Lord Empey?

Conservative Home is canvassing suggestions for new Lords, to be created if government changes any time soon. Michael Howard is a popular suggestion but Ulster Tory wants Reg Empey promoted from Knight to Lord. An interesting idea, although Sir Reg might prefer to get to Westminster as an MP. In which case East Belfast might not be the most fruitful hunting ground.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It would send out the wrong signals as regards the UUP/Tory link-up i.e. he did it for a peerage.

Also would this also not be a case of multiple jobbery/mandates? Cllr/MLA/Minister/Lord? Far too much of that already (in the DUP especially.)

I would have thought he'd be on course for one in the long-term anyway when he ultimately stands down as leader so he'll probably still get it.
18 December 2008 at 11:26
Owen Polley said…
I largely agree. I don't support the idea or give it much credence. Good for a bit of gossip though.
18 December 2008 at 11:28
Anonymous said…
"Good for a bit of gossip though."

The goss I heard was David Campbell was to get one.
18 December 2008 at 12:02
Timothy Belmont said…
I dare say there's no reason why Sir Reg should not be offered a life peerage. Dr - now Lord - Alderdice could never win the Belfast East seat and was elevated to the Lords; likewise Lord Trimble in Upper Bann. It's also a swift and easy route into Parliament for non-politicians, retired admirals etc, whom the government wishes to appoint ministers or spokesmen; and retiring MPs.
That would be the negative viewpoint. The positive reason would be that the Conservatives wish Sir Reg to have an active role in the Houses of Parliament. So why not?

Tim
18 December 2008 at 13:07
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