The phrase “strong and stable government” seems to be derived, possibly even lifted, from the world of corruption and privilege portrayed in The Forsyte Saga: “The night was clear, and he had a longing to hear the voice of his country. But – where? For his countrymen would be discussing this pro and that con, would be mentioning each his personal ‘grief’ – here the income tax, there the dole, the names of leaders, the word Communism. Nowhere would he catch the echo of the uneasiness in the hearts of all. The Tories – as Fleur had predicted – would come in now. The country would catch at the anodyne of ‘strong stable government’. But could strong stable government remove the inherent canker, the lack of balance in the top-heavy realm? Could it still the gnawing ache which everybody felt, and nobody would express?”
Dr David Blazey
Newcastle upon Tyne
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