Miscellaneous
Matthew O’Toole (@MatthewOToole2) worked in the centre of government during the biggest crisis in modern British politics. He was a senior press officer for both David Cameron and Theresa May, focusing especially on Europe. He is comfortable with his complicated Irish identity, and he tried to persuade both Prime Ministers to engage more with Ireland. Unfortunately, whereas Cameron wanted the Remain campaign to be all about facts and figures, May was more interested in internal Tory politics. As Matthew notes, Ireland has always frustrated the Conservatives’ vision of Britain as a peaceful and wholly sovereign state. This is why it’s the most difficult problem in the Brexit negotiations. Matthew and Aaron (@aaronhughellis) also discuss their favourite Coen brothers’ films... You can read about Matthew’s time in No. 10 here: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/ireland-an-afterthought-during-brexit-campaign-when-i-was-cameron-adviser-1.3242732?mode=amp ‘Open Country’ is over halfway to its £1000 fundraising goal. If you would like to help us reach it, just click this link and donate: https://www.crowdpac.co.uk/campaigns/3882/podcast-for-progressives If you would like to get in touch, email our new address open@ulixes.co.uk Music: ‘Surprising Power’ by Art of Escapism