Not just 'Juncker the Drunker' but the 'Drugger', too!

However, let me quickly make clear that the story in the European edition of The Times does not suggest that Mr. Juncker is on crack cocaine or even 'waccy baccy'.  No, no, this exemplary civil servant is on pain-killers because of problems with his kidney stones.  Gosh, I wonder what caused that?

Anyway, despite having his office in Luxembourg refurbished at our expense for a mere  €310,000 and thereby only 'working' three days a week in Brussels, we are assured that he is hurling himself body and soul into the job.  Some sneak snitched this to The Times:

It has emerged since Mr Juncker took on the job, which commands a salary of  €293,000, that he often works only a three-day week in the commission’s  Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels. On other days he works in Luxembourg. A  Brussels insider said the role of president was not a part-time post. “You  have to be on the ground in Brussels to have a firm grip,” he said.  “Concerns have been raised. No one doubts he is a hard worker; the questions  have been about whether he has the stamina to play such a demanding role.”

However, a 'spokesman', yes, there's always plenty of them around, said this:

A spokesman for the commission refused to “dignify rumours” about Mr Juncker’s  performance. However, he declined to give details about how many days a week  the president worked in Brussels.

“He works five days a week,” said the spokesman. “He has seen 64 heads of  state and government here in the Berlaymont. He has seen and done everything  expected of him as president of the European Commission.”

Gosh - 64 heads of state!  No wonder the poor man needs a drink - or four - or more - to get through the day.  We're lucky to have him, really!

 

Comments

[Whitewall]

Golly, 64 heads of state. I would have kidney stones too. Come to think on it, 4 or 5 would do it to me. I would also have restless leg syndrome, carpel tunnel troubles from all that "grip and grin" routine.

[David Duff]

Yes, I know, the poor man suffers for us all here in the, er, 'European Union'. Still, I expect his pension will see him comfortably through his old age with a constant supply of the very best in single malt whisky!

[jimmy glesga]

That man and the rest of the gravy train is a good reason to get out.

[AussieD]

I could never understand why the UK joined the EU. It is the antithesis of everything generations of Brits struggled for - individual choice and freedom.

[backofanenvelope]

Why did we join? Because we were a nation in decline. The head of the Civil Service said that his job was managing our decline. The Americans kicked us in the crutch over Suez and it seemed the French had conned the Germans to keep them in the style they expected. So we joined. Then Margaret Thatcher appeared. She grabbed the Americans by the goolies and kicked the French in the crutch. We should have left then, but we didn't. We won't get out now unless the whole thing collapses.

[David Duff]

Tut, tut, not quite proper Foreign Office language, BOE, but more or less spot on!

[jimmy glesga]

Selywn Lloyd did the deal on behalf of our government with the French and Israel to Invade Suez. Israel bubbled all to the Yanks and Britain and the Frogs retreated. After that the British Empire and the frog Colonies were doomed. Our friends the Yanks rejoiced being the new kid on the block and Anthony Eden resigned. A decent bloke. So MacMillan another decent bloke had to smile and carry on regardless. That Yank Dulles who hated the British must have had a multiple orgasm. Such is politics. So much for friends. That is why we must keep own nuclear detterent. Proud to be British.