Here is the latest nomination in our series highlighting people David Cameron should consider appointing to the House of Lords.
If you would like to nominate someone, please email Jonathan Isaby with your suggestion, ideally including key arguments for
the nomination as well as biographical information. The sources of nominations will be treated confidentially where
requested.
No. 28: Ruth Dudley Edwards
A reader writes:
"Ruth Dudley Edwards, born in Dublin, has been one of the most persistent critics of Irish Republicanism and an unlikely champion of the Ulster Unionists. She first came to prominence as an award-winning biographer of Patrick Pearse; since then, as a historian, she has turned her attention to diverse subjects as official historian of 'The Economist' and historian of the Orange Order.
"She is now known for her forthright columns in the Irish and British press, in which she turns her attention to a wide variety of causes. Her satirical crime novels have poked fun at the British establishment, including the House of Lords itself, but, as a Peer, she would be sure to show the same determination and commitment as the admirable heroine of these novels, Baroness Troutbeck.
"It is unlikely that Ruth would be comfortable being labelled a Conservative, but she is sure to stand up against political correctness, the excesses of the EU, and would be a firm supporter of the moderate Unionist cause."
As has been the case with at least one previous nomination, this nominee would probably prefer to sit as a Crossbencher rather than as a Conservative, but I think she fits the overall mould of having a conservative world view. You can read her recent journalism on her website.
Jonathan Isaby
> Previous nomination: Dr Prem Sharma
