Battersea. Outgoing Labour MP Martin Linton planned to blame the Liberal Democrats but then thought it better not to. Had more Liberal Democrats cast a tactical 'progressive vote', then Labour just might have squeezed in, again. As it turned out the Lib Dem candidate   Layla Moran- hugely underperformed in south London despite claims that this  candidate had been identified by camp Clegg as one of his rising stars.

Linton was magnanimous in defeat, extending a hand...

A vote for the Common Good

What I would like to see in the UK after May 6

 

Some priorities…

A redistribution of wealth to alleviate poverty and ensure a programme of improvement in essential services

Vigorous action to avoid exposing this and future generations to the environmental ravages of climate change

Increased but well managed investment in the NHS to ensure equal access and quality care

Addressing inequalities includes making care of the elderly a key priority. Winter fuel payments, free bus passes, TV licences...

Mourinho's Black Magic

Mourinho's Black Magic

I can' say that I can remember many moments of football that have made me feel physically sick before inducing a  prolongued bout of black dog (depression) but few have provoked both reactions as much as the site of Jose Mourinho scampering across the turf of the Camp Nou, and striking his defiant pose af the end of  last night's match.

If ever there was a moment of profound profanity it was this one. Bobby Robson's one-time transalator, since elevated to the status of...

It Rains in Spain

It Rains in Spain

Tapas and wine in London's Iberica restaurant last night with a group of young thrusting Spanish professionals who are living and working in London. We contrast and compare UK and Spanish politics- a welcome respite from the domestic campaign trail.

"The common problem with both countries is the disconnect the suffering masses have with the discredited political class", kicked off one attendee.

Subsequent discussion showed the majority of those present –myself among...