How could a 21st century politician say it? Probably one didn't,- it was a man of the 20th century and one from pretty early on in it to boot.
Andrew Mitchell, new Government Chief Whip, is alleged to have called a policeman acting in the course of duty a "pleb" and according to one newspaper have advised him that he needed to "learn his f------ place".
If he did indeed say that firstly he is labelling himself as the ultimate vision of a Tory out of touch twerp, something which will delight the Labour Party always on the lookout for anything about class to exploit, and secondly it is a piece of advice he should address to himself,- and do something about it.
David Cameron's initial teflonesque comments that such an utterance was "wrong" started off on the right track and then dived into the awful all purpose hand wringing fudgespeak of "appropriateness" by adding that it was "not appropriate". Maybe Eton's English department needs a bit of help in clarity and brevity from Lord Sugar. "You're fired " would have been much more appropriate. It would also demonstrated firm,swift and unswerving resolve, three things the party greatly needs at this moment.
Mr Cameron could also do with a bit of that ancient piece tough love public school advice: "Get a grip man" and then do the necessary........ " Mitchell, you're fired".
