What a silly billy.........

One of the icons and great men of our time (and hero of Wilt) has resigned – the impeccable and gorgeous Dr Desmond Tutu. God bless him. We will miss him and the world a lesser place without him. However, we doubt if he will entirely “retire” as men of his ilk tend not to fade away – he does however deserve retirement after long service to humankind. His standing down is an inevitable but sad loss – we remember his very kindly, warm smile, directness of personality and “no shit” tell it how it is approach.

What a hero.

Another hero not yet lost, is also featured in the news – Dennis Healy, or rightly known as Baron Healy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis_Healey

Sadly, his beloved wife Edna May has passed away. He will be bereft and without his anchor in his late age of 92. What a character, what a brilliant man he is and what “a silly Billy” he never was. Dennis Healy was probably the first political figure Wilt recognised – he was difficult not to recognise due to his bushy eyebrows.

He however stood out as a politician of conviction, although some would disagree, and of some intellect – he is another Oxbridge left wing graduate from a historic college, like Wilt and friends.

Even today, and especially today in reflection of his sad loss, Wilt recalls happier times when hearing many years ago Healy say “don’t be a silly Billy” but especially his exceptional house of commons response to his friend but opposition MP Sir Geoffrey Howe’s attack in the Commons, “It’s like being savaged by a dead sheep.”

He was and is, and may he live much longer, the best Prime Minister the UK has never known. Ken Clarke follows in his footsteps – another best Prime Minister we have never known.

Time moves on however, and today we have (call me) ‘Dave’ and I am frankly impressed with him to date – he has that kind of gritty and grounded attitude I admire in Tutu and Healy.

Our thoughts are however with Dennis, with his menacing eyebrows and intelligent wit. As is said, behind every good man is a good woman – and we think that is true in the case of Dennis. Edna is a real loss, in her own right, but especially in support of her man.

Live long brother Dennis. God bless you Edna.

Wilt