‘Just to be clear,’ I said, knowing I was in no way being clear, ‘there will be no further austerity measures while I am in charge.’
I ended the speech, turned and walked away from the podium, the loud applause ringing in the background.
Not a bad start, I thought. This wasn’t so difficult after all. I had said I would cut taxes, raise social care allowances, raise the minimum wage and extend the legal minimum annual leave that all employees must receive. And of course, cut immigration, even though the economy would collapse without all those foreign workers.
Of course, I had no plan to deliver any of this, but it would make for good headlines, which was all anyone really paid attention to.
There was a tap on my shoulder as I entered my new office. It was my new assistant.
‘Erm, the Head of the Treasury would like an urgent meeting, Sir.’
‘Hmm, yes, tomorrow I think.’
‘He doesn’t seem very happy.’
Well, neither would I if I’d just been told to find an extra few billion in the coffers to fund all my election promises. Still, it was his job to worry about that.
My job was to provide a clear message that was popular with most of the electorate, even if it wasn’t actually what was happening.
That was how I’d won the election. Best not to change tactics now that I was finally in charge.
‘Tomorrow will be fine,’ I closed the door and sat in my comfortable new chair. I could get used to this.
Now, to plan that vacation to my seaside residence. A bit of time away to relax was just what I needed after all the hard work of an election campaign.

This is a response to the #writephoto Prompt – Clarity curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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36 responses to “CLARITY”
Truth is stranger than fiction…
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I imagine this is how a few world leaders do act, I’m afraid to say!
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It reeled me in from the first few words. ‘Just to be clear’ is definitely something we all say! Not sure actually how ‘clear’ I am at times mind you. My son had the cheek to tell me today my instructions on one particular activity were rubbish ! I laughed, how I laughed!
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Ha, yep, I’m sure we’re all clear in our own heads but to others its a garbled mess! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Ooh yes, this is once again to close to the truth! Good job! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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With a federal election looming in our country, this sly piece of political commentary gives me pause, especially the part regarding holidaying by the sea as the 99 per cent toil away!
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The trouble is who do you actually trust – any of them?
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One wants to until they get drawn into the fray…
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Non fiction fiction, I love it!
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Thank you!
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I think you nailed Trump!
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We have our own version over here, soon to become Prime Minister Boris it seems!
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That expression is almost as bad as ‘Trust me.’ Never worth the breath it took to utter…
Perfect description of most politicians though…
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Afraid so, thank you.
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The very definition of a politician! 🙂
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Indeed, I’m afraid so! Thank you 🙂
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Is this fiction, Iain? This sounds way too close to home here in the US. My husband and I were wondering if it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Great take on the prompt – some clarity is much needed!
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Thank you, don’t worry, we here in the UK are about to join you in the ‘worst leader ever’ race!
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I just don’t understand it. It’s like half of the population of the world has lost its mind… or heart.
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
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You nailed this Ian, I’d of voted for you 💜💜
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Ha, I might stand yet! 🙂
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Yea!
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What’s one more populous president or prime minister i8n a world full of them? You just forgot the slams against the opponents….
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They come after a couple of days in office.
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An interesting take, Iain.
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Thank you Robbie
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Food for serious thought… Well done.
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Thank you Bette
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Wow. Iain, I love how you bring controversial topics into the Light by creative writing. This is powerful to be real with what happens, and what’s possible. Plus your style is entertaining – I’m interested to read the whole thing and see what happens! Thank you. 😊
Blessings, Debbie
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Thank you Debbie, too kind 🙂
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Too near the knuckle, this one, Iain…sadly.
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Tomorrow is the big day, our new leader will be revealed!
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I may hibernate…
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