Gis A Job I Can Do That

[Gromit]

Is Farage looking a bit silly by wanting to be our third man?

// Nigel Farage has attacked Theresa May's refusal to use him as a go-between with US President-elect Donald Trump as "nonsense".

The interim Ukip leader, who was the first British politician to meet the controversial tycoon since his election success, said "petty personal differences" should be set aside.

Number 10 dismissed suggestions that the Ukip leader might become the "third person" in the relationship between Mr Trump and the Prime Minister, insisting that the Government already has "well-established" channels of communication. //

[agchristie]

Farage could always be Trump's caddie before enjoying a stiff one on the 19th hole?

[sp1814]

Sorry - can someone explain exactly why the UK would need Farage as a go between?

Is there an issue with the established communications protocols?

That's a serious question.

Also, what Farage's title be?

Would he be a Special Envoy?

[ichkeria]

I think you'll find it'll be Melanie enjoying a stiff one on the er 19 hole

Right I'm off now to be sick ...

[ichkeria]

That'll be Melania, in case anyone was thinking I meant Ms Phillips.
She's probably be next in the queue.
Ok, sick bucket now full

[agchristie]

Careful Ich, you will also make Gromit vomit!

[naomi24]

Lunol, //I'm officially embarrassed for this Country and the more space we can create between Trump and the panting/drooling lap dog Farage the better.//

That’ll do wonders for international diplomacy! Just as well you're not a politician. I just listened to Nigel and I agree with him. This is all rather childish.

[Bazile]

Lets face it TM cannot be seen to be rewarding someone who publicly campaigned for the UK's widthdrawal from the EU , ( to which she was against ) by giving him any role in respect of communicating with Trump and his administration .

Now , you may say , look at Boris and others .
However she had no choice there - it had to be done in order to pacify the Brexiteers in her party .

So , either Trump is going to give him some role ( although i cannot see what realistically that would be ) or he Farage will have to be content , politically in perhaps going back to lead UKIP .

[anneasquith]

I've jus listened to Farage yes still an odious little man, but more puplicity for him. So job done !!!!!!

[Gromit]

There is also the matter of fielding 624 UKIP candidates against Tory hopefuls.

[youngmafbog]

The problem is Government is mainly made up of career politicians who have no idea of a real job let alone business.

Trump is a businessman, Farage is too with The Donalds ear. He should have no influence in any negotiations but he should be used as a conduit for the Government. To reject him out right is the stupidest arrogance I have seen in some time. But then May is a Remoaner at heart so why am I surprised.

[New Judge]

"...insisting that the Government already has "well-established" channels of communication. // "

Yes but that was before the man they castigated, insulted and personally abused became the President-elect. There are bridges to be rebuilt (more than just repaired) and that has been caused, once again, by our lords and masters refusing to consider the possibility that what they believe has no chance of happening - indeed what they believe should never happen - just might.

[andy-hughes]

YMB - in the first place, Britain, and the Government have no need of Mr Farage as a facilitator.

Secondly, if such a role were required, it is hardly likely that Mrs May would consider Mr Farage for it, since she clearly does not rate him as a politician, or as an individual.

It's a nice idea, but when the serious talking is being done between the UK and the US, Nigel will not be at the table.

[naomi24]

andy-hughes, //when the serious talking is being done between the UK and the US, Nigel will not be at the table. //

He's aware of that and accepts it. He said so this morning.

[andy-hughes]

New Judge - //"...insisting that the Government already has "well-established" channels of communication. // "

Yes but that was before the man they castigated, insulted and personally abused became the President-elect. //

It would be naïve to think for one moment that any politician who has dissed their opponent from here to wazzoo and back during campaigning is not only able, but willing, to act as though such things were never said, much less meant to last in the changing circumstances.

I am sure Mr Trump has not got where he is today without developing the skin of a rhino - he will be perfectly capable of looking Mrs May and Mr Johnson and others in the eye, and shaking hands sincerely, because that is politics.

[youngmafbog]

//Nigel will not be at the table//

Which is what I said.

The Government needs to recognize things are different now. Trump has little knowledge of Establishment politics and doesnt really want to use them. He will undoubtedly run the US like a business so it is daft to brush aside someone who has the knowledge and has his ear. Whether you like him or not he has had the biggest face to face of any politician already. In addition he has the ear of many of his aides since he knows the personally.

[youngmafbog]

AH, for someone who considers themselves so bright you seem to be missing a very big point.

The Donald is NOT a politician.

[New Judge]

Quite so, Andy. But the UK government had no business making disrespectful remarks about a US Presidential candidate. Many people in the UK said a similar thing about Mr Obama when he spouted his "back of the queue" drivel during the referendum campaign. Who the Americans choose for their President is no business of the UK government and their remarks were uncalled for. More than that there is damage to be repaired, however thick skinned Mr Trump is and it is damage that need not have been inflicted.

[andy-hughes]

YMB - I think you are overestimating the importance of Mr Farage in all of this, insofar as you think he is being 'rejected' in the communication process.

Mr Farage is not seen by the UK government as important enough to be rejected, because he is not even being considered, which is necessary before he can be rejected.

Mt Trump likes Mr Farage, and has had a few pictures taken with him.

Mr Trump probably likes his golf caddy, and no doubt has posed for pictures with him as well, but he is no more likely to be in the communication conduit than Mr Farage.

Mr Trump will have limited time to consult with people in the decision making process. Speaking with Mr Johnson and Mrs May will be essential, and worth his valuable time. Speaking with Mr Farage will not, and will not.

[andy-hughes]

YMB - //AH, for someone who considers themselves so bright you seem to be missing a very big point. //

I don't consider myself 'so bright' as you put it, I am unsure where you have gleaned that idea from.

But for the record, I am not missing any big point at all -

//The Donald is NOT a politician. //

He IS now!!!!

[andy-hughes]

new Judge - //More than that there is damage to be repaired, however thick skinned Mr Trump is and it is damage that need not have been inflicted. //

Aside from his personal, and now political thick skin, Mr Trump has by definition to be a pragmatist.

He is aware of the damage that can be done by taking offence at his campaign rhetoric, in the same way as he is aware of the positive effects of campaign rhetoric, however insincere it was, and his pragmatism will see him neatly draw a line under both, and move on.