It is interesting that this second
“Urquhart” novel was writing after the TV adaptation of the
first, and as such, for example, it takes up the story from the
conclusion of the TV version of House of Cards rather than the book
(they have significantly different endings), and of course it
includes Urquhart's catch phrase “you may think that, I couldn't
possibly comment” which is absent from the first book.
The dynamics of the story line remain
fresh, but one wonders if what counted as career destroying scandal
then retains its relevance today. There is an increasing ability for
senior figures to remain in post amid media storms, or if they do
resign, discover there is a revolving door that brings them back into
Government after an interval (some have even managed to use such a
door on more than one occasion).
The one aspect that did have a potent
contemporary ring was the minor character “the Member for
Dagenham”. That the police, having found him in a compromising
position would an under-age boy, check in with the Home Secretary
before taking formal action and as a result no action is taken as it
would hit a wafer thin Government majority. This is a fiction, but
with the current wave of historic abuse scandals it is clear that it
is not fantasy.
In the early 90s Michael Dobbs. as an
establishment insider, could include that sub-plot and no one batted
an eyelid – we weren't shocked, no one asked Dobbs who was the
inspiration, whether the police really did take such cues from
Goverment etc etc.
I am not suggesting Dobbs needs to be
held accountable for anything, but it is interesting to notice how
society's attitude to addressing the issue of sexual abuse has moved
dramatically in relatively recent years.
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