Like Thatcher I disagree with many of his policy opinions but as a human being he's a delight.

Agreed.

I've met him many times, and also liked his departed wife Caroline.

I can admire someone who has principles - even if I do not agree with them all - much more than someone who "swings with the prevailing wind".

Always thought he was one of the more trustworthy politicians and actually seemed to care about the UK as opposed to his image in the history books.

As an engineering and technology enthusiast my main reason for liking him was that, as minister for technology, he also a great propponent of Concorde during its development!!

My mum changed her vote in the seventies as she thought he was charming.
Does the "charming" vote still exist?

Agree with all of the above.

I haven't met any politicians, apart from Matthew Parris very briefly when he was my local MP, but if I could have dinner with any of them, I reckon I'd choose Tony Benn.

I am convinced his main reason for entering politics was a genuine belief in fairness and justice, and how many politicians can you say that about now? Any of them? Maybe a few at the start of their careers, but it soon becomes tainted.

Does the charming vote still exist, Mart? In a way, I suppose, but now it's all about spin and exuding a false charm to con the public.

Anthony wrote:

I am convinced his main reason for entering politics was a genuine belief in fairness and justice, and how many politicians can you say that about now? Any of them? Maybe a few at the start of their careers, but it soon becomes tainted.

... and let's not forget he "gave up" his lifetime position (on the gravy train) as Viscount Lord Stansgate in order to enter the Commons and subject himself to regular elections.

How many of the others would do that?

Sounds about right.The more he started to stand up for what he believed the less power he seemed to hold.

never met him-although he asked me one night in Notting Hill Gate where the local cinema was even though he had lived only a few hundred yards down the road in Holland Park for years.

I agree with everything he says. What a great bloke.

Gave very good speeches at rallies.

I know it's preaching to the choir but he preached well

I think you are right that he was usually preaching to the converted-but he always said is so succinctly and put into words every thing I was thinking.

And his relatives-the glorious Margaret Rutherford. And I always remember when a tramp who had been living just outside the fence of his back garden in Holland Park turned out to be a long lost uncle.

Are there any true British eccentrics left ?
( I suppose JK is one !)

Mr Benn should have led the Labour party when Michael Foot did instead ,as it turnes.
Back in the old days, of course, when there was a genuine division in politics between the parties, which used to cause this thing they used to refer to as a "democracy", being implemented.

ah, democracy .... I remember it well !

I have decided, in old age, democracy simply doesn't work.

DEMOS = of the people. Most people are clueless, brain dead and incapable of knowing or deciding what is right.

Especially when mad people kill others in the name of "installing democracy".

Is it just me or have more people died as a result of Bush, Blair and democracy than mad dictator Sadaam ever killed?

I think the only workable form of government is a BENIGN AUTOCRACY.

One leader filled with decency, intelligence and caring, fully in charge.

Sadly they all tend to go mad with power and get surrounded by corruption.

I have often had the same thoughts about the failings of democracy and the benign dictator option.

I can only think of one example where it has actually worked and that is Kemal Ataturk. His legacy still burns brightly in Turkey despite the best efforts of radical Islamists who strive to drag the country back into the Dark Ages. Long may his spirit live on.

But short of reincarnating Ataturk and installing him as our leader, it would be a risky move indeed given the weaknesses of human nature when power is thrust upon it.

Maybe you would fit the bill, though, JK?!