Benn still has much to say

HE might admit that Ali G "completely took me in" but there's no dipsuting the iconic politician Tony Benn still has much to say.

With his easy conversational style, he appeared totally at ease at Ipswich's Corn Exchange last night.

Starting with serious discussion on such weighty themes as the recession, war and the nature Indulging his audience with a question and answer session, Mr Benn drew on his decades of experience, his political past and his startlingly alert 84-year-old brain throughout the entertaining evening.

An entertaining speaker by anyone's standards, Mr Benn was unfazed by the raft of questions posed by an audience hungry for his views.

He is against university fees, nuclear power and the crown powers invested in the Prime Minister.

He is opposed to war, and Africa, not western muscle flexing, holds the solution to Zimbabwe's troubles.

He is despairing of NATO and concerned about the rise of the far right.

He doesn't believe in giants of politics and banks have for too long been little more than casinos.

Quick witted and full of insight, Tony Benn remains informed on a vast variety of subjects.

And whether you agree with him or not it from his vast experience at the heart of national and international affairs he gleans his authority.

Mr Benn is fun and lovable, serious and informed all at the same time. Describing his role as the nation's classroom assistant, he yearns to encourage.

And judging by last night's standing ovation he is an undeniable a treasure of our political and national life.

JAMES MARSTON