Bagehot Peter's pet

摘要

During the general-election campaign of 1997 Peter Mandelson made a public appearance with a bulldog. The dog, whose name was Fitz, supposedly embodied patriotism and resolve: "It is a completely New Labour dog," Mr Mandelson explained. Fitz was a truculent beast, straining on the leash and inopportunely lying down. Twelve years later Lord Mandelson, as he is now, has another pet. This one also tries, not altogether persuasively, to embody Britishness and determination. He too is Lord Mandelson's creature. His name is Gordon Brown.