I always thought the Speaker's role was simply that of a chairman of the

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

Yes, I thought that as well. The moral high ground is valuable property which should be ceded with reservation.

I have Ganpati ahead by a nose but have confidence in Burney's ability to close. Should be fun. :rubshands:

Berni cannot respond now with more of his characteristic vitriol. That particular part of his arsenal is spent so he must attempt reason and measure, neither being his forte. I think he'll find ganp rather like some mythological Indian creature that is frustratingly impervious to vituperative.

I'll wager he's already composed a couple of responses but crumpled them up and tossed them in the bin