"I was determined that no British government should be brought down by the action of two tarts"
- Harold MacMillan
About this Quote
In this quote, Harold MacMillan, a previous British Prime Minister, is revealing his decision to prevent any British government from being overthrown or destabilized by the actions of 2 people who he refers to as "tarts." The term "tart" is frequently utilized as a negative term for a promiscuous woman, and in this context, it might be analyzed as a metaphor for people who are reckless or irresponsible in their actions. MacMillan's statement reflects his belief that the stability and success of a federal government must not be threatened by the actions of a few individuals, and that it is the responsibility of those in power to make sure the integrity and longevity of their federal government.
"It's like the old rule-if you introduce a gun into the first act of a play, it's going to be used in the third act. So if you do a movie about criminals, you have to accept there's going to be Some action"