It is widely reported in the MSM today that Eric Joyce, MP for Falkirk, has resigned his position as PPS to the Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth. His letter of resignation can be read here.
In my humble opinion Mr Joyce should have resigned the post some weeks ago when he initially spoke up about the war in Afghanistan, but better late than never. Was it the death this week of two soldiers belonging to one of his old regiments that forced his decision? No, it appears he told Bob Ainsworth some weeks ago he intended to resign the post.
Mr Ainsworth's response to the resignation is a disgrace from a discredited defence secretary:
"Eric Joyce is, of course, entitled to his opinion and whilst we thank him for his service as a junior parliamentary aide, it is vital that we have a leadership team that is fully committed to our mission in Afghanistan. The picture he paints is not one that I nor many people within the MoD recognise, whether military or civilian.
"Everyone in defence, and the wider government, is fully committed to ensuring that our forces succeed in the operations on which they are engaged in Afghanistan, and that they have the necessary equipment and support to do the job. Our mission in Afghanistan is vital to our national security. We will not walk away from that responsibility."
Mr Joyce left the army under a cloud after writing a series of articles criticising the army. Why he rejoined after leaving the Black Watch to gain a university degree in Religious Studies, is anyone's guess, as he should have realised by then he could not change army culture overnight. I agree the army has what could be called an 'old fashioned' or non-pc culture at times but it is not going to be swept away overnight or even over a generation because is what has made our military one of the best in the world and it still works today.
What has forced his hand now? Does he realise he has little chance of being re-elected in Falkirk at the next general election?
Who knows. He may have restricted himself from employment as an RO (retired officer) because of the stooshie surrounding his discharge from the army, but being an ex-MP will open doors for him. I'd start planning now Mr Joyce, it's not long until 2010.
Posts
2 comments:
Mr Expences Joyce is an oily toerag in my humble opinion, but it is a smack in the face for the repugnant Aint Worth. And that's always good to see.
They're both labour party members, need I say more Tris?
Post a Comment