# Iain Duncan Smith is out. Why? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 30, 2003, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356 "2003-10-30T01:36:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SentientMeat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/21 "2003-10-30T15:43:02Z")
> [@](#): > > Iain Duncan Smith has many positive qualities: …he is a tottenham supporter. Mister Speaker, the electorate has clearly lost all faith in this man’s judgment. ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/22 "2003-10-30T15:57:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SentientMeat \* > \*\*Mister Speaker, the electorate has clearly lost all faith in this man’s judgment. \*\* A bit of IDS trivia, fact fans:- One of the “irregularities” that he is being investigated for is using his official jag for private use. The journey in question was from his house to White Hart Lane to watch the boys against the Arse. Being a spurs fan will make him used to disappointment. ---
**Author:** ![kabbes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e99b99/32.png) [@kabbes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kabbes)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/23 "2003-10-30T16:55:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by owlstretchingtime \* > **… a bunch of slack-jawed sweater-wearing bad-skinned malodorous bien pensant bicyling vegetarian chippy mommets** ::Idly wonders how many of these descriptors applies to self…:: ---
**Author:** ![fortytwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@fortytwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fortytwo)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/24 "2003-10-30T21:47:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by owlstretchingtime \* > \*\*… > This government is by far the worst since records began (or at least sine the Marquis of Bute) and it needs to be held accountable. Michael Howard can do this. IDS couldn’t… > > Owl > > \*\* I’m not going to ask you where your proof is, as you’ll only try pointing me towards the Tory party homepage. I’ll take it that that remark is “in your opinion” Better not let the facts get in the way of _your_ opinion. V ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/25 "2003-10-30T23:00:12Z")
IDS was/is another faceless, grey, bald suit from a party that has been full of them for the last 15 years. No wonder he got nowhere and will be forgotten even faster than William Hague was. You can sum his up with the the fact that the Labour benches used to sarcastically “ssshhhhh” when he stood up to speak. So much for the ‘quiet man’. Tory policy on gay matters hardly counts as a consideration. If you want to start a _real_ party-splitting argument in the Conservative party all you have to do is mention Europe. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/26 "2003-10-31T02:26:31Z")
Boris Johnson just said on Sky that Howard “knows his onions”. High praise indeed ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/27 "2003-10-31T02:37:40Z")
One small problem with the people who’ve suggested that the LibDems become a party of the left: If I recall correctly, much of the British left is tied to the trade union movement, which, for obvious reasons, will not bolt from the Labor Party. However, this doesn’t prevent the possibility that there might be a Old Labor-LibDem coalition… ---
**Author:** ![Danimal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@Danimal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danimal)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/28 "2003-10-31T03:57:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by nicky \* > \*\*“I also get the impression that Smith has been trying to lead the Tories toward the center by pushing for more toleration of gays and reaching out to minorities and the poor.” > > Im interested where/how did you get this impression? I havent noticed it at all! \*\* I’m no expert, but I got that impression from these parts of a CNN article: "He was ‘particularly sorry’ that he would not have the opportunity to fulfill his promises to some of the poorest people in the country. " and a bit further down "Duncan Smith, the 49-year-old son of a World War II fighter pilot and a ballerina, surprised many by leading the traditionalist Tories in a moderate direction. "He appointed the party’s first female chairman, supported a Tory lawmaker who disclosed he was gay, and sought to make the party more inclusive by attracting more women, ethnic minorities and young people. " [http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/10/29/uktory.vote/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/10/29/uktory.vote/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/29 "2003-10-31T11:14:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by yojimbo \* > \*\*Boris Johnson just said on Sky that Howard “knows his onions”. > > High praise indeed \*\* If Boris likes him and Ann Widdecombe doesn’t - he’ll do for me. One thing that I have been told (and I believe to be true) is that even if Howard is the only candidiate we (members) still have to vote for him. ie we will get a North Korea style ballot slip with one candididate on it. ---
**Author:** ![SentientMeat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/30 "2003-10-31T11:19:12Z")
> [@](#): > > will get a North Korea style ballot slip with one candididate on it. Step forward, **owl** - the doper with something of the Knight about him. Your party needs you! ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/31 "2003-10-31T11:40:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SentientMeat \* > \*\*Step forward, **owl** - the doper with something of the Knight about him. Your party needs you! \*\* The News of the World would run out of paper… I was a (lazy) Councillor for a little while though. ---
