Tuesday 18th June 2013

Triple lough

It has long been known that Lough Erne would be hosting the G8 summit. What may have surprised many is that this morning it hosted a goose-pimpled Prime Minister. 

 

@tnewtondunn No sign of the Russian President when I was swimming in a cold Lough Erne this morning - but his sporting prowess is clear!

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 18, 2013

 

Now #G8UK is over I can reveal a bomb was found in Lough Erne. It was American from WW2. Apparently they had a practise mortar range here!

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 18, 2013

 

In the tweets David Cameron also made explosive revelations about his spelling as well as sporting prowess.

While it’s claimed that relations between G8 leaders had thawed, Mr Cameron couldn’t resist a dig at Vladimir Putin’s absence from the chilly depths.

The nature of the PM’s bathing attire remains unclear but Dot’s pretty sure that despite the focus on Mr Cameron’s relaxed top button, Mr Putin still has a thing or two to teach him about extreme dressing down.

 

• Read on |

Tuesday 18th June 2013

Chillaxing with Vlad

As the eagle-eyed and fashion conscious have already noted, there’s a distinct lack of neckwear at this week’s G8 summit.

What people didn’t know, however, is that this tie-free zone is actually helping the negotiations – or so says George Osborne.

Explaining his relaxed attire this morning, the Chancellor said:   

"I did what I was told to do which was turn up in what they call smart casual wear – I followed to the letter, I got out my jacket and my blue shirt. The interesting thing about this conference – I’ve never been to a G8 before, I’m here to present one of the sessions on tax – is it is informal. Despite the enormous fuss that goes with having a conference like this, despite the huge media presence, actually when you get into the hotel it’s quite intimate and informal.

“And getting these world leaders together to talk about difficult issues on tax and trade, including of course last night about Syria, this is actually an extraordinary opportunity to get things done where perhaps when things are more formal, people are in more entrenched positions, that’s more difficult.”

• Read on |

Monday 17th June 2013

No whiff whaff allowed

Appearing amongst such sporting and showbiz luminaries as Tim Henman and Jonathan Ross, it was clear it that it would take an especially bright politician to shine. But with an ancient racket, scarlet trainers and shock of blonde hair Boris Johnson took to the court at the Queens Tennis Club to teach the stars a thing or two about serve and volley.

No stranger to sporting confrontations, Boris came to the charity tournament fresh from a hard fought match against Nick Clegg last week. Dot calls that 15 love to Boris.

• Read on |

Friday 14th June 2013

Cameron in pyjamas

Ever wondered what David Cameron wears when he’s working early in the morning? Of course you have.

Well, the wait is over. Cameron made an appearance on the BBC’s World Have Your Say this afternoon, where he was tackled with hard-hitting questions on Syria, anti-gay laws, and international aid.

And he was also asked whether he ever wore pyjamas while working as prime minister.

“I get up pretty early in the morning and I start work before I get dressed into all of this, so I suppose the short answer to all of that is, yes.”

• Read on |

Friday 14th June 2013

Crossing the boundary: Pickles PI

Starring in his own planning-themed detective noir, Eric Pickles has foiled an attempt by travellers to set up camp on a village cricket pitch.

The Communities Secretary, who was responsible for drawing up tough new guidelines to prevent temporary camps on greenbelt land, was not shy in dishing out “face-to-face” justice to the pitch invaders, according to "Conservative sources".

Following a car chase (possibly a cover drive?) Pickles caught out the culprits by calling the police who issued a notice to move the travellers on.

His exploits have led to him being labelled “Pickles PI” by staff. The message is clear if you mess with Eric you’ll find yourself on bail, although this story does have more than a hint of spin.

• Read on |