[Jerome Betts]

At the bottom of an old pewter quart tankard, among the things I've just come across is a tiny undated newspaper cutting with the following by Quintin Hogg (1907-2001) the half-American UK politician who nearly became Prime Minister in 1963 when Harold Macmillan resigned.

While rehearsing her part, that of Puck,
A Shakespearean actress got stuck
But, not having heard
Of that four-letter word,
She merely remarked, 'What bad luck!'

[John Whitworth]

Qunitin Hog, who was Lor Hailsham twice, was a poet, as was Enoch Powell. President Carter wrote poetry. So did Harold Wilson's wife. And the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress. Giants inhabited the earth in those days.

I wonder if Nigel Farage could do a limerick.

[Nigel Mace]

As a limerick writer Farage,
Sought escape in this strange camouflage,
When reporters asked,“Why?”
He could only reply,
“Have you met UKIP's mad entourage?”

[Adrian Fry]

There's a future Speccie comp in here somewhere. Lots of unexpected people write poems - Stalin and Mao both did - and why shouldn't they?

[Brian Allgar]

Originally Posted by Adrian Fry

There's a future Speccie comp in here somewhere. Lots of unexpected people write poems - Stalin and Mao both did - and why shouldn't they?

Or a past one, Adrian. Take a look at Speccie 2858, where once again, I inexplicably failed to win.

[John Whitworth]

Oh ye ogf little faith!

Nigel 'Kipper' Farage is so stellar
He is really one helluva feller.
When he’s calling the shots
He will see off the Scots
With a flick of his golfing umbrella.

[Jerome Betts]

Nigel F's a political hoker,
A populist chancer and joker
Supported by squads
Of absurd odds and sods
And should have remained just a broker.

[Brian Allgar]

Odd that you should say that, John, as I have just received a curious communication from Mr. Farage's press office:

Hi, I’m Nige, patriotic and strong;
Vote for me, and you cannot go wrong.
(But if you are black,
We’ll be sending you back
To the place where you really belong.)