Edwina Currie - Edwina Currie: Diaries 1987-1992

Just finished reading papers in preparation for my visit to Gravesend tomorrow: theyre proposing a complicated reorganisation of local health services and were being bounced into it. In the long run the Health Authority wants a huge new 60 million single hospital, all on one site, but Im against that inhuman, cold, unattractive and fiendishly expensive.

Holidays marvellous. Thank God we got three weeks in Majorca. Still cant believe we had endless sun (90+), sea, beaches, etc. I put on weight 10 1/2 stone fortunately lost half a stone since we came back. I can close my eyes and were still on the beach at Cala de St Vincente, going brown, or running on the front at Puerto de Pollensa. Ray moaned the whole week he was there, got his feet badly burned through ignoring advice. Hes looking fat and was clearly tired. I had long and sombre thoughts through the night, but since we got back here hes been friendly enough. Im more amused than distressed by his recalcitrance and sullenness. So glad I have alternative ways of spending my time. We talked about misery and expense of the Tower House leaks, repairs, pool not used, lights fusing, etc., and he telephoned Mike, his drinking pal (an electrician at Rolls-Royce), who came round and said whole top floor needs rewiring and offered to do it in spare time. Mike is a typical South Derbyshire craftsman: clever, practical, honest, hard-working. I am lucky to represent people like that.

Spent an hour going through diary up to Easter. I must be busiest minister outside the Cabinet (and more than some in it, I bet), in the busiest department. No free Fridays and Saturdays till June 88. If Im not careful I wont see anything of the family, and then they are right to moan.

Debbie in state of great excitement about going to Denstone. politics! and she may, as she continues to be interested in much of my activity. Great amusement on holiday when some woman recognised Deb, not me made a change from endless approaches (all friendly) all over the island. Poor woman couldnt understand why the Currie family fell about laughing at her!

What do we think of my colleagues? Moore who has worked with him before, says hes sold as seen there is no secret man. In that case, Moore is also intolerant and somewhat arrogant, despite the carefully offered charm; but hes also insecure, and surrounds himself with evidence of his already achieved high office, e.g. the toys we are presented with on official occasions. His office is full of them (mine are languishing in a box in the kitchen!).

Portillo is impressive and will go far. Really able, thoughtful, and neither left nor (I suspect) right wing. Made a good speech to the Canadians which he circulated (got no publicity at all), in which he showed he had