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What is the greatest strength of today's Britain?
Her stolid people.
What is the greatest weakness of today's Britain?
Our acceptance that the state knows best.
Where, when do you feel closest to God?
At St. Hubert's, Dunsop Bridge, where my mother is buried.
Has devolution been good for Britain?
Bad for Britain but, although currently pretty uninspiring, it could be good for Scotland if the calibre of Scottish politicians improves.
Do politics and Christianity mix?
Of course. Christianity is the underpinning on which my political views are built.
Where is the centre ground of British politics?
In the best bits of the Tory party; the bits that talk of a proper balance between rights and responsibilities.
Do you have a political hero?
I have two: Henry II, a king to die for, and Benjamin Disraeli, a man "never respectable" but who invented the term "greasy pole" and who was, in the words of his rival Gladstone, like a "vast, magnificent castle in an Italian romance".
Is the media too powerful in modern Britain?
No. When Parliament is a poodle, the media needs to be a rottweiler.
If you had to name a false idol worshipped by modern Britons what would it be?
Only one? Can I have Britart and celebrity cookbooks?
Which of the Ten Commandments does society most need to relearn?
Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbour's Goods.
Who is your favourite author?
Evelyn Waugh.
What is your hope for the 21st century?
Oh, you know, peace, love and to get to the end of it without making things worse.
Which foreign country do you most respect?
I love the "can do" of the USA but I also find the "why bother?" of hot, Latin countries horribly seductive.
How will the Conservatives regain the trust of the British people?
By telling them the truth: that the state is not a fairy godmother; that government has a limited role; and that the best hope for people lies within
themselves.
How do you relax?
I play the piano.
What do you most look forward to?
Christmas, going out to lunch and, now that I cannot hunt since I live in Glasgow, stalking.
Related links
Katie is a member of the Scottish Conservative and Churches Forum
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