To have been pretty impressed by Ann Widdecombe and her comments on the Philpotts and benefits?

[Molehillmountain]

I've been really critical of her in the past but she seems to be the only right leaning voice speaking any kind of balance on Mick Philpott. At least she seems able to isolate a wicked act by a bad man from the (unpleasant) debate about benefits that is raging at the moment. Perhaps George Osborne could have her as a mentor?

[Dawndonna]

I actually yelled 'Thank you Ann Widdecombe' at the television last night.
I'm so embarrassed!

[Molehillmountain]

I know! I never thought I'd see the day. Shows how much further right the right has gone.

[CheCazzo]

I think she's a decent woman. She has her principles, and her faith, and she lives by them. No amount of criticism - and she's had it in bucketloads about her appearance if nothing else - seems to faze her. Good on her.

[sue52]

I strongly disagree with her politics though I agree she's a thoughtful and caring woman.

[jennywren45]

She's a wise, sensible old bird. Good on her.

[Dawndonna]

I too disagree with her politics, but yes, she cares. She's also an extraordinarily intelligent woman. Hence the pathetic remarks about her looks etc.

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

But she spent a week with him and decided he was a good father ? Not much insight there.

[Freddiemisagreatshag]

I thought the same last night.

I don't like her politics but I respect her as a person

[yaimee]

I agree with sue and che
I really don't agree with her politics think she's a strong, intelligent and caring woman why oh why is she a tory

[Dawndonna]

Unexpected I have a mother with NPD. She was a headmistress. Many people loved her and thought she was a fabulous mother, for the first couple of months. These people can draw people in and hide their flaws for small but significant periods.

[carabos]

I don't agree with her politics or share her faith, but her thoughtful insights show that unlike many of the commentators who have weighed into this dreadful tale, she is in touch with the reality of life for people outside the Westminster village.

[Molehillmountain]

The thing about ms widdecombe and her political views, much as I disagree with them, is that I believe she is not self interested and is a Tory because she cares about people and believes that her political stance serves their needs best. In that, we are the same. I don't get the same feeling about many of our cabinet. I know that may be unfair, but they seem just so much more self serving.

[Dawndonna]

Spot on Molehill

[Molehillmountain]

Yes-carabos-so so true. I don't believe that any of the cuts proposed would have any impact on those in the current government or their families.

[moonabove]

Heard her on the radio, she didn't say anything about him being a 'good' father. She said there was no sign the children were neglected in material way, properly fed and clothed etc but that there was a certain amount of 'indifference' to them.

She did come across really well - very calm and sensible.

[grovel]

The thing is, Dawndonna, she believes in bigger benefits to fewer people. I happen to agree with her. She knows full well how tricky that is politically (by definition you have to take something away from some people to achieve this). She also knows how clunky the levers of state are. No benefit claimants are in identical circumstances but the state has to make rules to fit all. I once sat next to her at a charity dinner.

On some other issues I thought she was plain wrong. But she is a decent person.

[sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea]

I don't like her, I don't agree with her, but I do admire her. I think, like Molehill says, that she genuinely acts from altruism. Despite her life being at odds with most peoples nowadays, she does actually care about society, and is one of the few politicians - I know she's not an MP any more - who will express an opinion because she believes it, not because it's policy.

[CabbageLeaves]

She has integrity

A rare character trait in a politician IMO

[PomBearWithAnOFRS]

What cabbage said - she is just about the one and only politician that I would believe one word she said. The others seem to lie as easily as they breathe :( and not actually a) live in the real world or b) give a shit about it or anyone in it and AW always comes across as somehow sincere/truthful and, for want of a better phrase "a good person"

[PumpkinPositive]

She's a bit like Michael Portillo - vastly improves on further acquaintance once removed from the political cesspool.

Though why she agreed to the Louis Theroux gig I will never know.

[KarlosKKrinkelbeim]

I think it's right to say she is in politics because she wants to further her sincerely-held beliefs and not because, like most of the rest of them of all political persuasions, she is a self-serving power-crazed bastard.

[quesadilla]

Agree with what's been said here above: don't share her politics but she seems honest, decent and to have absolute conviction in her beliefs for which I respect her.

[grovel]

I like this thread. I worry, though, that Edwina Currie will soon be in the same boat as Ann W. Old, dotty but honest.

[sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea]

grovel I don't think Edwina Currie will ever be regarded in the same light as Ann W. Edwina's a thoroughly nasty piece of work and is a DM rent-an-opinionated-gob.