I know I am like a stuck record when it comes to Peter Hain so I thought this week I would show you another opinion of him which is far more complimentary than mine. Perhaps a more balanced one. I shall let you be the judge of that.

They are words posted on Peter Hain's Facebook page in response to Hain's post about his valedictory speech to the House of Commons.  

"We have been privileged in Neath to be represented by such a first class MP many thanks Peter for all your hard work and dedication to the constituency. A bright lamp burner for socialism in these dark times of austerity, I am sure I speak for all of us in Neath regardless of political affiliation we all wish you well for the future".
27 March 2015

I could turn out pages of rebuttal to this opinion of Hain but what's the point? I concur that the writer is correct that Hain was a "bright lamp burner". That would be an oil lamp presumably. And a very, very expensive oil lamp indeed. What I will take strong issue with is the statement that this person speaks for "all of us" regardless of political affiliation when they wish Hain "well for the future".  Because "all" would include me and I most definitely disagree. I certainly do not wish him some misfortune but I don't want to see him cashing in with a cushy number in the House of Lords like so many of his fine socialist bedfellows have done before him. You see them all the time, they say how much they despise "the other place", how it is undemocratic and anachronistic. They would never think of going there. Then when an opportunity arises they are champing at the bit, those good old principles forgotten, and some pathetic self justification about "still wanting to make a difference" being spouted. They make me want to throw up, such is the stench of their hypocrisy. That's what I like about Tory politicians (it's about all I like) but at least you know what you're getting and they are likely to look after number one first. Why the pretence with these Labour politicians? Why not be honest with yourselves and your electorate that there's not a gnat's bollock between you and the Tories when it comes to greed, selfishness and the lust for power?  

Hain has made enough off the taxpayer. Chance would be a fine thing though. My guess is he will be picking up his £300 pocket money a day very soon, no matter who is in charge of the country post-7 May.
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OK, assuming you have not read Hain's Facebook pages recently then it is time for a guessing game for you. Who is this mysterious person who is so sure he/she speaks for all of us?

First clue - the sucking up was written by a Neath Borough resident, but it is not Daran Hill who loved Hain so much he wrote a hagiography. (Don't think he lives in Neath, Stan). Could it be the once fearsome Whipper of Alltwen, now sadly as frightening as a warm cup of cocoa at bedtime? We know he has consistently come out in support of the former MP. No, it is not him; he is possibly busy feeding his Goldfish and maybe reading a thesaurus.

Second clue - well it is a Neath Port Talbot County Borough Councillor, although the eulogy was delivered in a personal capacity. Welsh Labour though? Or some other Party? Could it be Cari Morgans then who worked so closely with Peter in his Advice Office for many years, and helped him with the production of his latest book? No, it is not her; she is possibly wondering what job to do next and maybe how to spend her redundancy money, which the staff of all outgoing MPs are rightly entitled to.

Third clue - is part of Team Neath, that Band of Brothers (and Sisters) fighting the good fight, to ensure the principle of unbroken Labour succession is maintained and no interlopers upset the hegemony. (Or is it "principal"? I knew I shouldn't have given that damned thesaurus away. I'll have to ask nicely for it back methinks).

Fourth clue - this person cannot abide hypocrisy in politics yet can write in such glowing terms about Peter Hain. Do you think he/she understands what the word means?  (Followers of local politics should now get it).

Fifth clue - doesn't respond to all of his/her emails. Ha, ha, ha - the person and Hain have quite a bit in common.

Sixth clue - if you haven't got it yet, the other thing in common is they have worn the same coloured coats politically.

Seventh clue - both have a "thing" for Nelson Mandela though I'm unsure if the Hain eulogiser has an image of old Nelson permanently on his/her wall. Did they ever name that road in Neath after Mandela by the way? Now that's a huge clue.

No more clues. You should have got it by Clue 4  but after Clues 5, 6 and 7 I am sure you all did! The answer, of course, was John Warman, NPT Councillor for Cimla.

I think now you realise who wrote what I consider to be a classic piece of obsequious adulation, you are able to make a more balanced assessment as to its value. Whether or not you agree with me, well I don't give a monkey's either way. I have my opinion of Hain and I am sticking with it.
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