What do you think of the new poet laureate of Britain being a woman?

Surely it should simply be given to the poet who is considered the best in the country?

The previous one, Andrew Motion, was the first to be appointed on a ten year tenure, before that it was for life. Prior to him it was Ted Hughes who was considered by many to be a poet of exceptional talent so that takes us back over 40 years.

Can you name a British female poet in the last 50 years who was better and deserved the post on merit?

I'm a bit embarrassed to say I'd never heard of her until her appointment made the news, but like others, I've now read some of her poems and am glad I have. It does seem that Britain must have had a laureate quality women poet before now, but being from the USA I know I have no right to throw stones, we are a bit slow on giving women their due here too.

Rosey

I agree with Sissy and Kaci. Her ability as a poet and her character as a person count; gender should be irrelevant. But I guess it has not been that way in the past since she is the first woman.

Same goes for Obama, his race should not matter but it does. Clearly a lot of black people voted for him because of race and at least some white people voted against him for the same reason.

But enough of that, I'm going to read some of Duffy's poetry.

Whether a man or a woman,if he/she deserves it,it should not be an issue.

Does anyone have an issue about the ethnic background of the President of USA? Or of the Pope?

That could be a very interesting topic of conversation!

I think it's cool. And one effect has been that while I'd never heard of her before, now that I have I've begun to read her poetry and I like it. Thanks for asking the question, it may encourage others to get to know Ms. Duffy also.

I think it is great, but not just because she is a woman but also because she is a wonderful poet.

Her poems are fun to read, 'nuff said.