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Paddy Ashdown |
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Before he began his political career, Paddy Ashdown served in the Royal Marine Commandos and the Special Boat Service (SBS) and afterwards as a member of the Diplomatic Service. In 1983 he became MP for Yeovil, and in 1988 won the leadership election for the new Social and Liberal Democrats. In the May 1997 election he led the Liberal Democrats to their greatest electoral achievement since 1929. He stood down as the party's leader in 1999.
Who - or what - has been your greatest influence?
My greatest influence has undoubtedly been my father. I only saw
him for two years in total from the time I was eleven. But he remains
the person who I most admire and has had most influence upon me.
In the course of your writing, did you turn to any other diarists
for inspiration?
I am fascinated by diaries. I have read, of course, Alan Clark
and also Pepys.
These were guides but I am not sure they were necessary inspirational!
What is your all-time classic read, and why?
In terms of modern novels my classic read is probably Birdsong
by Sebastian Faulks, but I found the ending very disappointing.
I think the writing in Birdsong is some of the best ever in modern
literature. The scene before the battle of the Somme ranks, in my
view, Henry V's speech before Agincourt.
What do you read when you can't get to sleep at night?
I never read before I go to sleep. I am normally asleep within
three nanoseconds. I do all my reading at other times.
Out of all the books you've read in the last year, which has
stayed with you the most?
The book that has most stayed in my memory in the last year is
Frederick the Great, which is a remarkable book about a remarkable
man. I am still reading it!
What are you reading at the moment?
Frederick the Great
