JO: are you concerned at the state of things ?

V: I do think so, yes.

JO: Just give me a feeling for … or are you so bloody busy that you can’t really ..

V: no, not at all … as far as my career, life is very busy, but looking at … on a reflective point of view, when I get home .. [ ] … I think we are in a very confused state … and when you think the people at the top are confused, what hope have you got really?

JO: Who are you thinking of?

V: The Prime Minister. She’s very …

JO: you are not convinced?

V: No, I need leadership. We need strength.

JO: Is there anyone that fits the bill or not really?

V: It’s hard to say.

JO: it doesn’t have to be a politician. Are there any other sort of non-political voices … well not non-political … non-politician voices ? … No one’s coming to mind immediately …

V: it’s difficult … it’s quite difficult because I don’t think anybody knows what is going on … even at the top … so a solution is going to be completely complex and very long-winded .. which the country doesn’t need that … we need stability …

JO: something now?

V: something now.

JO: My view is … well, it’s not just my view, but I think we are in an emergency situation because apparently we’ve only 5 years or so to sort the climate out, otherwise it’s going to sort us out.

I do think when you have strong leadership – you know – motivation motivates. That’s what it does. And the woman couldn’t motivate a paper bag at the minute. I do apologise but she couldn’t.

V: Most definitely. Well, yes. You only see the news and you know, the latest weather …

JO: So you feel like you’d take it .. you’d know what to do a bit more if there was a bit more leadership.

V: we do need leaders because whether you are an academic or whether you are somebody who struggles with fundamental issues … I don’t …. [ ] … I do think when you have strong leadership … you know … motivation motivates. That’s what it does. And the woman couldn’t motivate a paper bag at the minute. I do apologise but she couldn’t. Well, if she can’t motivate me and she looks very concerned and very wide eyed …. it doesn’t really …

JO: I share that impression. Thanks very much. You’re a natural. You should do this more often.

V: Thank you.

 

 

 

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