Mr McDonnell also attempted to justify his mentioning "Britain's occupation of Northern Ireland" by suggesting he had to use language that the Republicans would understand so as to present both sides of the argument. He also suggested that without his efforts and inane utterings "we would not have the peace in Northern Ireland that we have today". Perhaps he should have glanced at the news from 9th September:
"A political crisis has been sparked in Northern Ireland following the murder of former IRA man Kevin McGuigan Sr. Police have said they believe IRA members were involved in the shooting."
Mr McDonnell came across as a shifty, insincere creep. His apologies and explanations were simply a load of excrement. As has been said, none of these would have been forthcoming had he had not had high office unexpectedly thrust upon him. (The best one of his insincereties was his explanation of Mr Corbyn's failure to sing the National Anthem at the Battle of Britain service. Apparently he was deep in thought and remembrance. Yeah, right).
The amount of air time he received on QT last night was preposterous. I know many of the questions related to the Labour Leadership. But other panelsts were entitled to some time too and, particularly in the first half of the programme, Mr McDonnell was omnipresent.
The Labour Party has elected leader who promises to give the electorate a different kind of politics. His performance thusfar and the selection of his Shadow government ceryainly confirms that.