Anyone else feel he went with great dignity, has sweet children, looked human and relieved and deserves a rethink... just because someone is appalling at media relations doesn't make them bad at their job.

I didn't actually know WHAT to make of it last night. He seemed to have decided on a 'screw you' exit in the sense that it was surely delberately premature. That looked pretty petty to me. But his actual speech was very dignified, and I felt a good deal of compassion for him. But then again I really disagree with the family on show thing - they're all very nice, but this is a public office for one elected figure. I hate all the media sniping at spouses and children, and the chronic nosiness, and this makes it worse. Keep 'em separate.

I wonder who wrote his speech for him. It was a good speech but it should take more than a few words to win people over. His actions speak louder. I heard a prison officer on TV saying that some of the nicest and most charming people he's ever met were in prison for the most brutal crimes.

If he did go with dignity then it's probably the only decent thing he's done in his political career.

Did you notice a couple of words were pronounced with a much stronger Scottish accent than we've heard from him in years? It won't be long before he's in a kilt striding over the heather, an old leather volume of Robbie B or and Walter Scott under his arm, shouting, 'Sarah, where's ma dinner?'

The kids were great - perhaps he should have shown that side of himself to the media before it was too late.

Sarah looked a bit depressed.

His speech was a good one - but he should have moved out before in my view and not allowed Mandy and Campbell to grandstand for an extra day.

I hope he is happy and has a better life than BLAIR is having.

I just think he was not cut out to be a PM.

Meh, he still owes me thousands over the years for freezing the cut-off date for Historic Car road tax exemption....
No politician is "nice" or "good" these days, they get were they are by being ruthless & calculating

BR wrote:
The kids were great - perhaps he should have shown that side of himself to the media before it was too late.

Sarah looked a bit depressed.

The kids should be kept out of it ... he has never produced them before ... it was aploy for sympathy.

Sarah ALWAYS looks depressed.

I agree. Just because someone is not that good with the media, it does not mean they are not good at their job. Unfortunately today, being a ´media-friendly´ face and personality seems to matter far more than being a good and dedicated leader.

I also thought he showed great dignity and was determined not to use and exploit his children for political gain. He thanked them for their love and support, and only brought them out for photos when the election was over, he was resigning, and had nothing to gain from doing so.

100% kudos to the man for that!

I think he handled himself with great dignity. It was also good to see that he never allowed his children to be used for political gain. It was only at the end, when there was nothing to be gained politically from doing so, that he allowed the press to get the photos they so clearly wanted.

I think Gordon Brown was never PM material, but fair play and kudos to him for the manner of his departure.

BrazilBoysBlog wrote:

I also thought he showed great dignity and was determined not to use and exploit his children for political gain. He thanked them for their love and support, and only brought them out for photos when the election was over, he was resigning, and had nothing to gain from doing so.

... except getting the sympathy vote !

BrazilBoysBlog wrote:
I think Gordon Brown was never PM material, but fair play and kudos to him for the manner of his departure.

Apparently, David Cameron was only given 3 minutes notice that Brown was going to the Palace (to resign). He clearly "snatched the run away so the Tories would not have time to plan a "triumphant" arrival (as B-Liar had done (with planted supporters, all waving handed-out flags) back in 1997.

Brown also thanked Sad Sarah for her "public service" - can someone please explain what this public service has been ????