The World According To... Iain Dale Political bookseller

Independent, The (London), Feb 10, 2004

Who wrote the worst political memoir?

Lord Young of Graffham. It was full of cliches, such as: "Suddenly,

the answer to unemployment came to me."

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes. I think there's a great difference between love and infatuation, and I think it's mainly infatuation at first sight, but that can develop into love.

Have you ever been a victim of crime?

I had my mobile phone stolen from my car a week ago. I've also been assaulted in the shop on several occasions by either down-and- outs or drunk people.

What quality do you most admire in Tony Blair?

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His ability to convince people who normally vote Conservative to vote for him, but I think he's gradually losing that.

Should the death penalty return?

Because we now have DNA samples, I think that the argument that you might get the wrong person doesn't exist any more, so I would vote for it.

What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened in your shop?

David Soul impersonated Christine Hamilton, complete with wig. It was at the launch of John Sweeney's book, Purple Homicide, about the Tatton election. The other one was when I found Mrs Hamilton ripping out pages from Peter Brookes's book of cartoons because she didn't like the one he had drawn of her as a fox protecting Neil Hamilton as a cub.

What makes you cry?

Many things. I'm quite an emotional person. I have even been known to shed a tear watching Coronation Street.

Can gay people feel at home in the Conservative Party?

Many do. The Conservative Party has now picked at least three openly gay candidates in marginal seats.

What are you currently reading?

Jimmy Young's autobiography, which is not a great work of literature, and Frank McAvennie's autobiography. He was a footballer for West Ham in the 1980s. I'm a season-ticket holder at West Ham.

Should testing drugs on animals be banned?

We'd never make any medical progress if we didn't.

What happens when we die?

I find it difficult to believe something unless someone proves it to me. The logical part of me says that it's just not possible for there to be life after death.

Iain Dale is the managing director of Politico's bookshop in London, and the Conservative Party candidate for North Norfolk

Miles Kington can now be found in the main section. Law returns next Monday

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The World According To... Iain Dale Political bookseller

Independent, The (London), Feb 10, 2004

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