We already know that Lord Mandelson is the self-styled hero of his own personal drama, living in a world created and fashioned by his vivid imagination, and affording spectators much amusement. It's important, however, to be aware that Mandy is chiefly a work of art, not reality. Reading Rachel Sylvester's column yesterday, I began to wonder if the distinction is becoming blurred, since Rachel seems to have joined His Lordship in his own work of fiction. Was there ever a more improbable scene than this reported exchange (alluding, presumably, to breakfast at Waddesdon, chez Rothschild)? I quote:
'Lord Mandelson seems determined not to be blamed for switching off what one friend calls “Gordon’s life support machine”. But there is no doubt that he has become increasingly disillusioned with Mr Brown. At breakfast in a stately home a couple of months ago a small child asked him why he continued to back the Prime Minister. “That’s the only toy I have to play with,” he replied archly.'
Try imagining the "small child" asking such a question and then ask yourself - is this life - or art?
