POLITICS and show business are now, it seems, joined at the hip and we are “all in it together.”

In the referendum for Scottish independence not enough people said “Yes.”

Flags were unfurled on both sides and we all saw how the Scots waved passionately one way or another...

The people were asked for their commitment – but along the way, celebrities got involved.

David Bowie and Paul McCartney said their political pieces for the “No” vote.

Tennis legend Andy Murray went for about the Yes ticket along with Ricky Ross and Deacon Blue, who conducted themselves with dignity.

Her Majesty the Queen would not be quoted and yet somehow a remark she made to a flag-waver, queuing up to see her, was interpreted as a No vote.

Sipping her royal tea in Balmoral, the Queen is now relieved.

But what worried a lot of voters was the almost pop star status given to the politicians on their UK to be or Not UK to be tour.

SNP and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond was doing so many selfies and signing souvenir banners, he was actually late for a campaign consultation meeting.

It reminded me of Neil Kinnock’s disastrous 1992 rally in Sheffield when, with success in his grasp, the then Labour leader blew it when he went all ‘American’ and repeatedly yelled: “We’re all right - OH YEAH!” at the crowd.

The voters eventually yelled back: “OH NO!” That should have been a lesson that politics and entertainment don’t mix.

I do hope pop star politics doesn’t spread to local government.

I don’t want to see autograph hunters outside Wallasey Town stage door trying to swap a Cllr Phil Davies' signature for one by Cllr Steve Foulkes.

Or anyone collecting signed leaflets by local MPs.

After the Scottish referendum, politics in the UK will never be the same again. As we are now enduring party political conferences month, we are being offered plenty of vows and promises and a lot of ifs and buts.

At last people are starting to realise the X-Factor is more than the name of a shallow celebrity TV show. The X factor is the umbrella term for our votes on the ballot form which comes to fruition next May when we pop the question…who will be the best party to govern us?

 

BILLY Butler, legendary Merseyside broadcaster, sold out the New Brighton Pavilion last Saturday with his pal Wally Scott and their variety showcase.

But he very nearly didn’t have a headline act - the formidable comedienne and actress Crissy Rock. Crissy, of TV’s Benidorm fame, was talking live in the Merseyside studio about her starring role in the play “Last Train to Auswitcitz” - opening this Thursday at the Epstein Theatre - in which Billy’s talented wife, Lesley, also appears.

On the way out at the end of the chat, Crissy said she would see Billy that night at the Floral Hall – Southport.

A shocked Billy put down his headphones and chased after her to tell her it was actually the Floral Pavilion.

Phew! Thank goodness she is better at remembering lines.

 

THE Inferno was stunned by a sobering report about French superstar actor Gerard Depardieu who has revealed that he can easily drink 14 bottles of vin rose a day.

I recall interviewing some famous heavy drinkers. Richard Harris was magical over a few pints after filming in Liverpool and Oliver Reed was on an impromptu bender with Hurricane Higgins, also in the city.

When all three stars went to the saloon bar in the sky, the media bemoaned the departure of these “hell raisers”.

It’s not fair…if we mere mortals drank to excess we would be labelled “drunks.”

 

And finally...In Ken Dodd’s 60th jubilee year, canny coach companies are offering the chance to see Ken’s Happiness show in Blackpool called the “Stop Over” where you see the show and stay in a hotel.

Since his mammoth mirth-athons finish after midnight, this is a wise move for those wanting to see the comedian who is already known as the patron saint of taxi drivers.

Peter Grant