Posted by Matt Ball (twitter.com/thisismattball)
This morning the UK’s new prime minister David Cameron greeted his deputy Nick Clegg on the steps of 10 Downing Street.
You can watch the moment on MSN Video, as I did.
And if your bandwidth’s good enough you’ll see it in glorious HD.
What struck me was the amount of times each tried to touch the other.
Were they showing us how closely they will work together in this new coalition or were they already competing to see who could get more sneaky touches in? Here’s my (not too serious) blow-by-blow analysis:
As they shake each other’s right hand (scoring a point each) Nick bags an additional point with a left-hand grab of Dave’s right elbow.
Dave 1 – 2 Nick
But as the camera angle changes we see Dave has already struck back with his left hand on Nick’s arm just below the shoulder.
Dave 2 – 2 Nick
Suddenly it’s hands off as Dave moves to an open-handed gesture.
Still Dave 2 –2 Nick
And then Dave gets another quick high left hand grab in.
Dave 3 – 2 Nick
The pair face the cameras and wave. Dave uses a salute, Nick’s hand oscillates.
Still Dave 3 – 2 Nick
But then comes the first of four killer blows from Dave. A whiplash of a touch to the back; it’s almost impossible to see as it happens so fast but replay the video yourself and you’ll see it’s there.
Dave 4 – 2 Nick
As they turn to go inside Dave gets his first right hand touch in with a delicate placement on Nick’s left shoulder.
Dave 5 – 2 Nick
Nick strikes back with a fully open left hand between the shoulders and an interesting raised eyebrow expression…
Dave 5 – 3 Nick
…but our new PM lands the final two of his four killer blows. A right hand in the armpit…
Dave 6 – 3 Nick
…finished off by an open hand on the back as the door closes. Genius.
Dave 7 – 3 Nick, an emphatic result putting the PM squarely in the driving seat.
Watch the whole clip on MSN Video now.
Afternoon update
Dave and Nick held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon where they continued their fine bromance.
The event was held in the garden at the back of the government buildings in Downing Street. The weather was fine and the birds were singing.
The reporters in the audience enjoyed the double act but also seemed to be struggling to come to terms with the idea of a coalition far more than the politicians.
Channel 4’s Jon Snow asked if both of them would get up to answer the phone if it rings in the middle of the night.
A reporter from Five TV reminded Dave of a comment he had made some time ago in reply to the question “What’s your favourite joke?” Dave had responded “Nick Clegg”. Dave immediately admitted he had said that, Nick feigned walking off and Dave mock-pleaded: “Come back!” Dave added a dash of sensible commentary, saying that it doesn’t matter what’s been said, it’s how they work together now that counts.
Dave joked about the two of them sharing a car to save petrol when they go to the Thirsk and Malton election (which is the remaining seat to be contested). With great comic timing, Nick added they’d exit the car on opposite sides.
Brilliant – you weren\’t the only one to notice them each trying to get the upper hand on each other!The forearm grasp move, I like to call the Obamashake. He remains master, but Clegg clearly wanted to have a go as well.
Pinky and Perky! What a joke. To think these 2 pigs are running the country. Hail Hail gordon.
stuff Gordon, Dave\’s way better