Ask Peter Mannion

I'm Peter Mannion: Secretary of State for The Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. I'm here against my wishes and better judgment, but I've been told to answer your questions. (This is an RP blog, strictly for fun. I have no claims to this character or any other aspect of The Thick of It.)

[askpetermannion]

Don't forget what tomorrow is. Do you have any plans?

I have a card, some flowers, and a table booked at our favourite restaurant. 

[askpetermannion]

after you die, do you think you'll keep showing up to work from habit, like the history of magic professor in harry potter?

Jesus, that's a depressing thought. 

[askpetermannion]

are you saying you like guns? -- an american

I enjoy watching target shooting as a sport. 

[askpetermannion]

hello, mr. peter mannion, I'm Britney S Pierce and can I talk to you for Fondue For Two, the best internet show for cheese and talking to people. My first question is, which is better, wolves or chedder? - Britney S. Pierce, MIT, the math part

Why on earth did I allow Phil to talk me into coming back on this infernal website?

[askpetermannion]

You like the ice dancing as well, dear. Tell them we like the ice dancing.

I also enjoy the one where they ski and then shoot at things and then ski more. 

[askpetermannion]

Still married? I'm thought she had smothered you in your sleep, but then, here you are.

If she were going to murder me, she'd have done it years ago, back when I actually deserved it. 

[askpetermannion]

And it's the demonstration that, with a lot of work, you can get a stone to move. Like DoSAC! -Fergus

And a reminder that even if you do get the stone to move, no one will give a damn. 

[askpetermannion]

Why curling? It's so boring!

As am I. 

[askpetermannion]

What do you think of the Olympics?

I do enjoy watching a bit of curling. 

[askpetermannion]

Good to see you back, Minister. Been on holiday? Or at another thought camp?

I'd forgotten my password and couldn't be bothered to ask Phil what it was. 

[askpetermannion]

Mary. Mary is the one you want to talk to. And after Mary there's Robyn. And after Robyn there's Terry. Definitely not me. -Fergus

Phil is also an option. Just so long as it isn't me. 

[askpetermannion]

mir. mannon Please where the gestbook I HAVE IMPORTANT IDEAS FOR GOVERNMENT

Fergus Williams is the one you want to talk to. Definitely Fergus. Not me. 

[askpetermannion]

If you had to choose between Terri or Stewart, which would you rather be permanently stranded with?

At least with Stewart I wouldn't have to put up with him making eyes at me. 

[askpetermannion]

Do you have any advice for a 30-year-old who feels trapped in government service? Is it too late to get out, or should one stay in the hopes of making a difference?

You will never make a difference in government. Get out now, while you still can. 30 is not too late. 

[askpetermannion]

Unfortunately, my career decision is long behind me and I'm now lying in my bed, as it were. I'm sure you understand: Worthless, incompetent boss; avaricious peers; mediocre underlings; lack of sense of purpose; growing sense of futility; death by a thousand small indignities and not even home in time for dinner.

That does ring a bell. 

[omnishamblestexts]

(201): No amount of beer will make me feel better about this. It’s time for Emergency Whisky

[askpetermannion]

Not a rare occurrence, I’m afraid

[askmalcolmtucker]

Would NOT have figured you for the whisky type - blood of the working class run out or something?

[askpetermannion]

One cannot drink working-class blood on just any occasion. It is meant to be savoured.

[askpetermannion]

Good to see you back, Minister. This place hasn't been the same without your wit. How have things been?

Things have been both remarkably busy and remarkably dull. Which, generally speaking, is a career situation I suggest you avoid.