Hare - Im Not Running

No questions at any point. He looks down to the paper in his hand. The statement reads as follows: Ms Gibson is extremely grateful for the belief and enthusiasm of so many supporters, and particularly grateful to all the women who have taken the trouble to contact her, but she wishes to make it clear that she has no intention of being a candidate. Thats the end of the statement. Thank you very much. He folds the paper and is about to turn away. Voice 3 Can we ask a question please? Sandy Im sorry but Ive said Ill take no questions. Voice 3 When Ms Gibson says she has no intention of running can you tell us exactly what that means? Sandy Yes, I can.

It means she has no intention of running. Voice 1 Since youre now taking questions Sandy Im not taking questions. Voice 1 With respect, Sandy, youve just answered a question. Sandy Im not taking another. Voice 1 What does it mean when Ms Gibson says shes not running? Sandy Ill try and help you with this. It means shes not running.

Shes not running. Voice 1 Whatever happens? Sandy Shes not running. Voice 4 Does that mean in any circumstances? Sandy It means what it means. Voice 4 In no circumstances? Sandy opens his arms in reply. Just to be clear: does that mean only in this forthcoming election, or is it any election, does it mean only in foreseeable circumstances or also if circumstances change? Put it another way: what change of circumstances would it take to make Ms Gibson consider changing her position? Sandy Which of those questions do you want me to take, Neil? Voice 4 I thought you werent taking questions. Laughter.Sandy I think Ms Gibsons pretty clear about what shes saying. Voice 5 The actual wording, if I have it right, is that she has no intention of running. Voice 5 The actual wording, if I have it right, is that she has no intention of running.

But that doesnt mean she wont run eventually. Sandy Im saying shes not running. Thats what Im saying. Ms Gibson is not running. He smiles, job done.Voice 6 Sandy, that statement is fine as far as it goes Sandy I think it goes quite a long way, and I dont see how it could go any further. Voice 2 Then why is Ms Gibson not saying it herself? Sandy She is saying it. Voice 2 Not in person. Sandy That doesnt mean shes not saying it. Sandy That doesnt mean shes not saying it.

Shes still saying it. Voice 3 Why has she sent you to say it, Sandy? Sandy Shes sent me to speak on her behalf. In this instance, Im her. Consider me to be her. Voice 3 Lets spell out what were asking here: why is Ms Gibson not making such an important announcement herself? Is she absent because she fears questions? Sandy No. Because she fears misunderstandings.

She felt that her absence would lend her statement authority. It would render it definitive. By making this simple, unequivocal and, in my judgement, dignified statement, she avoids precisely the ambiguity you guys seek to promote. Now I know you all have twenty-four aching hours to fill, but Ive done my job, Ive filled ninety seconds for you, and now you can spend ninety minutes or ninety hours or ninety days ladies, gentlemen as you choose, beating this thing to death with a club. But it will still mean tomorrow what it means today. Shes not running.

Thank you very much. Sandy turns to go.Voice 7 Can I ask one more question? Sandy You can ask it but I cant promise to answer it. Voice 7 Why is Ms Gibson not running?

Jack Gould, twenty at this point, is tall, with a thick thatch of dark hair. Hes on the edge of the bed, speaking to Pauline Gibson, unseen in the bathroom.Jack Are you coming out? Pauline (off) Certainly not. Jack Why not? Pauline (off) Because I just had a bath. Jack Can I come in? Pauline (off) Even worse. Pauline appears. She is in an old dressing gown and her hair is in a towel wrapped like a turban.

She is twenty. Does that solve the problem? What I dont understand is that when I arrived at university, you were much the most attractive man around. After a few months with me, youre among the least. Im not sure what that says about me. Jack is not amused. Jack, Im twenty years old. You want me to impersonate a person of forty. Pauline Why would you want that? Were going to have plenty of time to be middle-aged. Pauline Why would you want that? Were going to have plenty of time to be middle-aged.

We dont have to play at being adults. Cant we play at being young? Please? Jack says nothing. Can I go back? Can I go back to the bathroom? Jack doesnt move. Maybe we should think about splitting up. Jack You say that so easily. Pauline No. Jack As if you wanted it. Jack Then why do you suggest it? Pauline You know what I want. Jack Then why do you suggest it? Pauline You know what I want.

I want to go on seeing you. She looks at the books and papers on her desk. And I have to do an essay tonight. The oesophagus and what goes down it.