What is it with the Labour party? It appears lightening does strike twice. Former leader Dick Spring was occasionally confused with the Tory MP for Sussex West, Richard Spring. Now, it emerges Ruairi Quinn has a namesake too - but at least this one is Labour. The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Rory Quinn has written to congratulate Ruairi on his election as Labour's leader. "Having the same name and having my leg pulled from time to time, I follow your career with interest," he wrote, adding that while he was born in Belfast his father is a Dubliner.
Richard Spring maintained Dick Spring was a distant cousin. No relationship is claimed in the latest coincidence.