Dining across the divide: ‘Zack Polanski is articulate and charismatic, rather like Boris Johnson’

2 hours ago 3

Ruth, 30, London

Occupation Consultancy

Voting record Green, and a party member. Describes herself as “lefty”

Amuse bouche Is an avid knitter. “Though I have yet to knit anything wearable”

Moira, 76, London

Occupation Retired. Does some voluntary work

Voting record Floating, but mostly Conservative and has been a party member. Describes herself as “slightly right of centre”

Amuse bouche She helped set up a cinema in an old library

For starters

Moira I was amazed I was having lunch with another Irish person. I’m from County Clare; Ruth is from Cork.

Ruth Originally, we both said we’d do six months in London. I’m now a year and a half in and have no intention of leaving. Moira had that years ago.

Moira I ate coq au vin followed by creme brulee. Both were delicious, as was the lavender mocktail.

Ruth It was this lovely, swanky French bistro – a real treat. I had ratatouille, which was so delicious. I didn’t drink because it was lunchtime and because we were going to be talking about some big topics.

Ruth and Moira laughing at a restaurant table

The big beef

Moira We got straight into Zack Polanski. I’ve always been interested in the environment and have voted Green in the past. Polanski is articulate and charismatic, rather like Boris Johnson. But because of that comparison – I thought Boris was a mistake as prime minister – I’m worried. Charisma is fantastic, but it needs depth and integrity.

Ruth Maybe Polanski is an opportunist, but he’s a politician, so of course he’s going to seek opportunities to advance leftist policies. Why are the Greens pigeonholed: you’re only allowed to talk about climate politics? It’s just as much a political party as Labour or the Tories are. He’s talking about the social issues that concern people on the left who don’t currently have a home. I think he’s humble, he’s genuine and he’s willing to speak to people.

Moira I’m afraid I’ve been slightly turned off by the fact he once hypnotised a woman into thinking she had augmented her breasts! But I am concerned about housing; Ruth said she doesn’t think she’ll own a property, certainly not in London. There’s something radically wrong when a well-educated, hard-working person of 30 cannot see their way to owning property.

Ruth His economic policies – the wealth tax and so on – are getting a lot of flak, but he’s handling it well. Economics is not his background – he’s not an expert, he’s saying he doesn’t have all the facts and figures to hand. But he’s human, he’s trying. That’s what this country needs: people who are trying and putting themselves on the line.

Ruth with her arms folded listening to Moira

Sharing plate

Moira The Irish don’t fall out with each other over opposing opinions. I think it’s partly because of space: the country is small and your chances of actually knowing the person you’re disagreeing with are high.

Ruth I thought there would be more bickering about things we disagreed on, but there was such a warmth. Moira is open-minded and interested in what other people think. But I don’t think I persuaded her to go back to the Greens!

Moira smiling at Ruth at a restaurant table

For afters

Moira Of course I agree on the right to free speech and to protest, but I wonder whether we’re spending too much money policing demonstrations. I propose the activists are asked to contribute for some of the policing and costs involved in closing off streets and damaging business. A tenner a head, say.

Ruth The trouble with that scenario is it becomes a privileged system: protesting is all well and good but only if you can afford it. I would say there are too many police at Palestine solidarity marches. And how are you going to enforce this payment system?

Ruth smiling at Moira at a restaurant table

Takeaways

Moira I had resigned myself to finding somebody dogmatic, but Ruth was lovely. I wish I had been as charming, positive and powerful when I was her age. I absolutely loved it.

Ruth I thought I might be more offended, but I came away from the experience with such fondness for Moira. We didn’t swap numbers, but if I saw her on the street I’d be so happy.