Business Secretary Vince Cable has claimed that the worship of youth is subsiding after recently hinting that he may run for leadership of the Liberal Democrats.
Cable, who is 69 years old, stated that "people who have had some insight into what is going on" are becoming more appreciated in public life.
Writing in a commentary for the Daily Mail, columnist Dr Robert Lefever responded to the remarks by challenging Cable over his political record and public comments. Lefever questioned why Cable calls himself Vince if he opposes youth culture, and asked why he has not taken action as a government minister if he knows what is going on.
Cable serves as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the United Kingdom coalition government. The Liberal Democrats formed the governing coalition alongside the Conservative Party following the general election in 2010.
Leadership contest and party politics
Lefever acknowledged that Cable commands more respect within the Liberal Democrats than party leader Nick Clegg. However, Lefever said Cable hesitates before making an open bid for the position. Clegg has served as leader of the Liberal Democrats and as Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition administration.
The commentary noted that Cable possesses experience in the business world, unlike political figures Dave, George, Ed and Nick, whom Lefever described as "mere striplings". The names refer to Prime Minister David Cameron, Chancellor George Osborne, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Lefever questioned whether Cable has made valuable use of his commercial background, or if his posturings on the sins of bankers and newspaper proprietors are merely grandstandings playing to the sandalled gallery.
National challenges and Cabinet call
Lefever warned that the country is looking into the abyss of social disintegration, Euro-meltdown and Middle East war. He argued that the Liberal Democrats, with or without Cable leading them, would steer the nation straight onto the rocks. He added that wind farms will not provide the economic power needed to restore national economic health and avoid catastrophe.
Lefever stated that Cable should follow his natural instincts by resigning his Cabinet post and standing for party leadership on a ticket of leaving the Coalition. He added that Cable should then return to the position of total irrelevance that he occupied before joining the government.
Closing his commentary, Lefever suggested that sensible mature heads in the unelected House of Lords can do their best to influence government toward saving the country. The House of Lords functions as the upper chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament, providing scrutiny of government legislation.
