Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.
I’m what I think is called a Z-list celebrity. I get stopped in the street from time to time by people who say: “I know you. Don’t tell me, let me guess ….” Sometimes they even poke me in the chest, perhaps to help jog their memories. I might think of myself as a legend, but I seem to be the only one in possession of that insight.
Social media is a bit different from meeting people in the street. X, or Twitter, seems especially geared to enabling people (especially people who choose not to use their own names) to know exactly who you are and all about your more endearing characteristics. In the last week alone I’ve been described on X as dimwitted, patronising, arrogant, and a purveyor of disinformation. Oh, and a National Treasure (I think that might have been ironic).
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