Posted by Christopher Mc on Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Under: Affairs
I always enjoy the fringe stories that you discover around the main news stories. Obviously the resignation of Michael Martin as Speaker of the British House of Commons is a massive story. Almost universally regarded as a dreadful Speaker, he is the first to be forced out of office since 1695.
Which brings us to the guy above - the last incumbent to be forced to go, Sir John Trevor, who took a bribe of a thousand guineas to aid the passage of a bill. One or two interesting things about him. He represented Newry in the Irish House of Commons from 1692-1695 at the same time as he was Speaker in the English House.
But really the most interesting thing, as can clearly be seen from the picture, is that he was cross-eyed which apparently resulted in much merriment and frustration as MPs tried to catch his eye, or presuming that they had, began to speak.
Catholic, Carmelite, Husband, Father, Reader of all sorts of books, Writer of occasional letters, Viewer of lots of TV and movies, Lover of tea, Hater of coffee. Anything I write is my own opionion and is not intended to represent the views of any organisation with which I have a connection. You can email me at "blog at live.ie" (replace the "at" with @). Don't be shy. To comment, click on the title of post. You have to include a name and email but fake ones work fine. Make sure there's an @ in the email.
Catholic, Carmelite, Husband, Father, Reader of all sorts of books, Writer of occasional letters, Viewer of lots of TV and movies, Lover of tea, Hater of coffee. Anything I write is my own opionion and is not intended to represent the views of any organisation with which I have a connection. You can email me at "blog at live.ie" (replace the "at" with @). Don't be shy. To comment, click on the title of post. You have to include a name and email but fake ones work fine. Make sure there's an @ in the email.
