Home Opinion Columnists Elaine C Smith

England Is Gord's Country

SOUNDING more and more like his new best pal Thatcher, Gordon Brown made an impressive conference speech - aimed at middle England.

He basically said: "Don't worry, I might be a Scot but I'm a good Christian and so British."

There were 71 mentions of Britain or Britishness but not one about Iraq or Afghanistan.

It's like the wars are forgotten. Are we so relieved to be rid of Blair that anything Big Gordon does is fine? But it is a relief Labour has woken up to the fact they can govern without Tone.

He's been offered a £4million advance for his memoirs and the Blairs will need it after spearheading the spending boom with all their property.

They must be as mortgaged to the hilt as the rest of us. Wonder if they have a good deal? Hope it isn't with Northern Rock!

Read more Elaine C Smith

Only take kids to McDonald's if it's a treat

NEWS that salt and fat in Mickey Ds is the reason we all flock to the fast food giant makes us all say: "Well, d'oh!" Read

Abba DVD is my Waterloo

WELL Mamma Mia! has really done the business with sales at record levels for the DVD...and yes, I was one of those who bought it. But not for me, for my daughters who love it. I would rather watch paint dry than Meryl Streep and Co warble through Abba's back catalogue but who am I to go against the masses? All I get from the DVD is great songs - not sung all that well - with a pretty rubbish story but if you want a fun singalong escape, then I suppose it's ideal. Read