BBC2 ran an excellent Michael Cockerill programme on Denis Healey last night. Most people were probably watching the Great British Bake Off but it can be viewed on BBC I-player. Healey was referred to 'as the best prime minister Labour never had', but a central message was that he was too volatile and temperamental for the top job.
One of Healey's great merits was his belief in the concept of 'hinterland', that one needed a life beyond politics. With a double first in Classics, he was an erudite individual and was well complemented by his wife, Edna.
I remember once being at a function, I think in the 1980s. The wooden Edward Heath was there, but as usual had no small talk. I turned to Healey, who recited a poem he had recently written.
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