Just out of curiosity, you understand, I hopped over to TheyWorkForYou.com to check out the numbers on Lady Sylvia Hermon – the UUP’s only MP. Lady Hermon, you’ll be aware, is keeping everyone guessing as to whether she will jump the brush with her fellow UUPers into the arms of the Conservatives.
Now let’s assume she does join in the love-in. Will the Conservatives get good value for money from their new-found reluctant Tory? (Assuming she is re-selected and re-elected).
The Lady, it appears, doesn’t say much when she turns up at Westminster. She has only voted in 28% of divisions in this parliamentary term so far (that means she doesn’t bother to show for most votes). She hasn’t spoken in a debate in the last year. Perhaps this explains why she’s so tight-lipped.
The voting record is even more interesting. In her previous term she was much more prolific on the voting front – perhaps because she had a few more buddies and, presumably, there was some type of UUP parliamentary whip. From 2001 to 2005 she voted in nearly 70% of divisions. But now that she whips herself, so to speak, she rarely votes. As her own whip, she doesn’t rebel. But in the last parliamentary term she voted against her own whips 57 times.
So there we have it. An MP who rarely shows, rarely speaks, and always agrees with herself – but often rebels against her own Party colleagues. Worth having as the Conservative & Unionist MP for North Down?
Seymour Major has his reservations too…
This post is borderline sick Jeff. Lady Hermon has lost her father and husband in the past two years, thats why her attendance has been down.
But don’t let the facts get in the way of your bile.
Thanks Michael. If you look at the numbers though you’ll see her voting numbers are computed from May 2005 i.e. the last four years. Moreover, while I can understand the trauma surrounding family bereavement many, many people across the UK have suffered similar trauma but have managed to carry on with their work and provide a service to their employers during very emotionally charged times. Few other employers would permit such extended stays of absence.
Well thats fine then. Her grief should end when you say so, because you say so.
If only they would listen to you everything would be alright eh Jeff.
Grief is a terrible thing that we all suffer at points in our lives. However, it is possible to both work and grieve. If Lady Hermon was unable to function as a result of her grief it may have been appropriate for her to stand down as an MP. However, I’d repeat the point that her voting record is based on 4 full years.
It’s a wonder you’re not more popular ain’t it.
Popularity is not something I seek – but perhaps it’s a virtue that you consider important. Perhaps you are popular. Are you? I don’t know. In fact I don’t really know anything about you; and you know very little about me.
Now, I have work to do…so I’d suggest you go off and do something else. But before doing so I’d just like to thank you for being the first commenter on my new little blog. Toodle pip.
why does everyone in the UUP put any issues with Sylvia down to the bereavements she has suffered?
Reg did exactly the same when trying to answer why Syvlia hadnt come out in support of the UCUNFs
Quite sick for the UUP to use this as an excuse for anything.
Sylvia Hermon clearly has had personal problems which will have had an impact upon her voting record.
Hasn’t stopped some within the UUP attacking Iris Robinson for instance for not being present in the Assembly on one occasion despite the fact she was in hospital.
Mind you – perhaps Michael plays by a peculiar set of rules known only to him, and some within the UUP.
I have read that the lady in question has not only suffered the bereavements but her husband suffered from Alzheimers, a condition I am an expert on, having nursed my mother with the deteriorating form of the illness for over two years, I know it to be a 24 /7 extremely difficult, near impossible job.
Now this lady has far more resources to draw on than I but the situation is still emotionally distressing in the extreme, there is NOTHING more so.
I AM NOT a supporter of this lady, or a member of her party or the Tory party; simply a fellow human being who understands the extreme trauma of her probable situation..it is a very justifiable mitigating factor for her behaviour as an MP.
However if she had all the support she needed, I do not know what she had, 24/7 professional nursing care, then she should have been able to fulfil her duties almost as normal.
Perhaps you would like to ascertain ALL the facts and reply to my email address?