Fame at last!

picture courtesy of the blowing my own trumpet department...

Burning the midnight oil as my girlfriend dozes softly on the sofa (snoring irritatingly but intermittently!) and I alternate between reading myself into my new job and surfing the net, I see that Iain Dale has put me in his Top 100 'Right of Centre political blogs' ! I have to say I feel guilty about this given my lack of posts lately but I appreciate the recognition- cheers Iain!

I knew Iain before he himself became famous (or should that be infamous?!!!) as one of Britain's most read political bloggers. I first met Iain when he was the founding proprietor of Politicos, the political bookshop he opened in Artillery Row. A cross between genial nightclub host, gossip columnist and consummate salesman, things have certainly never been the same there since the dead hand of Metheun took over...

While running the shop, he then went onto found the Politicos Publishing Imprint to publish both new political books and updated issues of old favorites. Being a true gent, he kindly agreed to address one of the cream teas I ran at the Elizabeth House Hotel which were great fun *.

I went on to ran a couple of literary dinners with authors Dale had published, memorably Lord Tim Renton where he spoke about his book 'Chief Whip' and Sir Rex Hunt who recalled his 'Falkland Days'.

With Dale's leading edge work on 18 Doughty Street (an idea ahead of its time) and his latest venture, the politically dedicated, editorially independent 'Total Politics' magazine, Iain has made a remarkable contribution to political debate and ideas over the last 15 years or so.

(* Sadly, the final one was held just a couple weeks ago with guest speaker Julian Lewis MP)