It was at quarter to five on Friday morning that I realised I hated George Galloway. 'Hate' is perhaps too strong a word, too negative, too emotional, because I'm a calm and rational human being and I don't think I've genuinely hated anyone in my life. Maybe 'loathe' would be more accurate. However, Gorgeous George's smug refusal to answer any of Jeremy Paxman's questions finally flipped an irreversible switch inside my brain and elevated my new MP to a position of total abhorrence. I was surprised by my reaction, shocked even, because extremely few people in my life ever reach this level of personal repugnance. But there is a very small, select group of people who I really really dislike and for whom I feel a genuine revulsion. This group probably numbers less than ten people in total, which I don't think is bad out of a world population of six billion, but George is very definitely the latest addition. And I wondered why.
One particular former boss of mine was particularly detestable, not least because he replaced someone at the other end of the niceness spectrum. This grinning beast swanned into his new post with a level of incompetence that defied his position, then proceeded to take credit for the achievements of those beneath him. And yet to those outside his immediate circle he appeared charming and capable because he played the system perfectly. I was looking for a new job within six weeks of his arrival. Another former work colleague of mine was a lazy waster who always found the easiest way to meet any commitment. His underlings never did any real work, they were just kept entertained, but they and the outside world loved him for his supposed brilliance. His entire reputation was a sham, and I strongly resented the way he appeared so dedicated while doing so very little.
On Friday morning, as a new day dawned over Bethnal Green and Bow, I finally worked out the common characteristics of this tiny band of people that I truly hate loathe. It's not just that I disagree with their point of view, otherwise I'd hate most of the politicians on the planet. It's not even that I think these people are lazy, or mendacious, or offensive, although they are all these things too. No, the key trigger that makes someone contemptible in my eyes is a self-centred nature that refuses to recognise or appreciate any other viewpoint, coupled with a total inability to utter the word 'sorry'. And, perhaps more importantly, a superhuman and irresistible charisma that lures others into a state of unquestioning adoration, making these followers oblivious to any external voice of reason. Such a charm offensive was precisely why I fell for my ex, about whom the less said the better, except to say that I have no desire to become a con artist's unwitting disciple ever again. Mr Galloway, you're in good company. And I'm glad that, in working out why you're on my very short shortlist of hate, I've learnt a little bit more about myself. But I hope it's a long time before anyone else in my life plumbs similar depths, by George.
