Family matters

“Only those that have held the office of prime minister can understand the full weight of its responsibilities and its great capacity for good. I have been privileged to learn much about the very best in human nature and a fair amount too about its frailties, including my own.  Above all, it was a privilege to serve. And yes, I loved the job not for its prestige, its titles and its ceremony – which I do not love at all. No, I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer, more tolerant, more green, more democratic, more prosperous and more just – truly a greater Britain.

Above all, I want to thank Sarah for her unwavering support as well as her love, and for her own service to our country.

I thank my sons John and Fraser for the love and joy they bring to our lives.

“And as I leave the second most important job I could ever hold, I cherish even more the first – as a husband and father.

“Thank you and goodbye.”

This is some of the transcript from Gordon Brown’s 461-word farewell speech. Some commentators have said it was his best speech to date! A little harsh I feel, but I have copied it because I value his closing remarks about the greatest job a man could have – that of being a father and husband.  His love for his wife and his boys shone through.

As a husband of one wife (!!) and father to 4 growing, vibrant & adventurous children, I fully understand the pressures that this responsibility can bring. However the joy of building a secure, stable and loving home should never be underestimated. There are many things that we all reach for but lets never devalue relationships in marriage and family as we reach for other stuff!  Happy marriages and great relationships are truly the bedrock of any successful society.

Relationships are so important. So whether we are single, married, re-married, courting or divorced, it’s my conviction that we must make sure we give careful time and attention to our spouse, children, parents, friends, neighbours or work colleagues.

I think Gordon got this one right.