Sibling Rivalry

[olddutch]

Watched part of Newsnight Labour Leadership Debate the other night - but the thought that kept recurring was how strange that Blood Brothers could stand against each other - namely the Milibands.

David Miliband, the long time heir apparent to the Labour Leadership, has said at the hustings "If I thought that Ed would be a better leader of the opposition or prime minister, I'd be running his campaign," This was followed by an “I’m watching you” sideways eye from Miliband the elder to Miliband the younger, which looked altogether like the senior brother pulling rank. Ed Miliband took some time to recover his composure thereafter, which was duly noted by audience and panel alike.

When interviewed by Channel 4 News political editor Gary Gibbon why he was running against his brother, he responded: "I think that's a question you'd have to ask to Ed." Gary Gibbon says that was the only glimmer of a frustration that is generally very well hidden but he is told it is keenly felt. On the occasions when David Miliband was tempted to topple Gordon Brown it was his brother Ed who “begged and begged and begged” him not to try to topple Gordon Brown and to wait for a vacancy. Now there is a vacancy David Miliband felt pained that his brother decided to join in the contest. The contest is sure to place a strain on the sibling relationship. Ed Miliband has launched a website to counter that which the elder brother has set up.

Do you find sibling rivalry on this scale just a little strange, unbecoming and potentially further damaging to their personal relationship ?

[wooliej]

Yes - of course they'll both miss out and we'll end up with Balls in charge.

[tamborine]

Not rivalry, there's a vacancy to be filled & both feel they 'are the best' to fill it.

Hope Dave' wins.