**Author:** ![gex\_gex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/94ad74/32.png) [@gex\_gex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gex_gex)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/32 "2003-10-31T15:11:09Z")
> [@](#): > > _originally posted by owlstretchingtime_ > The position of Conservative Leader is an important one for those of you who don’t vote Tory too. This government is by far the worst since records began (or at least sine the Marquis of Bute) and it needs to be held accountable. Michael Howard can do this. IDS couldn’t. I agree that governments need strong oppositions to make them accountable, but, the worst since records begun??? Were you asleep in the eighties? ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/33 "2003-10-31T15:23:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gex gex \* > \*\*I agree that governments need strong oppositions to make them accountable, but, the worst since records begun??? Were you asleep in the eighties? \*\* Nope. Kept awake by great big lines of charlie, to give me more time to make LOADSAMONEY! And this government is easily the worst since the war. THe only one I’ve got any time for is Dianne Abbot - who at least is honest. ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/34 "2003-10-31T15:39:06Z")
A more odious, slimy and loathsome politician it’s difficult to imagine. I recall his stint as Home Sec with deep horror; the populist tabloid-pleasing policies were so utterly destructive to on going and important penal reform we used to call it ‘The Penal League for Howard Reform’. The man is an unspeakable abomination. And that’s putting it mildly. I agree he’s there to take the Bit Hit at the next election and to start making inroads – IDS has been truly the worst performer at the Despatch Box in my memory. Must be so demoralising for the Parliamentary party at a time when Blair has been a sitting duck on Iraq. After Howard, it really does have to be David Davies, though once in situ, the loathsome one will be very difficult to budge. He shouldn’t be underestimated, as awful as he is, he’s effective and he’s a survivor. David Davies is, I believe, the Tories main hope. Pure quality. But not just yet, no point in being another (suicidal) William Hague. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/35 "2003-10-31T15:56:32Z")
As I said over at [NADS](http://pub75.ezboard.com/fnadsfrm7.showMessage?topicID=22.topic), "I’ve decided that Howard is the man for the job: I like a Tory leader I can really despise. " ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/36 "2003-10-31T16:08:40Z")
Good tory leaders in waiting: Liam Fox, Alan Duncan (yes, I know), Oliver Letwin, Steve Norris, Mr TV - Portillo, Boris. However I think there is every possibility that the next good leader is someone we’ve never heard of - in the same way that Blair was a non-entity when Smith was elected. Howard will do better than IDS would. He will rough up Blair and Brown and start the process of ridding us of this loathsome, hypocritical, spineless, government. Courage mes braves, liberation is on it’s way! Freedom For Putney! Owl who has reluctantly voted for the mellorphantman in the past. ---
**Author:** ![owlstretchingtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/958977/32.png) [@owlstretchingtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlstretchingtime)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/37 "2003-10-31T16:11:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by London\_Calling \* > \*\*A more odious, slimy and loathsome politician it’s difficult to imagine. > > I recall his stint as Home Sec with deep horror; the populist tabloid-pleasing policies were so utterly destructive to on going and important penal reform … The man is an unspeakable abomination. And that’s putting it mildly. > > \*\* You are aware that David Blunkett isn’t actually a tory? ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/38 "2003-10-31T17:00:25Z")
You could have fooled me. ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/39 "2003-10-31T20:57:37Z")
With the candidates that **owlstretchingtime** mentioned above: If Norris loses another bid for Mayor of London, thats the end of him. Boris Johnson probably will suffer from the Spectator Curse- the only editor of that newspaper to ever rise to a high position in the Tory Party was Gilmour, and he had been a memeber of the Cabinet before he became editor. Portillo’s (probably) out for ideological reasons. ---
**Author:** ![fortytwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@fortytwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fortytwo)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2003, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356/40 "2003-10-31T21:00:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by London\_Calling \* > \*\*A more odious, slimy and loathsome politician it’s difficult to imagine. > > I recall his stint as Home Sec with deep horror; the populist tabloid-pleasing policies were so utterly destructive to on going and important penal reform we used to call it ‘The Penal League for Howard Reform’. The man is an unspeakable abomination. And that’s putting it mildly… > > I\*\* Come on L\_C stop beating about the bush (no pun intended) and say what you really think. By the way has anyone mentioned the Jeremy Paxman interview yet? V [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iain-duncan-smith-is-out-why/210356.md?page=3)