http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2818431/Michael-Heseltine-lord-of-the-business-jungle.html

Evan Davis is 54.

Who would have thought that good old Tarzan’s views are still worth anything beyond two and a half seconds of attention.

“To make sure that the will of the people is seen to have momentum.”

Funny man, Mr Hassle Time.

Talking about Evan Davies:, ‘ barely able to articulate his question’ I find is an unfair remark.

The age gap here is a very important factor. One does learn a few things along the way as one ages. Control over one’s feelings and emotions is one of them.

I think it was an unfair match. When you have that great a disparity in social class and accent, factors come into play that have nothing to do with the interview itself – there is an awkwardness between interviewer and interviewee, even if both are keen to smooth over differences, and the difference is also distracting to the audience.

One important factor in successful interviews is that social types and accents have to be matched up to avoid other distracting side issues and subtexts – unless, of course, the producer wishes to make an issue of the contrast.

It’s the same with age: when you have somebody young interviewing an elder statesman or former statesman, or anybody quite old and grand, really, the young interviewer tends not to know how to handle it, and usually decides to take the approach he or she would when speaking to a friend’s very elderly aunt or uncle at a Christmas cocktail party.

I suggested that Jeremy Paxman would have been a better match for reasons that will be obvious and that have nothing to do with interviewing abilities. Paxman is old too (66), has the same accent and the same background (fathers who worked in industry, as it happens).

I found Evan Davis oddly jittery and student-ish for somebody his age (54).

I also don’t like the subtext and subliminal messaging of his website: http://evandavis.co.uk/

It’s totally inappropriate for his age and job.

I watched that and couldn’t help think how far the quality of British politicians has fallen over the last couple of decades. Even those who come from Heseltine’s background and have had the same privileges – like David Cameron – don’t have that ability of succinct expression.