Monday November 16, 1981

 _.YP busy. I worked through lunch and left at 4:30. I phoned Allt this afternoon and got through to Derek Jenkins. 

Mr Speaker Thomas.

Ulster is in turmoil [just for a change]. The Unionist MP Robert Bradford was assassinated by the IRA on Saturday and today three Ulster MPs including Ian Paisley were expelled from the House of Commons for abusing the government and referring to James Prior as a 'traitor with blood on his hands'. I do sympathise with Mr Paisley. What has the government done to combat the increasing IRA menace? ____. The Speaker of the House of Commons is a wonderful man. If we can go on producing men like George Thomas we cannot be all that bad. 

A fried pastiche this evening. Then bottling wine and washing, &c. Ally says she resembles a witch with her hair standing on end. The Good Witch of Lidget Green. She is resolved to have her hair 'done' later in the week.

Watched a gloomy Mrs Thatcher on 'Newsnight'. Bed at 11 after Ovaltine.

-=-