The commentators 11-07-14...on public sector strikes
Yesterday’s strike had a nostalgic feel. The overblown comparisons with the General Strike of 1926 served as a reminder of how much things have changed – the far-Left union barons can create child-care headaches for working mothers, but they can’t really bring the country to a standstill. Even their own members seem to understand that we’re all in this together.
- Fraser Nelson, Daily Telegraph 
The National Union of Teachers, which took part in yesterday’s strikes, opposes many of Michael Gove’s efforts, which it feels aren’t in the best interest of its members. This is unfortunate because the key question is not what’s best for adults; it’s what is best for kids.
- Joel Klein, The Times
David Cameron's back-to-the- future assault on trade unions is badly out of kilter with the present time and public opinion. The million or so public workers on strike yesterday draw on more goodwill than he thinks. That's surprising, in a world where only a quarter of employees belong to unions – more women than men.
- Polly Toynbee, The Guardian
I will be among the thousands who leave teaching this month. Almost the entire political class, supported by their cheerleaders in the system, contributes to the problem by paying lip service, at best, to teachers’ views, and forgetting the purpose of education. Meanwhile, in the worst result of their destructive narrative, children – particularly the most vulnerable – will grow up with role models who put themselves ahead of others, have grown cynical from the job, or who disappear from their lives all too often.
- Chris Sloggett, The Independent 
Vote for your favourite commentators Stevie Spring
The annual Editorial Intelligence comment awards were officially launched yesterday with the announcement of the seventy-strong panel of judges to be led by Stevie Spring, chair of Children in Need.
They include Lorraine Heggessey, Nihal Arthanayake, Karren Brady, Damian Barr, Lynne Franks, Nicky Gavron, Laura Kuenssberg, Adrian Monck and Kirsty Lang. Anyone is invited to nominate their favourite commentators for the awards, which are divided into 16 categories. There is no charge for entry.
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