[David Anthony]

The word is that Carol Ann Duffy has been informally offered, and will accept, the Brit Poet Laureateship, succeeding Andrew Motion.
One commentator described the job as a "double-edged chalice".
Duffy was the favourite last time round, but it seems that Tony Blair vetoed her appointment because of her sexual orientation.

[Duncan Gillies MacLaurin]

Could you post a link, David? I read somewhere that this will be three firsts: first woman, first Scot, and wasn't the third one first non-heterosexual?

She's a brave woman, that's for sure! Changing the system from within?

Duncan

[John Whitworth]

I've met Carol Anne. She's about as Scots as my bottom. Less, come to that since my mother was Scots and therefore... Oh well, with Kate Winslet claiming to be working class...

As for the last, didn't you know that Tennyson was a cross-dresser? And Masefield's love of sailors is well-documented.

[Duncan Gillies MacLaurin]

Well, John, I was just quoting the article from memory. There were three firsts, I recall.

But FYI Carol Ann Duffy’s parents are both Glaswegian, and she lived in Glasgow till she was six. She may not openly reveal her Scottish roots, but they're certainly there.

Duncan

[Duncan Gillies MacLaurin]

Pre-empting you, David, perhaps.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...t-1674745.html

I see "openly gay" is what is one of the two firsts. The article doesn't say she'll be the first Scottish Poet Laureate. I must have dreamt that up. Has there ever been a Scottish Poet Laureate?

Duncan

[Shaun J. Russell]

Originally Posted by Duncan Gillies MacLaurin

Pre-empting you, David, perhaps.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...t-1674745.html

I see "openly gay" is what is one of the two firsts. The article doesn't say she'll be the first Scottish Poet Laureate. I must have dreamt that up. Has there ever been a Scottish Poet Laureate?

Duncan

There has never been a Scottish Poet Laureate, no...but Walter Scott was offered the post upon Henry James Pye's death and turned it down.

[Holly Martins]

Why does Carol Anne have to think so long about it? Either you fancy the job or you don't.

[Alex Stewart]

I think because she did want it before the last appointment, but when she was turned down with all the rumours of it being about sexual orientation, it sort of stung quite a bit. Plus, the Poet Laureate position doesn't always lend itself to producing good poetry.

[Holly Martins]

Originally Posted by Alex Stewart

the Poet Laureate position doesn't always lend itself to producing good poetry.

Well you certainly said a mouthful there, Alex. Can anyone remember the last great ceremonial poem a Poet Laureate wrote? The post is a chimera, no one could walk into the job and start writing fabulous poems about the Royal Family and all their doings. The best thing is to be offered the post then publicly turn it down - like Alan Bennett snubbing his K. - you get the kudos of everyone knowing you're up to the job without actually having to do it.

[John Whitworth]

They did ask me but I had to turn it down. Too busy entering competitions in The Spectator and The Oldie. The Queen was very understanding, particularly when I told her I was kneeling by the phone