Morning:
9°c
Dealing with Obama regime ‘unbelievably hard’ says mandarin
Nicholas Cecil10.03.09
Btitain's top civil servant has revealed how hard dealing with the US has become since the handover to Barack Obama's administration, with the G20 summit a particular problem.
Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell said Downing Street was finding it “unbelievably difficult” to prepare with Washington for the crucial G20 summit in London on 2 April.
He said No 10 was even having trouble getting in touch with key personnel at the American treasury department. “There is nobody there,” he told a civil service conference in Gateshead. “You cannot believe how difficult it is.”
Sir Gus criticised the American system of new administrations appointing their own senior civil servants, saying it would be “absolute madness” to introduce similar rules here.
“You get to a certain point, and you can't go any further,” he said. “If there's a change of administration, you're out, and a whole new bunch of people come in who probably haven't been in government before.”
A Cabinet Office spokesman said his comments were taken out of context: “The Government continues to work closely with all the nations and organisations involved in the G20 summit.
“He was asked whether Britain should adopt a US-style politically-appointed senior civil service and simply made the point that such a system can create short-term challenges in maintaining contacts and relationships.”
The G20 preparations were also hit by criticism of ministers for spending £6,000 on a logo for the summit to tackle the economic crisis.
Shadow treasury minister Greg Hands said: “The Government should be setting an example. Six thousand pounds for a logo for a summit seems excessive.”
The Government was urged to rein in the costs of the gathering of world leaders, with the Foreign Office estimating the total cost would be £19 million.
Taxpayers already have to foot a £6 million bill for event production firm Feltech/MRG to help stage the summit and security will also cost millions.
Tens of thousands of pounds are expected to be spent on hospitality, nearly £200,000 is being spent on a project co-ordinator and two events delivery co-ordinators, more than £50,000 has been allocated to pay for two moderating editors for the London summit webpage and design agency Start Creative has won a contract worth £40,550.
Reader views (28)
Why am I not surprized that more and more people are beginning to see this man and who he really is and what he stands for. This is indeed an interesting time to be alive. The next 3 yrs and ten months are going to be quite interesting. It seams to me that Mr. Obama is way better at being a canidate than a president. Ya think?
- Arno M Betts, Deer Isle Maine
Thanks UK for being such a good friend. Please don't let this clown change that. Just humour him for a few more years and hopefully it will all get back to normal.
- Angela, Jonesborough, TN, USA
All I can say is welcome to my nightmare....one that this country won't wake up from for about 3 yrs 10months
- Jeffrey, Sandy Springs, GA USA
The fact is that The Ineligible-Affirmative-Action-President O'Bama simply doesn't have to follow civilized protocols because his arrogance and personal experiences have exempted him. He is exempted from proving his eligibility to occupy the Office of President. He can disrespect the special relationship the US has enjoyed with Great Britain by returning the bust of the Lion of the 20th Century and providing a trivial gift in response to the well-intentioned overtures of Prime Minister Brown during his recent visit. The Affirmative-Action First Lady is exempted from adhering to expected courtesies toward the Prime Minister's wife. O'Bama is exempted from appointing law-abiding honorable individuals to his cabinet. He is exempted from answering any phone calls from stalwart allies, but he can arrogantly pander to our mutual enemies.
Britain's long history has included the occasionally arrogant and incompetant royalty, so I am confident that you will recognize our current unqualified Ineligible-Affirmative-Action-President as a temporary phenomenon and accept my humble apology on his behalf. I hope you return Churchill's bust after the current embarassment passes into history.
- Rational Geezer, Round Rock, TX
Just get use to the idea of government that does NOT make sense. Alot of the world seems to want a weaker America and this president seems to want the same thing...SAD. Not only for us but for the rest of the world, too.
- Steve, Charlotte USA
I'd like to apologize to our friends across the pond for this (and the atrocious behavior of this administration when Mr. Brown visited). But this is the man the vast majority of Brits wanted to win the election. We tried to warn you and we were dismissed as 'haters', etc... ad nauseum. Now, if you will listen: This is just the beginning. These diplomatic stumbles will perist and, worse yet, as he tanks our economy yours will surely follow.
- Ty, Raleigh, USA
Dear UK (and Associated):
The Obama administration is going to be difficult for you to work with. They are Americans In Name Only.
Let me say that most real Americans love the Brits, Aussies, Scots, Irish, Kiwis, and so on. It is a wonderful source of comfort that all you great allies are out there.
- Jeff, Austin, TX
None of Obama's friends can be bothered to pay their taxes, so executive branch positions will sit empty until he can find an unqualified campaign donor that does. With a celebrity president comes the huge ego, so don't look for things to get any easier.
- Greg Burton, Atlanta, GA USA
When do we start the Revolution???
- Sonja Rhea, Atlanta, GA
The only thing I can say is, I was one of the 58 million who did not fall for his rubbish. I find it pretty hilarious, you all got fooled by the Messiah.
- Terri, tallahassee, florida
I thought Europe had been granted its fondest wish. So why now the complaints?
