Amateurism has its place in government, in journalism and also on the tennis court, but lack of expertise means politicians routinely promise far more than they achieve. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
The skills necessary to change nappies or negotiate Brexit are obviously very different, but both involve a great deal of trust in the competence… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
The country I live in is never clear about its name. My passport says 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,' and… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
Personally, I hope that we British continue to criticise America - just as I hope Americans will criticise us. That is what friends do. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
As a teenager in Scotland, I had American friends, sons and daughters of officers at a U.S. Air Force base. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
There's no doubt that prog rock has an image problem: many musicians hate the label, and too many people associate it with 10-minute drum… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
The Cold War, Bosnia and Ukraine remind us that peace is fragile. Iraq and Syria remind us that no society or culture is immune… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
Let me say it up front: I don't like bad hair or capes. I'm not into witches, warlocks or elves. I would never try… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
Government is not a game show, though at times it is amusing and entertaining to watch. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
My alphabet book at Duddingston Primary, Edinburgh, began traditionally with 'a is for apple,' but when it came to 'g,' it was 'g is… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
Democratic government is difficult. It is much more difficult than populists claim. It's not like running a business or a police force. It demands… — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
American elections have usually turned on the issues of war, peace and the economy. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
At seven years old, I won a scholarship to George Heriot's School, an independent school in Edinburgh, and I was there until I was 17. — Gavin Esler Copy Share Image