- Mclee, Huntsville, Texas, USA
Only two ways this ends.
1. The states exert their rights under 9A and 10A of the Bill of Rights; or
2. The people will.
If the people have to do it, it's going to look like the French Revolution.
- Wil, Syracuse, NY USA
Before our election, all of Britain and Europe were drooling over Obama. You guys could not wait for George Bush's exit so you could get The One, The Messiah. Well, enjoy! By the time he is finished with us, his socialist economic policies and appeasement foreign policy will ensure that China will be the world's only super power. One hopes Lincoln was correct when he said, "......, but you can't fool all the people all the time." We can only pray that the majority of the American people will wake up to this "Manchurian Candidate" before it is too late to save our freedom, yes, even our country.
- Pat, Guntersville, AL USA
It Takes MORE than A Speech about Hope & Change To Govern. This Guy Is in Way way Way over his Head and,he
is also stuck in his fix the world fantasies!!!!
- John Perez, hicksville ny
Some of the most honest and diligent reporting about who Barack Obama was and is came from the UK. Not much came from the adoring American press. However, your people clamored for the mystical negro to the point of being cult followers ready to drink the Jim Jones Kool Aid if he was not elected. Now that he's here - - I guess you guys better get used to it and start looking for somebody else to back for president in this country.
- Kens, Charleston SC USA
You Brits hated the 'cowboy', not sufficiently intellectual, now you may kiss the ONE's whatever! You just have to get used to the Messiah for not answering the phone:A)his thugs forgot to put a telepromter next to the phone,B) he does not know how to treat an old ally, in fact, his days as a community 'organizer' were about the only skills Hussein had. And he is tired! All the things that come across his desk!! It's easy to criticize, but Bush got things going while this one fiddles & Wall Street burns. Don't call on Wednesdays, it's his party day, Thursday's he is hung over, then he has to escape to Camp David because he needs a rest!This man child is incompetent, clueless & a complete embarrassment for the country! Hey, put another gazillion $ bill on my desk, I want to sign something & give the world the impression I am 'ruling' (not being aware our Presidents 'govern')!This clown wants the perks of the office, but none of the work!
- Von Rochow, NYC, USA
What, you mean the rest of the world is waking up and realizing what 48 MILLION of us realized before the election? That this guy - and his administration - is all smoke and mirrors?
As my husband likes to say every time he hears our dear leader, "Pay no attention to the man you see behind the curtain!"
- Janet, Philadelphia, Pa
Please accept my apology for the way your Prime Minister was treated while visiting Washington. Our president is an embarrasment of the highest order. Next time, skip DC and let us show you a bit of Texas hospitality.
- Jim, Central Texas, USA
I was dissapointed for Europe who so had such high hopes for President to now realize that he is an empty suit with an attitude problem.
Just because he can read a good speech doesn't mean he is a good leader. It's not the "system" of appointing new senior civil staff, it's the man in charge (or not) who is not doing his job properly.
He had 3 months before he took the oath of office to get his staff in order but he chose to jet around playing "President-Elect" instead and show off his physique in Hawaii to the tittilation of the American Press. Now it's two months into his term and he hasn't filled even the most critical of positions with the world and US being in a crisis.
I'm sorry that the USA and the world has to deal with this man.
And I'm sorry he treated your Prime Minister so poorly. Please rest assured that the American people were horrified by this rude and unforgivable treatment and consider the UK an ally and friend. Most of the PEOPLE here would fight for you guys and appreciate the sacrifices you have made on our behalf after 09/11.
Thank you!
- Michelle, Atlanta Ga. USA
Barrack Hussein Obama is a little boy and has just flipped you Brits the bird. Get used to it; he does that to us every day. He's destroying our economy and he'll destroy yours, too, if he can.
- Kitty, Upstate NY, USA
Might as well get use to it. Obama does not like you.
- Ralph Woods, Avondale USA
Why would anybody want to talk to this government, it would be a complete waste of time.
- David, Fleet UK
Correct. There is no one there. Best statement made about the Obama administration since Jan.
- Rebecca, NYC USA
I'm ambivalent regarding Britain's complaints. On the one hand you have been a staunch ally through thick and thin despite your socialist tendencies; on the other hand pretty much everyone in Britain was rooting for Obambi to be elected, while dismissing G.W. as a dumb cowboy. Like they say, be careful what you wish for Great Britain.
- Robert, Vancouver, WA USA
Unless Obama wants something from you, don't expect to hear from him.
- Kathleen H, connecticut, USA
Has anyone thought of video conferencing?
- John O'Meara, London
This is one of the main reasons conservatives opposed Obama, for his lack of experience. Now we're paying for it with the Obama admin making fools of themselves, snubbing our closest ally, and clueless about diplomacy. Bush "the cowboy" was at least courteous, and not totally indifferent/ignorant about diplomatic protocol. I suspect Europe will soon be wistful for the days of George W. Bush.
- Nate, Austin, TX
Yeah, they have rumbled Mugabroon and his plans and want no part of it!
- Hugh, Middx
